Happy Easter or Passover to all!

Just finished a 20.2 mile ride and thought I would share my experiences, It is a route I have ridden many times. Flat for most of it with gradual inclines or declines. Two killer hill areas.

Objectively: 0.57 mph faster! (just kidding, I have absolutely no objective data!!)

Subjectively:
1. From the very first pedal stroke, I felt no difference riding an oval v round chainring. No odd sensation. Nothing to get used to. Mind you this is a 42t ring which may play a part.
2. Riding on flat surfaces I felt no faster or slower. No sense my legs felt better or worse.
3. HIlls were significantly different. The last two miles of my ride has two hilly sections. The first is a 1/2 mile 9-11* grade. I am usually in my lowest gear 42 x 42 and sucking wind at the top. Today was in the second lowest gear 36 x 42. I did not do this intentionally, I just shift when I feel the need. I was surprised when I reached the top that I felt much better and it was only then when I looked down did I realize I was not in the lowest gear. The last hill is a killer that is almost a mile long with a center section that reaches 13*. Again, I felt much better at the top although on this hill I did shift into 42 x 42.

Way to early for an final conclusions, but a very promising start.