Concept2 Forum

My B has the original PM which is starting to have some issues, so I was hoping to get advice on whether I should upgrade and buy a PM3 and new seat rollers, or just buy a used C? My needs are fairly simple and the B has met them fine. I use it to supplement my running and am primarily concerned about my pace, total distance, and time. I do some intervals on it for time and just watch the clock to see how long I want to do them. I was all set to upgrade to a C (from $450 - $500) until I read about some of the problems the PM2 have with battery corrosion. I'd hate to get a C and then have to soon spend another $160 to replace a broken monitor.

Money wise, it would be less expensive to buy a PM3 and replace the seat rollers for my B than buy a C. I haven't had to replace anything else on it since I bought it a few years ago, but wonder if other things may need replacing in the near future. And, for about another $250 I could move up to the C... Any suggestions you can give me will be greatly appreciated!
Brian

Ham wrote:My B has the original PM which is starting to have some issues, so I was hoping to get advice on whether I should upgrade and buy a PM3 and new seat rollers, or just buy a used C? My needs are fairly simple and the B has met them fine. I use it to supplement my running and am primarily concerned about my pace, total distance, and time. I do some intervals on it for time and just watch the clock to see how long I want to do them. I was all set to upgrade to a C (from $450 - $500) until I read about some of the problems the PM2 have with battery corrosion. I'd hate to get a C and then have to soon spend another $160 to replace a broken monitor.

Money wise, it would be less expensive to buy a PM3 and replace the seat rollers for my B than buy a C. I haven't had to replace anything else on it since I bought it a few years ago, but wonder if other things may need replacing in the near future. And, for about another $250 I could move up to the C... Any suggestions you can give me will be greatly appreciated!
Brian

I used a B for about 12 years with the old PM. Then I had the opportunity to upgrade the PM to a PM3 and was very pleased with it - especially that, since for the first time I could get the drag factor that I hadn't even known about, and that the PM3 uses log cards which have been very useful to me for record keeping. Later I had the chance to get a 2 day old model D at a reduced price at an ergatta, so I went for that, passing the B with its PM3 on to relatives, who are also pleased with its performance. If I were not involved in erg competitions, I would have been happy to have just kept the B.

Bob S.

Thanks for your input Bob! What you said makes sense. I am leaning toward keeping the B. That's interesting you mentioned competition. As the running years are adding up and taking their toll on my body I have actually considered converting to erging full time. Lately, my body has not been handling running as well as erging. So maybe I should consider a D if I think I would pursue some type of competition in the future... You have given me more to think about!

I noticed your photo of Whitney and your location. I was fortunate to live in Bishop for 2 years and began my love of running while going to high school there. We drove past Whitney many times on our way to meets. You are fortunate to live where you do! I have often thought of moving back to that area.
Thanks, again.
Brian

Ham wrote:
I noticed your photo of Whitney and your location.
Brian

Actually, it is the Palisades, looking up the valley of the south fork of Big Pine Creek, taken from a bend in the north fork trail. I believe that the main peak in it is Middle Palisade. Mt. Sill is more spectacular and can be seen from town (i.e. Big Pine) but from the place I took that, Sill is hidden by the ridge between the south and north forks.

Bob S.

Gotcha. I couldn't get the photo enlarged for a better look, and it's obviously time for some new glasses! I just figured it was Whitney due to your location and the fact I thought I was looking at the Keeler Needles with Whitney to the right.
Thank you, again, for your advice.
Brian .

Ham,

I got a Model B 10 years ago when my gym closed. (I paid $75 for it, but they never cashed the check, so it was free!) I upgraded to a PM3. I also replaced the seat, seat rollers, and handle. Since I use the B for exercise and don't compete, it fits my needs well. My current gym has a C (which has a PM2 I wish they'd upgrade) and my sister has a D, both of which I've used, but I don't feel the need to spend the money to upgrade to a newer model.

Take care,
Bobbi

The Model C is a good machine, however the problem is they are now getting old and if they have not been maintained they are getting in a mess by now.

I would be tempted to skip the Model C unless you are mechanically minded and can inspect inside the battery compartment of the PM2 monitor for any rust on the battery terminals and signs of battery leakage.

Go for a Concept 2 Model D that was made AFTER August 2006 for mechanical reasons or better still post Sept 2008 for a better version of the PM3/PM4

http://www.concept2shop.co.uk/category/ ... ower_parts

Carl Watts wrote:Go for a Concept 2 Model D that was made AFTER August 2006 for mechanical reasons or better still post Sept 2008 for a better version of the PM3/PM4

http://www.concept2shop.co.uk/category/ ... ower_parts

Since most of the posters on this thread are Americans you should probably be giving a link to the C2USA site rather than the C2UK shop. https://www2.concept2.com/VIA/index.jsp?RefAgent=IND

Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions! Since my B is not showing any signs of breaking down I think I will go the less expensive route and just upgrade to the PM3. Hopefully I will be able to get a few more years out of the rower before needing to switch.
This forum is a great resource!
Brian