Model E coming in September?

predator7906 · Post by **predator7906** » July 6th, 2006, 2:16 pm

Hello everyone, I read on the crossfit.com message board that concept2 is going to release the new model E in september, however I haven't been able to find any information on the concept 2 website. Is this true? If anyone who works at concept 2 or anyone here could confirm this it would be greatly appreciated. Here is the message that was posted and the link - http://www.crossfit.com/discus/messages/26/26704.html
For the first time ever, we will be offering two different Indoor Rowers for sale. While we will continue to sell the Model D, we are excited to announce the introduction of our latest Indoor Rower – the Model E. Below you will find a description of both the Model E and the updated Model D and a comparison of each.

Model E: $1,200.00 + Shipping (available Sept. 1)
picture- http://www.crossfit.com/discus/messages ... -26705.unk

The Model E is the 5th generation of our successful Indoor Rower. The rugged double-coated frame is taller for easier access. A self-charging battery pack and nickel-plated chain further minimize maintenance. It comes standard with the new PM4 monitor, which makes rowing more fun by supporting PC-less wireless racing and games.

Raised 20” profile makes getting on and off easier
Sturdy steel legs for even greater torsional stability
Nickel plated chain for years of low-maintenance use
Fixed aluminum monitor arm
Plus all the features of the Model D
PM4 monitor:

ANT wireless technology links monitors together to support wireless racing
Suunto and Polar Heart Rate compatible (Suunto HR belt included at no charge with every PM4, Polar requires external receiver - available separately)
Records data directly to the PM4 LogCard (32K) (one 32K LogCard included with each rower)
Power Generation feature draws power from your stroke to recharge battery
Rechargeable battery pack
The Model E will be available for delivery September 1st, 2006. Pre-orders are being taken now.

Model D w/PM3: $850 + Shipping

Model D w/PM4: $1,000.00 + Shipping (available Sept. 1)
picture- http://www.crossfit.com/discus/messages ... -26706.unk

The Model D is lighter and has a lower profile than the Model E, but delivers proven performance and fitness benefits. Introduced in 2002, the Model D can be found in homes, health clubs, schools and training rooms around the globe.

Aluminum rail capped with a stainless-steel track allows the seat to move fore and aft smoothly and facilitates full leg extension to provide a true, full-body workout
Ergonomically designed handle features a 10 degree forward bend to enhance comfort
Fan engineered to minimize noise while providing the smooth feel of rowing on the water
Adjustable Flexfoot™ footrests for quick and easy sizing
Spiral damper controls airflow to the flywheel, allowing users to fine-tune the feel of their rowing.
Separates easily for storage
Movable monitor arm

Your choice of PM3 Monitor or PM4 Monitor:

PM3 Monitor

Easy menu-driven operation
Track a variety of performance data, including distance, speed, calories burned or force exerted
Multiple display options, including racing against a pace boat
Record data directly to the PM3 LogCard
PM4 monitor:

Same easy menu-driven operation and display options as the PM3
ANT wireless technology links monitors together to support wireless racing
Suunto and Polar Heart Rate compatible (Suunto HR belt included at no charge with every PM4, Polar requires external receiver - available separately)
Records data directly to the PM4 LogCard (32K)
Includes rechargeable battery pack
The photo above shows the new Model D - the graphics have changed slightly on the monorail and there is a new framelock and footstretcher design that saves a small amount of weight and makes separating the two parts for storage easier. The new Model D, with the PM3 or the PM4, is available for delivery September 1st, 2006. Pre-orders are being taken now. The current Model D is in stock and available for immediate delivery.

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » July 6th, 2006, 2:41 pm

It looks weird and the railing still dumps down in a hole.

From the descripion and looks, the model E is not worth the price.

I won't get buying one that's for sure.

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » July 6th, 2006, 3:15 pm

It will be interesting to see if C2 responds here. I somehow doubt if C2 would announce a new model on the crossfit forum, or to someone privately, without mentioning it on their site or here on the forum. From memory, there was discussion of the model D on the C2 forum for a few weeks or so before it was released, since I remember discussing the PM3 and remember seeing some leaked C2 documents about the PM3 in advance.

This looks like a lot of detail to fake, but that would be first guess. The wireless racing also sounds great, and a bit like a pipe dream, since that is what I and others requested before the PM3 was released, and instead of supporting racing C2 has more or less abandoned erow and turned racing over to digital rowing and rowpro. But it would be great to see someday.

dadams · Post by **dadams** » July 6th, 2006, 3:25 pm

The Model E picture looks a bit off.

One - the Concept2 logo isn't very clear (leads me to believe it was doctor'd).

Two - The support struts just don't look right. I'm not a Mechanical Engineer, but they just don't look stable enough.

And to repeat, there isn't anything on the C2 site about it. Sounds a bit fishy.

p-fitz · Post by **p-fitz** » July 6th, 2006, 3:29 pm

dadams wrote:Sounds a bit fishy.

