Scientifically developed and proven

PowerOval is the result of an optimization exercise carried out with our “torque-driven bicycle rider computer model”. This mathematical model allows to identify a non-circular chainring configuration that for the same joint load as with a round chainring, generates maximal crank power gain and for the same crankpower as with a round chainring, results in minimal peak-load on knee and hip joint.

This optimization identified a non-circular chainring configuration (ovality, shape, crank offset vs major diameter), the PowerOval®, that was the best performing oval (according to the presupposed criteria) of multiple (36) simulated and investigated geometries and crank orientations.

The findings of the “torque driven bicycle-rider computer model”: crank power gain, favourable effects on the peak-load on knee- and hip joint, are confirmed by experimental tests at two leading universities.

“Best performing non-circular chainring”

– Research

The PowerOval® has a sufficient large ovality (25%) (performance increases with increasing ovality) and a specific shape (with a.o. transitions from flat to circular sectors etc…) that generates together with the ovality the needed favourable inertia and gravitation effects. A well defined critical crank offset (68° for Race, 76° for TT and 84° for Triathlon) balances a maximal kinetic crank power gain and a minimal peak-power load in the extensor muscles of the knee and hip joint.

The kinetic efficiency-effects of the PowerOval manifestate from 50 rpm on and become substantial from 80 rpm on. Increase more than proportionally with increasing pedaling rates. Therefore higher pedaling frequencies are recommended.

Of course the PowerOval does not generate additional crankpower from itself but converts more efficiently the cyclists physiological energy into propulsion energy.