Originally Posted by
JonnyVain
Btw, if they actually do work, they would indeed not increase power or speed (ideal). They would actually decrease peak power and increase low power. This would benefit in two ways.
1. Decrease risk of getting in a low-torque-stop/higho-torque-skip situation on a climb.
2. Take pressure off the knee at the top of the pedal stroke when the knee is at its most flexed position.
That is exactly what they claim to do and is my experience.
No transmission increases power (small inevitable friction losses actually decrease usable mechanical power). If you could increase power, you'd have a perpetuum mobile. I think you are mixing up power and torque.... whatever it is, it doesn't help your case against oval chainrings.