Loud pop on hard effort

[Daddy-O]

I was testing some starting techniques today by doing 100 meter repeats. During one of them, there was a loud 'pop' at which point the display stopped registering that I was still rowing. Once I went back to the main screen and started the intervals over, it worked just fine, but I'm wondering what might have caused it and how it can be avoided. I'm assuming it had something to do with the chain skipping, but I really have no proof of that. Ultimately, I'm concerned something similar might happen in the middle of a timed race.

[C2Trevor]

A loud popping sound is often an indicator of a worn chain or sprocket that allows the chain to skip over the sprocket. You should check the chain first to make sure it is properly lubricated. If the chain gets dry or too gunked up, you may develop stiff links. In some cases, stiff links can also cause chain skipping.

If your chain looks well oiled, it may just be old and ready for replacement. As on a bicycle, the chain and sprocket wear together and should be replaced at the same time. You can order these parts through the website, or over the phone. Either way, we'll want to know the model of the rowing machine.