Hello, while changing the freewheel from 16t to 17t on my new bike, I noticed that my chainring is a bit out of round. I can't say I notice while riding, but it offends my sense of order. Is there any benefit to replacing, or should I just ignore?
Thanks,

Is it a dedicated singlespeed chainring? Some normal chainrings have the teeth themselves shaped TO aid shifting so that although the ring IS round, the teeth appear to have an overall oval shape. Also, is it a Biopace or similar chainring? These are designed to create more leverage on the power stroke and are a hard to describe, but definitely NOT round, shape .

Very few chainrings are truly round - generally speaking, the more you pay the better they are due to more careful (ie, pricey) machining. Sheldon Brown gives a couple of techniques for using the play in the chainring bolts to centre it or at least improve it. I can't say I've bothered much. All you have to do is make sure you check the chain tension at the chain's tightest point.

Of course, you could be fighting what Guy's talking about too.

How did you suddenly notice your chainring being out of round after changing your freewheel? If it's because your chain now has tight spots when it didn't before, I would bet it's your new freewheel that isn't perfectly round.

Set chain tension at tightest point and ride.

And stop buying cheapo freewheels.

also this - https://velowoodcyclery.wordpress.com...g-a-chainring/