Concept2 Forum

I've had my Model D for about 7 1/2 years. When I first bought the rower, I noticed that in about a year, the gray top rollers began to make what sounded like clicking noises. I contacted C2 and was told that the bearings appeared to be wearing out and that the rollers should be replaced.The replacements solved the problem, but it kept recurring again every year or so and I continued to replace them with new ones. It got to a point that when I replaced them, I would order two more to be on hand "just in case". However, the last rollers supplied by C2 were white, not gray. I learned that instead of being made of molydisulfide filled cast nylon, they were now made of Delrin.

The Delrin rollers have continued to operate smoothly and quietly ever since. I just checked and was surprised to learn that I installed them a little over 2 1/2 years ago, a huge improvement over the one year life of the previous rollers. I have no idea how much longer they will last but even if I have to replace them soon, I will be satisfied.

When I first got the Delrin rollers, there was no mention from C2 that they were so much better than the earlier ones. I am very pleased that C2 continues to improve an already excellent product and sometimes does it in ways that are not readily apparent to users.

Still using the grey top rollers here after 10 years.

If you regularly clean the slide and rollers with a damp cloth and replace the bearings with some Japanese R6 (rubber sheilded version) bearings the set-up lasts and lasts. Just like the chain, if you maintain it then it will last a very long time before it needs replacement.

Carl Watts wrote:Still using the grey top rollers here after 10 years.

If you regularly clean the slide and rollers with a damp cloth and replace the bearings with some Japanese R6 (rubber sheilded version) bearings the set-up lasts and lasts. Just like the chain, if you maintain it then it will last a very long time before it needs replacement.

I take excellent care of the rower. I clean the slide and rollers with Windex each time I use it. I also oil the chain after every 50 hours or so of use. The top rollers are a bigger problem for me because the bearings appear to be sealed inside them and I have absolutely no idea how to access them. Please let me know. Where do I purchase the replacement R6 bearings? And how do I once again seal the new bearings inside the roller?

Ordering a new set of the Delrin rollers for the seat and installing them is easier than trying to replace bearings. Takes 5 minutes and they're relatively in expensive.

TabbRows wrote:Ordering a new set of the Delrin rollers for the seat and installing them is easier than trying to replace bearings. Takes 5 minutes and they're relatively in expensive.

I guess that depends on where you live, over here they are $69 EACH, which means you can put a set of top quality bearings in them for half that price and never have to look at them again for the life of the Erg. The bearings just press out. You put the likes of a screwdriver in through the centre hole from the opposite side to the bearing you want to get out and press on the centre of it. They may be a slightly tighter fit in the newer rollers in which case they may need tapping out but they couldn't be easier to change. If your just not good with mechanical stuff you would be better off to replace them as a complete assembly from C2.

I wouldn't be using any form of chemicals or oil on the monorail slide, it is just not needed. A damp cloth takes off everything and by putting the cloth over your finger and resting the hand on the seat with the finger on the roller you can go backwards and forwards with the seat to clean the rollers.

Carl Watts wrote:

TabbRows wrote:Ordering a new set of the Delrin rollers for the seat and installing them is easier than trying to replace bearings. Takes 5 minutes and they're relatively in expensive.

I guess that depends on where you live, over here they are $69 EACH, which means you can put a set of top quality bearings in them for half that price and never have to look at them again for the life of the Erg. The bearings just press out. You put the likes of a screwdriver in through the centre hole from the opposite side to the bearing you want to get out and press on the centre of it. They may be a slightly tighter fit in the newer rollers in which case they may need tapping out but they couldn't be easier to change. If your just not good with mechanical stuff you would be better off to replace them as a complete assembly from C2.

I wouldn't be using any form of chemicals or oil on the monorail slide, it is just not needed. A damp cloth takes off everything and by putting the cloth over your finger and resting the hand on the seat with the finger on the roller you can go backwards and forwards with the seat to clean the rollers.

In California, the cost of two top rollers (including shipping) is around $30, so replacing them with Delrin is the easiest way to go. However, being the inquisitive person that I am, I followed your instructions and successfully tapped out the bearings from an old top roller. I then found a couple of sources for the R6 rubber shielded version bearings you mentioned and I learned that they only cost about $3.00 apiece. Even with fairly high shipping costs, they still aren't very expensive. I can now understand why you decided to replace them instead of buying new rollers. It's always good to learn something new even though I may never use it. I appreciate the information very much.

As for cleaning the monorail, the Model D manual states the following--"'Daily: Wipe monorail with a cloth or non-abrasive scouring pad after use." It lists the tools needed as a cloth and cleaner but it doesn't specify what type of cleaner they're referring to. They do say to avoid the use of mineral acids, bleach, or coarse abrasives and that makes complete sense. Since Windex is the most non-abrasive cleaner around, I continue to use it daily. If someone is more comfortable using only a damp cloth and it keeps the rail and rollers clean, that's fine. I've used Windex with a soft paper towel on the rollers and the rail for well over ten years. I occasionally also use a cotton swab moistened with Windex on the rollers. That has resulted in a very clean monorail and rollers--with no ill effects at all.

Carl, again thank you for the info. It was very informative.

sekitori wrote: As for cleaning the monorail, the Model D manual states the following--"'Daily: Wipe monorail with a cloth or non-abrasive scouring pad after use." It lists the tools needed as a cloth and cleaner but it doesn't specify what type of cleaner they're referring to.

I've found that taking off my shirt and wiping with it works better than almost any cleaner, and the grime seems to come off in the laundry basket. Since I've put on a decent amount of upper body muscle since starting, my wife doesn't seem to mind when I come up from the basement with my shirt off either.

Try using your shorts, they have even more sweat on them !!!