Bottom rollers

[sekitori]

I understand they're present to keep the seat stable and from tipping from side to side. But on my Model D, when I look at them, they do not actually touch the bottom of the rail. Each of them is about 1/8 inch shy of contacting the rail and as a result, there is a bit of up and down "play" of the seat.

I know that the top rollers can wear out. I've replace them a few times on my ten year old rower. But what about the bottom rollers? Since they apparently are not in contact with the rail bottom, they shouldn't wear out. On the other hand, while I'm rowing, they probably rise and actually do touch the bottom rail. I've noticed a bit of movement under the seat and replacing the top rollers has lessened it but has not completely removed it. It could come from the seat rocking slightly more than usual from side to side without my noticing it. Would replacing the bottom rollers help? I guess that after ten years, a part could need replacement even if it doesn't appear to show any wear. Any input would be appreciated.

I always clean the top rollers but I have never cleaned the bottom rollers. I finally did after ten years and as expected, they were quite dirty. That indicates to me that they have been in contact with the bottom of the rail, possibly quite often. But aside from having clean bottom rollers, I wonder if doing that would be of any real advantage.

One more thing. With my previous set of Delrin top rollers and the models that came before it, the seat took about three seconds to roll freely from the top of the rail to the bottom. If I didn't stop the seat, it would virtually crash into the bottom. With the new rollers, the seat moves much more slowly, taking over 15 seconds to reach the bottom. Because it moves much more slowly, It stops quite softly at the bottom and that's a huge improvement. The monorail has not changed, so this must be due to the rollers themselves. Has there been any difference in their makeup that could account for this?

[Carl Watts]

The bottom rollers are not designed to touch the rail, they are there to work only if the seat tips over.

The top rail needs regular cleaning. I wipe it and the rollers with a wet cloth before every row so the rollers shold never wear out, however the White rollers do not appear to be as good at the grey ones on my Model C and some tiny chips have come off the edges so they need some work.

The speed the seat moves depends on the slope of your floor along with the friction in the bearings. The seat and rollers is something that needs a little work and I have switched to rubber sheilded bearings in the Model C and better fitting allen shoulder bolts that have a precision ground finish rather than a standard bolt. There is a little more friction with these bearings, especially when new due to the grease, however they should never wear out

[Ergmeister]

I always clean the top rollers but I have never cleaned the bottom rollers. I finally did after ten years and as expected, they were quite dirty. ...The monorail has not changed, so this must be due to the rollers themselves. Has there been any difference in their makeup that could account for this?

The materials of construction of the rollers has changed over the years, but I have no specifics on them other than my own observations. The new white rollers are superior to the older gray colored ones in my experience and are easier to clean. C2 told me the rollers are embedded with a lubricant which is curious - but I don't know.

You are in the minority with cleaning. I am fanatical about keeping the rail and rollers clean and do it before and after each use on shared rowers, and after on my own. I seldom clean bottom rollers. I've replaced the stainless monorail cap on a few high mileage rowers and the owners raved about the improvement. The rail does show wear over time and dings from impact damage are like speed bumps robbing energy with each pass. The "free-roll test" differences I attribute mostly to bearings, but only provided the rollers and rail are totally smooth and clean.

I replace seat bottom rollers anytime that I do the top rollers since the seat is off and the wrench is my hand anyway, but your point about minimal contact seems valid.

Gym ergs seem to have the biggest abuse of cleaning rollers and rail as the users are not oarsmen usually and don't respect the equipment with cleaning. They spritz the handle and seat top and think it's all set.

[frenchtouch]

What is the technique to clean the rollers?

[Ergmeister]

What is the technique to clean the rollers?

This is how I clean them and it works well for me.

[Cyclist2]

When I bought my Model C used, the rail and rollers were in bad shape. I cleaned them like Ergmeister shows in his video, but it needed more. I used a Scotchbrite pad to get the heavier gunk off. Getting close. Then I took some automobile rubbing compound and just buffed the heck out of the rail to get it as close to new as is possible. The rollers cleaned up nice with the Scotchbrite pad. Smooth!! Now I just wet my sweat rag with a little water (if it isn't wet already), sit on the seat while holding my my rag-wrapped finger against the rollers as I move up and back. This cleans the rollers and rail at the same time. Don't forget the edges of the rail - Ergmeister's video shows that gunk builds up on the rollers where they hang over the edge as well.