

"What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: ""I’ve installed this on several APEX 1 builds, and riders notice the difference right away. Power feels smoother on climbs, knee strain is reduced on long efforts, and chain retention has been completely solid without a guide.""Cyclocross courses and gravel routes punish uneven power, especially when climbs get steep or traction fades. The Oval Premium Chainring for SRAM APEX 1 is built to smooth out those efforts, giving us a more controlled pedal stroke when conditions demand consistency. Designed by absoluteBLACK specifically for APEX 1 cranksets, it brings oval efficiency to riders who rely on simple, durable 1x drivetrains. Each size features tuned ovality to reduce dead spots in the pedal stroke and help maintain momentum through loose corners and punchy climbs. The narrow-wide tooth profile keeps the chain locked in place, while the chainring preserves the original chainline for quiet, predictable performance. CNC-machined from 7075 aluminum and optimized for mud clearance, it’s a purpose-built upgrade that quickly disappears beneath us once the ride gets underway."
Price: $85.95 from Backcountry
| Merchant | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| $85.95 | Visit Store |
"What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: ""I’ve installed this on several APEX 1 builds, and riders notice the difference right away. Power feels smoother on climbs, knee strain is reduced on long efforts, and chain retention has been completely solid...
"What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying: ""I was cautious about running an oval ring on a 2x road setup, but this one won me over quickly. Power feels more even on climbs, knee strain is noticeably reduced, and shifting has been far better than I expected.""Long...
Get elliptical with the SRAM CX Oval Direct Mount Chainring, which Absolute Black claims improves traction through a more consistent pedal stroke than standard, round chainrings. The SRAM CX Oval is compatible with SRAM cranksets that allow direct-mount...