Concept2 RowErg Standard question

[notsureyet]

I am thinking of buying a Concept2 RowErg Standard with a PM5.

I want to store it on my terrace. It wont get rain or snow as the terrace has a roof. But it can get cold there (-10 celsius / 14 Fahrenheit).
To be honest most of the times I wont even need any kind of tracking so I can keep the PM5 inside. I want to use it every morning after getting up (to soak up some daylight and do some sport).
Will the rower be OK though? Also I guess I can detach the PM5 from the rower. Can I?

[jamesg]

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=164058

[Ombrax]

As was pointed out in the thread at James' link, the flywheel clutch can misbehave at low temps.

Separate from that issue, I would only store an erg outside if I absolutely have nowhere else to put it, and would do my utmost to find a spot inside where it will see more consistent temperatures and humidity values. The C2 erg is a great design and uses robust parts, but over time outside storage will not be kind to it. When you stand it on end it really takes up very little space, IMO doing that inside is a much better option.

As far as "erging outside" goes, I've never done it, so I can't speak to any specific pleasures or benefits of doing that, but when I erg I'm totally focused on the PM and maintaining my pace. Unlike a bike ride outside, where you can take time to appreciate your surroundings, on the erg it's just the PM display and how I'm feeling; I try to wipe everything else out from my mind, because it can only distract from the task at hand. (but that's just me - YMMV)

[JaapvanE]

On the other hand, people do use them in cold climates outside succesfully: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoaDmYRsycI/

[Ron Ginsberg]

I have a model D purchased in 2004. If anything I think it has more painted steel bits subject to rust than the newer model D's whose construction has evolved quite a bit. I use it outside on a brick patio from June to September in Wellfleet MA. This is like being on a small island in the Ocean. It is very humid and wet often. I cover it when I'm not using it with the plastic cover sold by Concept 2 which I had purchased even earlier for the model B I had. This cover is well made and protects the machine quite well. I've never had a problem with rust at all. I just replaced the original chain and sprocket after about 15 million meters and I'm not sure I really had too. I only oil the chain about once a year with heavy bicycle chain oil. Never a problem with rust or a binding link. Your erg will be fine outdoors. I greased my clutch twice over all the years. I used bicycle grease, but from other forum posts it seems that in cold conditions light oil should be used. But certainly don't worry about rust or water if the machine is protected by the cover. My PM3 (with the memory card in the slot) has always been kept in place on the machine while it was covered and has been just fine as well.