Unable to set a drag factor lower than 110

[gregm]

On my 15 year old concept 2 (2009), I cannot set a drag factor lower than 110 (lever is on '1' ).

Any ideas what needs some maintenance TLC to get it lower? or is that it?

I can see that the lever just rotates a plate over the side holes, and so I can DIY a new plate that gives mover coverage, but just wanted to check if its a common occurrence with an easy fix?

[JaapvanE]

Normally, drag tends to get lower over time as the holes in the cover get filled with dust. No strange noises of any kind, can the flywheel spin freely?

As an aside, DF110 is a pretty normal to even low DF for most rowers. Are you sure you want to go lower?

[gregm]

Hi JaapvanE,

Thanks for replying. I agree its usually a lower DF over time as it gets clogged up- the cage has been cleaned recently and is a free of dust as it can, and the flywheel blades given a wipe, maybe I should have left it dirty

No strange noises, wheel moves freely and takes a while to spin down as expected. Chain could probably do with a lube, but is in decent condition.

I want to try a DF95, stroke rate 18 for some longer (60min+) UT2 sessions.

My simple solution, tried just now, is to stick some tape over some of the holes, which works, but I'd love a more engineered solution. I can see that tape falling off halfway into the piece.

G

[iain]

C2 used to sell a "Speed belt" that fixed over the holes, I used some vecro'd belting I found for kids when they were young, but for 15DF a belt would probably do.

[gvcormac]

You can reduce the drag factor by blocking more air flow. Tape a paper or plastic disc on the side where the damper is, or around the edge where the air comes out -- cover some of the mesh with something that'll block the airflow.

If you want to spend $$$ you can buy the blocker that comes with the Ski Erg.

[gvcormac]

You can reduce the drag factor by blocking more air flow. Tape a paper or plastic disc on the side where the damper is, or around the edge where the air comes out -- cover some of the mesh with something that'll block the airflow.

If you want to spend $$$ you can buy the "damper ring" that comes with the Ski Erg. Part number PN 1325. I don't see it in their online store but if you contact them by email I bet they'll sell it to you.

https://www.concept2.com.au/files/pdf/u ... ematic.pdf

[Dangerscouse]

I remember once when I was mid-row, some clothing that was on a dryer close to my erg, got sucked on to the side of the flywheel. I was rowing eyes closed and almost had a heart attack as the drag dropped very considerably; not sure how much but I'd guess it was circa 30-40.

Maybe just draping a hand towel over it will do? It's not scientific, and it will be trial and error for what do you end up with, but it will work. I know from experience that it does.

[gregm]

Thank you to everyone for the wise counsel.

I'll block off some holes in the side mesh - it doesn't seem to need much e.g. 40cm^2. I'm fortunate enough to have a 3D printer so I'll print a concept2 badge the right size to clip on to the mesh. (I couldn't see any other topics on this , but anyone else wanting one, happy to print more.)

[Tsnor]

Verify that your erg's monitor is configured for your type of erg. If this is wrong then you get weird stuff for drag factor. 110 as lowest DF for an old erg, not recently cleaned, is not normal.

What type of monitor are you using? PM3? PM4? PM5?

"On a PM5, chose More Utilities > Product ID. Look at what appears next to "Model." This should be RowErg D/E/Dynamic for Model D, E, Dynamic and RowErgs " https://www.concept2.com/support/monito ... leshooting in stuck on zero section

pm3 is "On the Main Menu, choose More Options.
Choose Utilities.
Choose Product ID. Look at what appears next to "Model." This should be D or D/E for Model Ds, and D/E for Model Es and Dynamic Indoor Rowers (for reference, D/E will also be listed for SkiErgs, but this procedure applies to indoor rowers only). If you have retrofitted a monitor to an older indoor rower, this should read C, B or A according to the indoor rower you have. If this doesn't match the indoor rower model you have, take the following steps:
From the Main Menu, select More Options > Utilities > LCD Contrast.
Press Change Units or Units three times.
Press Change Display or Display three times.
When the Set Rower Type screen appears, press the button next to Change Type until the correct indoor model is displayed:
D or D/E for Model D Indoor Rowers
D/E for Model E and Dynamic Indoor Rowers
C, B or A as appropriate for the indoor rower you have, if you've retrofitted a monitor to an older machine

[gregm]

Thanks Tsnor -
Just had a look, PM5 monitor on a Model C rower, all correct, definitely worth a check!

[gvcormac]

Thanks Tsnor -
Just had a look, PM5 monitor on a Model C rower, all correct, definitely worth a check!

You're sure its a Model C? They quit making those 21 years ago. Did you get your used in 2009?

[Tsnor]

Thanks Tsnor -
Just had a look, PM5 monitor on a Model C rower, all correct, definitely worth a check!

You're sure its a Model C? They quit making those 21 years ago. Did you get your used in 2009?

this is a model C, the damper is very distinctive vs a model D. Does your C look like this ?

[gregm]

Yes, definitely a Model C - I must have had it longer than I thought!

[jamesg]

A filter type HVAC will keep DF low and the fan clean.

[alanmushnick]

what do you mean by a filter type HVAC?
I have a Model C also
With the damper at the lowest setting, the Drag Factor is 100

Should we be lubricating the flywheel?
I opened it up last week for the first time in a long time. Vacuumed the insider

I actaully thought this would lower the drag factor with a cleaner mechanism.

Still a great unit. Have PM5 and new handle. One of these days I will tackle the Quiet Kit cog axle.
But it works so well, I don't want perfection to be the enemy of good.