Are absolute black oval chainrings a marketing gimmick or do they actually provide a noticeable improvement in pedaling efficiency for riders with 167.5mm cranks, and if so, is the added cost justified by the supposed benefits, or can a rider achieve similar results with a more affordable round chainring and proper bike fit adjustments.
It seems like every manufacturer is now offering oval chainrings as an option, but do they actually live up to the hype, or are they just a way for companies to make a quick buck off of unsuspecting riders looking for a performance edge.
Is it possible that the benefits of oval chainrings are being exaggerated, and that other factors such as crank length, bike fit, and personal riding style have a much greater impact on overall pedaling efficiency and comfort.