Concept2 Forum

I have a version of a Model B for which I can find no reference. The seat bearings roll on a molded vinyl track (both top and bottom) that keep the wheels inline on the rail. I need to replace both vinyl tracks. There are no parts listings for this or images. Does anyone have any insight?

Here:

http://www.concept2.com/us/service/indo ... /parts.asp

Never have heard of a rail with vinyl, only the chrome plated metal tube. The seat wheels are a type of vinyl. If he doesn't respond here, send a PM to C2jonw. He is the Concept 2 go-to guy.

Yes, I've already looked through the Model B parts list and have found no reference to said roller guide.

The rollers themselves are stainless steel that ride on the vinyl tracks; one on both the top and bottom of the slide rail.

The slide rail itself is neither plated nor stainless steel, it is painted black and sandwiched with the roller guides.

This is the first Model B of this type that I've seen. The seat is different too.

There are at least two types of monorails for the model b: A chrome plated steel monorail or a stainless steel monorail.

This version model b is an exception.

The plastic seat guides are not to be found in on the model b parts page because this particular rower was a short run model that c2 produced for only about a month before discontinuing.

As a response from them states:

"The machine you have was part of a small production run from the early 1990’s. We abandoned the plastic track system because it did not hold up as well as we had hoped. To solve the problem you’ll need a new stainless steel monorail (part #241, $175) and 3 new seat rollers (part #378, $12.25 each)."

Seems like a pricey solution to repair a 20 year old model b version that was effectively sold as R&D on the open market and ultimately found to be unsuitable by its manufacturer.

If any forum reader should have opportunity to buy this version of a concept 2 model b, they may want to reconsider the practical issues, degree of usability (if any) and value of such a purchase.

This was a very expensive way for me to become familiar with the concept II model b and the history, business practices, and customer service of concept 2 itself.

Whether individuals or corporate entities, we all say who we are and who we are not. The true measure is revealed only when we are tested.

modelb wrote:There are at least two types of monorails for the model b: A chrome plated steel monorail or a stainless steel monorail.

This version model b is an exception.

The plastic seat guides are not to be found in on the model b parts page because this particular rower was a short run model that c2 produced for only about a month before discontinuing.

As a response from them states:

"The machine you have was part of a small production run from the early 1990’s. We abandoned the plastic track system because it did not hold up as well as we had hoped. To solve the problem you’ll need a new stainless steel monorail (part #241, $175) and 3 new seat rollers (part #378, $12.25 each)."

Seems like a pricey solution to repair a 20 year old model b version that was effectively sold as R&D on the open market and ultimately found to be unsuitable by its manufacturer.

If any forum reader should have opportunity to buy this version of a concept 2 model b, they may want to reconsider the practical issues, degree of usability (if any) and value of such a purchase.

This was a very expensive way for me to become familiar with the concept II model b and the history, business practices, and customer service of concept 2 itself.

Whether individuals or corporate entities, we all say who we are and who we are not. The true measure is revealed only when we are tested.

Well look at it as a collector's item?

I guess it reinforces my view that buying used vs new is not always the best idea if it needs rebuilding anyway.

JD

Collectors item? Clever.

I wasn't aware that it needed rebuilding when I purchased it.

Perhaps I could interest you in a fine collectible concept 2 model b.

modelb wrote:Collectors item? Clever.

I wasn't aware that it needed rebuilding when I purchased it.

Perhaps I could interest you in a fine collectible concept 2 model b.

Antiques Road show?

Based on my experiences with the model b and the concept 2 organization, I'd say that Antiques Roadshow is most definitely appropriate.

The Model B is now pretty old and there were big improvents with the Model C and then subtle changes with the Model D, which is a better rower once the early version that cracks and falls in half was sorted out ! The biggest improvements have been in the Performance Monitors with consistantly big jumps each time in terms of useful features.

The last model B I saw for sale here about a month ago went for $25, really you wouldn't want to do any serious rowing on one as improvement like the adjustable foot strap height for example allow you to get a more comfortable set-up.

Even a Model C is likley to need parts replaced and if it is an ex-gym machine it is probably past it's use by date.

