Rower cover, is it needed?

[AndyWicks]

As it says above, do I need a cover? Rower is kept outside in modified garage, does get some condensation in there. Thinking about getting a cover, but they are around £100 which seems quite steep bearing in mind I had my old rower in a garage for years without using and it was ok. I do clean the rail after every use on my new one.

Thoughts?

[Citroen]

... are around £100 which seems quite steep ...

You could buy ten of these https://www.screwfix.com/p/tarpaulin-sh ... x-3m/482gt

[AndyWicks]

I get that, but my rower is in home made gym and I don’t really want loads of tarp hanging around, just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on
a) do I need one
b) if so, there are cheap ones out there, are they any good, any recommendations on the cheaper ones

[Citroen]

Spend a tenner, find a seamstress at the WI who can sew it into a cover for you. It'll still cost less than £55 for the C2 cover.

https://shop-uk.concept2.com/accessorie ... -abcd.html

[mict450]

What's a modified garage? If your old erg survived without a cover, your new one should be fine. For your condensation problem, it would worse under a cover.

[StevenWayne]

I bought one on Amazon three weeks ago for $18US that you could search on there:

Mini Lustrous Rowing Machine Cover, Fitness Equipment Covers Protective Cover
Brand: Mini Lustrous.

It’s shaped like the C2, but quite baggy...I think the photos on the reviews are accurate for appearance. The black nylon fabric is thick, though, and it is easy to drop on and pull off (a tight fitting one may look better, but likely harder to stretch on and off). If I was keeping my rower in my garage, I’d toss this cover onto it because I have two trucks, lawn tractors and mowers, gasoline cans, etc out there kicking up dust. It’s worth the under twenty dollar price for complete rower coverage if one doesn’t mind a baggy, somewhat untidy, fit.

[AndyWicks]

What's a modified garage?

I have a double garage that I’ve boarded into 2, so isn’t brick, but isn’t plastered like a normal room. It’s still single skin brick with no heating. But as it’s boarded there is t same amount of dust as a normal garage, but temperature is a bit of an issue.

Thanks, did see some cheap ones on Amazon and EBay but always weary about going cheap!

[Tsnor]

This sounds right

... For your condensation problem, it would worse under a cover.

If you think there is moisture, do not use a cover. Its better without. Boathouses are usually next to water and C2 rowers live there year round without covers or rust. For A/C condensers (the part the lives outside the house) here is the consensus on covers ". One thing to keep in mind is that any type of plastic or airflow-restrictive covering will actually promote rusting and internal moisture damage, and therefore should never be used."

If you'd prefer a breathable fabric cover as a work of art or dust cover - go for it. For me the effort to remove the cover would add one extra reason why not to row, and I'm not sure when I would put it back on -- right after I wiped the machine off after sweating on it and the floor under it? Nope. Better to air dry.

Long term storage (vs weekly use) a breathable cover to keep dust off (like a towel) seems a good idea.

[GreenStratMan]

For a condensation issue, you might want to consider ventilation?

[Cyclist2]

Thoughts?

I also use my "modified" garage. Car on one side, workout area on the other. In our wet climate, I was leaving a window open to limit the condensation that occurred when a warm, wet car was pulled in. When our house was burgled, I cut ventilation openings in the exterior walls then shut the window to the same effect. My model B has resided there for years with only towels or sheets for coverings to keep the dust and cobwebs off (a comment on how much I use my model B anymore, but it works great when I do). No rust, minimal dust. All my other tools are there also with no ill effect.

Bottom line, IMO; ventilate your garage, then use a large beach towel for a cover.

[AndyWicks]

Thanks guys, makes sense, glad I didn’t buy one now, I always keep the door open when rowing or using gym, so fingers crossed that helps, may just cover the fan cage with light towel to keep any potential dust off.

[ben_r_]

I considered a cover for a minute, then asked myself: is dust/dirt/rain/water spray a problem where I will be using my rower? Because thats all a cover is really going to protect from. Thankfully my Concept2 machines are all in a bedroom so the answer was no and I was able to pass and put the money towards better accessories!

[AndyWicks]

I considered a cover for a minute, then asked myself: is dust/dirt/rain/water spray a problem where I will be using my rower? Because thats all a cover is really going to protect from. Thankfully my Concept2 machines are all in a bedroom so the answer was no and I was able to pass and put the money towards better accessories!

What accessories did you get, I love new shiny stuff!!

[Dangerscouse]

Thanks guys, makes sense, glad I didn’t buy one now, I always keep the door open when rowing or using gym, so fingers crossed that helps, may just cover the fan cage with light towel to keep any potential dust off.

I'd also recommend a humidity absorber. They do draw a lot of moisture out of the air, and all you need to remember is to change the cartridge every six weeks or so.

I don't cover my flywheel, and I occasionally give it a good clean and hoover, which does the trick. It's really easy to do, and takes about five minutes at the most.

[ben_r_]

I considered a cover for a minute, then asked myself: is dust/dirt/rain/water spray a problem where I will be using my rower? Because thats all a cover is really going to protect from. Thankfully my Concept2 machines are all in a bedroom so the answer was no and I was able to pass and put the money towards better accessories!

What accessories did you get, I love new shiny stuff!!

Polar H10 HRM, Apple TV 4K for the TV in the workout room, Apple Watch for tracking everything with the Apple Health app, Withings Body scale also for tracking with the Apple Health app, stuff like that. To be honest I couldnt figure any of the Concept2 accessories for the Model D, BikeErg or SkiErg were really worth it. At least not for my setup. I am currently looking for a new seat for the BikeErg though. I cant seem to adjust the one it came with to not make my junk numb after 12-15 minutes and thats a no go for me.