Counting the minutes until Chad jumps all over this quote...

dadams · Post by **dadams** » July 6th, 2006, 3:38 pm

p-fitz wrote:
dadams wrote:Sounds a bit fishy.
Counting the minutes until Chad jumps all over this quote...

Thanks, I appreciate that.

dadams · Post by **dadams** » July 6th, 2006, 3:41 pm

dadams wrote:The Model E picture looks a bit off.

One - the Concept2 logo isn't very clear (leads me to believe it was doctor'd).

Two - The support struts just don't look right. I'm not a Mechanical Engineer, but they just don't look stable enough.

And to repeat, there isn't anything on the C2 site about it. Sounds a bit fishy.

One other note - the fan housing on the E model looks a bit smaller as well (if you compare the photos side by side). This would change the characteristics of the mechanism significantly.

BriK · Post by **BriK** » July 6th, 2006, 4:15 pm

Someone with too much time on their hands played around with Photoshop, I would say. Have a look at the details (shadows, angles, etc.) of the "new model E", and you will see that they are from the photo of the model D.
Nice job though.

Brigitte

predator7906 · Post by **predator7906** » July 6th, 2006, 4:29 pm

Hi again,
I searched on the Concept2 website and I found that there is indeed a PM4 monitor for the model D which can be pre ordered and which will be available October 15th, and it has the features listed in the first post, however I found nothing about a model E. Go under online shopping then model D spare parts, or click this link to see it https://www2.concept2.com/VIA/viaImageP ... wWindow=Y- Here are the features listed-PM4 monitor:

ANT wireless technology links monitors together to support wireless racing
Suunto and Polar Heart Rate compatible, Suunto HR belt included at no charge with every PM4 (Polar requires external pickup - available separately)
Records data directly to the PM4 LogCard (32K)
Power Generation feature draws power from your stroke to recharge - includes rechargeable battery pack
In addition to the PM4, this kit contains the following:

Rechargeable battery Pack
One LogCard
One USB cable
One CD containing the LogCard Utility software. This software is used to transfer data from the LogCard to a spreadsheet on your computer. This CD also contains an evaluation version of RowPro, made by Digital Rowing. For more information about RowPro, please visit www.digitalrowing.com.
Suunto Heart Rate Chestbelt
If anyone from Concept2 could confirm if a model E will indeed be released soon that would be great. Thanks

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » July 6th, 2006, 4:51 pm

That link no longer works on the C2 site.

The ANT wireless technology sounds interesting. I hadn't heard of it before. I wonder if you can get a connection for a PC and how much that will cost. (searching for wifi card with an "Ant" interface get you cards with an antenna interface).

http://www.thisisant.com/index.php?section=22

Citroen · Post by **Citroen** » July 6th, 2006, 6:02 pm

michaelb wrote: I wonder if you can get a connection for a PC and how much that will cost.

It looks like a USB dongle with an ANT transceiver would be something that could be built. The primary interface to the ANT is a serial link - it might be worth asking Dynastream if that's part of their product range.

BTW, https://www2.concept2.com/VIA/viaImageP ... RE_PARTS_D
is accesible to me if I start at https://www2.concept2.com/VIA/CustomSplashPage.jsp and drive through the menus (without registering).

whp4 · Post by **whp4** » July 6th, 2006, 6:15 pm

michaelb wrote:That link no longer works on the C2 site.

Maybe not, but it probably never did, you have to go through the front door of the store to establish the secure connection.

You can still go to the shopping site and browse "Model D Rower Parts" and see the item in question.

I wonder which model we'll see at the C2 satellite regattas if the bit about selling two different models simultaneously comes to pass.

Bill

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » July 6th, 2006, 6:33 pm

You are right, you can navigate to that page on the C2 site under spare parts. So the PM4 is real, that raises questions about whether the Model E is real too. The PM4 retrofit says it is only available for the Model D?

So where is C2 to explain or announce this new PM4? How does the wireless connectivity work and can it interface with a PC? Is this just venue racing or can the PM4 also race remotely online? How many rowers can it link up at once?

This sounds perfect for places like Xeno's Iron Oarsman when there are multiple ergs in one room, but I don't see how this will work for the average home user.

PaulS · Post by **PaulS** » July 6th, 2006, 6:47 pm

What's with the "WWW2."? Is that some sort of Bizzarro World, parallel universe? Or just someone having a bit of fun with a spoof web site? A Wifi PMX would be very cool however, along with the Color Screen and the very mean looking Fish.

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » July 6th, 2006, 7:01 pm

I thought I had been had, but if you go here, or click on the shop online tab on the actual C2 home page, you get redirected to the online store at www2:

http://www.concept2.com/05/shoppers.asp?bhcp=1

Does the PM4 have a "color" screen? Did I miss that? I am not buying one, since I have the PM3 upgrade and rowpro, but just curious. The price of the PM4 upgrade is $310 too; might as well buy rowpro (and ergmonitor) for that price.