Use it as an intro to rowing and if you start using it regularly and get serious then upgrade the whole machine as they have evolved alot since the Model B. I see plenty of good hardly used Model D's on the market that were bought with all the right intentions and then never used.

You can upgrade the B. Get a Model D seat, a newer handle, new footplates with the flexible shoe fittings. Check the bungee for wear around the rear roller, replace only if wearing and threads are showing, otherwise adjust tension if needed. Clean the chain good and oil with mineral oil or C2's chain oil. Get a speed ring. A PM2 or 3 monitor. And row!! I've cranked out over 8 million meters on ergs and I'd say at least 6 million have been on a B, including 90% of training for a marathon and 70% of training meters for 2 k races.

modelb wrote:Based on my experiences with the model b and the concept 2 organization, I'd say that Antiques Roadshow is most definitely appropriate.

In my experience and just about everyone else's I know, C2's customer service has been outstanding.
Do you really expect them to replace expensive parts on a 20 year old machine for free? What other company would do that? How many other pieces of exercise equipment will even last 20 years.


I've been really surprised at how inexpensive most replacement parts have been. I'd be will to bet that what they are charging for replacement parts is pretty close to their cost. Check out the price of stainless steel: at McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com) a 6' length of 1/8" wall, 2x2 square tubing is between $97 and $191.
On several occasions, they have sent me small replacement parts for free.

Thank you for the insight of you and your associates. At the time I didn't base my comments on "your experience and just about everyone else you know." Though should I need such assistance in the future, I'll be certain to call upon you and just about everyone else you know.

Who said anything about replacing parts for free?

A solution however, has been applied, and without help from concept 2.

In fact, the solution was contrary to what concept 2 recommended.

After my experiences with concept 2 and concept 2 products and design philosophy over the past five years, my new rowing machine purchase will be a Rowperfect; a product they are now rushing to copy.

Perhaps slidewinder stated best in post on handle bio-mechanics:
"People seem to be wilfully blind to the design flaws of the Concept 2 ergometer. I mentioned elsewhere how the C2 indoor rower has almost achieved the status of a holy icon - an object immune from all criticism.
If anyone complains about some aspect of the C2 rower, they are inevitably told that the fault lies with them, not the machine. Suffering from repetitive stress injury? It's because of your poor technique. Foot straps loosening? Simple, just wrap the strap end one more time under and around itself. It's rarely suggested that these complaints stem from actual design deficiencies in the machine itself, and could be corrected."

"... most owners and users of the C2 indoor rower believe that the machine has, after almost thirty years, reached a level of perfection that would be almost impossible to improve. I wanted to show those people that their cherished C2 machine certainly can be improved, and improved dramatically - that contrary to their long held belief, the full potential of the Concept 2 ergometer has never been realized."

Nosmo wrote:

modelb wrote:Based on my experiences with the model b and the concept 2 organization, I'd say that Antiques Roadshow is most definitely appropriate.

In my experience and just about everyone else's I know, C2's customer service has been outstanding.
Do you really expect them to replace expensive parts on a 20 year old machine for free? What other company would do that? How many other pieces of exercise equipment will even last 20 years.

I'm amazed that they still hold the stock of ancient old parts for ancient old ergos since it's seventeen years since they replaced the model B with the model C.

I bet you won't get the same level of service from Rowperfect that everyone else gets from C2USA and C2UK. I think you set your own expectations too high.

The Concept 2 may not be perfect, but then again neither is the Windows operating system but just about everyone in the world uses it. In terms of injury, more emphasis should be put on what the Drag Factor should be.

I could no doubt modify the RowPerfect to take a Concept 2 PM so I could still use RowPro. The moving flywheel is going to be a big problem as far as connecting a cable to the PC is concerned so it would have to be a wireless set-up (Eeeek the RowPerfect monitor still uses a SERIAL interface cable, what were they thinking ?) IMO Concept 2 really now needs an industry standard wireless connectivity option like Bluetooth in their Monitors.

Still happy with the Model C and a PM3 here so I will just wait for something revolutionary to come out before upgrading.