Is a Model B worth purchasing?

[EllenK]

Hi...new to erging and novice at rowing Masters in a mixed 8 boat.

I have an opportunity to purchase a Model B, but not sure what a fair price is given it is beyond 20 years old. It looks to be in excellent condition, however. Testing and purchasing it requires an hour and a half drive, so I am not certain if a Model B is worth the venture at this point...any tips much appreciated.

[Carl Watts]

The Model C in particular was an evolutionary jump over the model B. The B is fine for a bit of casual rowing but if you intend to get serious then the C or a D is more refined.

[TabbRows]

I'd say go have a look and test drive. If the B is indeed in good shape, and at a good price (under $200 probably depending on condition), then with a few upgrades you can still havea good erg machine. Check the sprockets on the fly wheel for wear and the chain for wear and grabbing. If the sprockets are worn down, that would be a killer on the deal for me as these would require machine tools or more specialized tools than normally available in homes to replace. Check that the shock cord is still good and not frayed on the rear roller, if th ehandle is still the wooden handle, you can upgrade to a newer version, There should be at least a speed ring on the fan cage or else the drag factor will be extrordinarily high, especially for what women ergers are used to. And the monitor should be at least a PM2+, preferably a PM3 or PM4 upgrade. Seat pad and newer seat are good. Check rail for pits and seat rollers for wear. Also see if you can determine how many meters have been rowed on either the machine or at least since shock cord replacement. Check the footplates for wear or cracking. and straps for wear. Most of these items have replacement/upgrade parts available on C2 and can be repaired by yourself or maybe, in case of shock cord, with assistance of one other person.

I've got a Model B from the 1984 Olympics trainings that still rows just fine. I only regret is not having a PM3 monitor, but as I now mostly erg on Model Ds at the gym and erg shack more than I erg at home, it's not that big of an issue for me to have to record meters by hand.

[ffrink23]

It is too bad that you must drive that far just to try it out. hopefully they are asking $100 or less.

[c2jonw]

The big question in my mind would be whether it has been used in any institutional setting or has it always been in home use. I've seen home use machines that look as if they just came out of the box. The Model B was a workhorse for virtually every rowing program in the world in it's day and the workout you can get from it is virtually the same as later models. The main wearing components on a B would be the seat rollers and bungee cord, which are both relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. The chain and sprockets also wear out with time and are a little pricier but we still stock them and they can be user replaced. Bearings and clutches also wear with extended use. Does the monitor work? As indicated in earlier posts, it all depends on the condition. C2JonW

[pittsjock]

+1 on Jon's comments.

The B is a great machine and plenty capable. I have been rowing on a B for 20 + years. I have been on C's and D's, but have not tried the dynamic yet. If you are new to rowing, do your homework and learn good technique. The B will leave you panting just as hard as a new, shinier version.

[trink]

I use a model D at the crossfit gym, and I have a model B at home. Except for my missing monitor, there is no real difference. It is more about the seat time, not necessarily the equipment. Get what you can afford.