Found concept2 on the fb market, need help in assesing

[Ags]

Hi,
I've been looking for a second hand concept 2 rower. I came across this one (see attached pictures). The owner states it's usable but occasionally slips. The chain box looks bent and I'm not sure if that's a major issue - is it just esthetics or would it impact the usability of the machine? Do you reckon it'd be cheap to fix if so?
I'd appreciate any help in the assessment. Thank you all







Gallery: https://postimg.cc/gallery/77LRYPy

[MPx]

That looks like a very early model C with a PM2 monitor - is that what the listing says?

If so ...
The bad stuff is: its probably 30 years old, the PM2 has no conectivity and limited function, the fan cage is metal on the "C" and to get a flat side like that suggests its been dropped from a great height. If the fan touches the cage then that's very bad and other damage may have been caused to the rotor - eg balance issues. It doesn't look loved or maintained. "Slipping" suggests it may need a new clutch. The old straight wooden handle is not as comfortable to use as the more recent shaped plastic one.

The good stuff is: these machines last forever. Concept2 are excellent at maintaining spares for all of their erg models and the spares are generally reasonably priced (check in the C2 shop). If the fan doesn't touch the cage then you might get away with not doing anything about the flat dink in the cage.

I'm guessing you're on a very tight budget. Its very likely that this erg can be made to work so if that's all you can manage then may be worth it. But I wouldn't get it. This is showing all the signs of being in as poor condition as you can find. Its all fixable but it might be better to put that parts money into a better erg to start with. I think you should aim to get at least a PM3 with whatever erg you buy or budget £160/$160 for a PM5 which will work with any model c/d/e/and rowerg. The PM5 is really good to help maintain interest with connectivity to your phone/tablet and lots of apps.

Another way of looking at the finances is that these ergs hold their value really well. If you buy one now for (say) £500 and use it for a year or two but decide its not for you...or that you'd like a new one - then you'll probably get most of your money back when its time to sell, so the "rental" cost will be very low.

Best of luck with it.

[gvcormac]

If the chain slips, there's a problem with the clutch bearing.

The official solution is to replace the flywheel assembly -- Concept2 will sell you one if you ask, but it isn't listed. Last time I checked it was $100 for the Model D. I assume the Model C is similar, but ... inflation.

It is probably worth a try to clean and lubricate the clutch bearing. Rinse it well with mineral spirits, let it dry, and lubricate with motor oil (nothing thicker).

Ambitious DIY-ers can replace the clutch bearing, but it is press fit so you need weapons of mass destruction, which you can purchase or rig up for yourself. But the easier approach is to replace the flywheel, which comes with the clutch bearing pre-installed.

[c2jonw]

Two key bits of information: does the monitor work and how much are they asking? Have you had a chance to try it out? If the flywheel isn't hitting the inside of the cage then the dent is probably not an issue. The occasional slipping could be the clutch or a skipping chain, both of which could be fixed with a cleaning and some oil. A new chain, sprocket, shock cord, shock cord pulleys and seat rollers would cover most of the wearing parts for a pretty reasonable price. Functionally the Model C is the same as a D and E.

[old wobbler]

Walk away and find a better machine.

You're buying a whole host of issues and unless its free (I doubt it is) its not worth the money.