What will happen if I store my C2 Dynamic vertically?

[truth1ness]

I have a C2 Dynamic rower but recently I moved to a much smaller place and it's not practical to leave it horizontal all the time. I suppose switching to a regular fold up erg would be better but I'm pretty attached to how the Dynamic feels especially on my joints. The instructions for the Dynamic say it's not for storing vertically but what exactly will go wrong with it if I store it vertical when not in use? The thing is built like a tank and actually stands up quite nicely. It seems like the casters are the only thing that might break but they seem sturdy enough to handle several hundred ups and downs at least.

[aussieluke]

Would it put any pressure on any of the multitude of bungees/shock cords in there? They're not meant to be kept under tension on a model D hence leaving the handle against the chain guard when not in use. Storing vertically would at least stretch the seat bungees wouldn't it?

[Bob S.]

Have you set it vertical since you got it? It is awfully long compared to the C and D. I found it difficult to raise and lower mine and would not find it practical to do that each time I used it. I can't really answer your question other that the fact that it does not seem safe to me. Whether or not is is bad for the dynamic, I have no idea. A direct email to C2 can probably get you an answer to that, since some one there came up with those instructions. A PM to c2jonw on this forum might be the way to go.

Bob S.

Saw aussieluke's response when I tried to send this. He has a good point. The seat is not very heavy, but there would be some bungee stretch. If you are in a smoggy area, with a high ozone count, this would reduce the life of the bungee. The internal bungees probably always have some stretch when the handle is in its cradle, but, as I remember, C2 recommends keeping it there. With the handle in its cradle, there doesn't seem to be much change in tension unless the stretcher is moved almost to the monitor support. If the erg is vertical, the stretcher would be at the other end, so that should not be a problem. Another question is the monitor arm,which cannot be lowered very far - it will stick out some and be in the way.

[truth1ness]

No direct pressure is placed on the seat when stored vertically. Here is a picture showing the bungee side of the erg. You can see in this picture the only points of contact if turned on its back end would be the two casters and the end of the main seat beam, the rolling seat would be a couple feet above any ground contact. I suppose in the vertical state the weight of the seat itself would pull on the bungee but that should only be a couple pounds which would probably take years to have any effect on a bungee and could be easily avoided by simply unhooking it.



That is the only bungee I'm aware of on my c2dynamic, are there more on their non-dynamic models? As far as I can tell standing up the Dynamic rests it on three very solid immovable points on the frame which makes me puzzled why they are so against standing it up.

[Bob S.]

I suppose in the vertical state the weight of the seat itself would pull on the bungee but that should only be a couple pounds which would probably take years to have any effect on a bungee and could be easily avoided by simply unhooking it.

That is the only bungee I'm aware of on my c2dynamic, are there more on their non-dynamic models? As far as I can tell standing up the Dynamic rests it on three very solid immovable points on the frame which makes me puzzled why they are so against standing it up.

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Part number 2818 SHOCK CORD DYNAMIC ROWER is inside the chain box.

The seat bungee is part number 2414 SEAT SHOCK CORD ASSEMBLY WITH END SCREWS DYNAMIC ROWER. Yes, there is very little pull on that one from the weight of the seat in the vertical position, but any stretch of a strip of rubber makes it more vulnerable to oxidation, particularly by ozone. The effect is dramatic in an area like the SoCal metropolis. Bungees with cloth covers are somewhat protected from this by the cover and the chain box would help to protect any bungees inside of it. I don't know if that internal "shock cord" of the dynamic is covered or bare rubber. I don't remember if it was visible or not when I assembled mine. You can tell that there is one there by the way that the handle will fly up to the monitor stand if it is knocked loose from its cradle. It is the pull of the internal bungee that does that.

[Bob S.]

No direct pressure is placed on the seat when stored vertically. Here is a picture showing the bungee side of the erg. You can see in this picture the only points of contact if turned on its back end would be the two casters and the end of the main seat beam, the rolling seat would be a couple feet above any ground contact.

No problem with the seat there. The big problem is stability. The vertical dynamic is over 6' high. The caster housings are solid enough, but only 2' apart and the beam end is only 15" out from the center point between them. In addition to that the monitor arm sticks out quite a way, unlike the arm of the D which can be folded all the way down. It is probably tippy enough that C2 can't risk a law suit by not warning against storing it that way.

Bob S.