New Rower - Model C

[Austex_Rower]

I picked-up a Model C yesterday. Got it for a great price, but it does require some work (basically clean-up). I'll be taking it apart this weekend to do a thorough cleaning and maintenance. I'm hoping that the monitor works (PM1, the guy told me it works, just needs batteries). It rows fine, just had been sitting, covered in a carport.

I will basically completely disassemble it, clean and lube everything and then put it back together. Anything that I should specifically look for when I have it apart? Any potential "gotcha's" that I should be aware of.

Thanks,
John

[Bob S.]

I picked-up a Model C yesterday. Got it for a great price, but it does require some work (basically clean-up). I'll be taking it apart this weekend to do a thorough cleaning and maintenance. I'm hoping that the monitor works (PM1, the guy told me it works, just needs batteries). It rows fine, just had been sitting, covered in a carport.

I will basically completely disassemble it, clean and lube everything and then put it back together. Anything that I should specifically look for when I have it apart? Any potential "gotcha's" that I should be aware of.

Thanks,
John

Check the bungees to see that they still have plenty of elasticity. Check the monitor carefully for any signs of corrosion, especially near the battery case.

Bob S.

[Carl Watts]

The PM1 will require 3 new batteries of the LR44, A76 or equivalent type.

It needs to be reset after you put in new batteries as per the instructions on the end of it or segments of the display will be missing. These are generally a pretty reliable monitor.

The chain may need a good lube and clean the seat rollers and slide with a damp cloth, you will get plenty of black stuff off it.

The wooden handle is okay but the new plastic version is ergonomically better, especially if your wider in the shoulders.

Make sure the bronze bit on the handle U bolt is not missing or you will have stainless on stainless ad it just eats one another without the bronze bush as a bearing surface.

As long as the handle retracts unassisted back to the cage the bunge is okay.

Still a great Erg and use mine on a regular basis for training as the C breeze fits it better so I use it in the summer and switch back to the D for PB's and the winter season.

[Austex_Rower]

Thanks for the feedback, just what I am looking for. On the handle, is the handle for the Model D the one I want? There is no listing for a handle on the Model C parts list. I'm thinking the Model D is the one, just not sure if there was some sort of connector change or anything between models.

[Citroen]

Thanks for the feedback, just what I am looking for. On the handle, is the handle for the Model D the one I want? There is no listing for a handle on the Model C parts list. I'm thinking the Model D is the one, just not sure if there was some sort of connector change or anything between models.

A model D (plastic curved) handle will fit as a replacement for the model D (wooden) handle.

[Austex_Rower]

Spent the day taking it apart, cleaning it up and putting it back together. Although the thing was filthy with caked on dust and little, white spider balls throughout, it was in good condition. The chain and sprocket looked very good and the bungee was in good shape. There was some rust on the inner fly wheel cover, but with a little sand paper and paint it looks fine. I was happy that the monitor lit up after I put fresh batteries in.

These things are pretty simple machines really, with not a lot of parts. A couple of wrenches is all that is needed to take them completely apart. They are very well made though and, judging by the website, any replacement parts are reasonably priced.

I'm excited about getting started. The PM1 monitor is pretty basic, but will do me just fine. Maybe down the road I'll splurge for an upgrade, but for now it should be fine.

[Carl Watts]

The PM1 has all the vital information you need to start with.

It lacks a Heartrate monitor that was on the PM2 and later on if you want to row online with others, then you will need a PM3 or PM4 with the USB interface. All of the monitors can be configured to run on the Model C.

Good luck and don't set the drag factor to high, its the most common mistake for a beginner.