OneUp Components Switch Oval V2 12sp Chainring, 30t - Black

The best way for me to explain this is... you know how each pedal stroke when you're in low gears kind of launches the bike forward a bit? The first time I rode a bike with modern mountain bike gearing it sure surprised me.

Anyways, this oval chainring almost eliminates that! Each pedal stroke doesn't shove the bike forward like with a round chainring, it's just smooth forward motion all the way around. I can't say it necessarily made it easier to climb or if I'm just getting into better shape as the summer progresses, but it sure feels smooth and feels good.