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Another Model B Refresh!
Posted: December 26th, 2020, 4:43 pm
by pep
Hello! New here. I recently picked up a Model B for $50 from the original owner. I don't know if they did any maintenance or replaced any parts, but it seems to be in great shape and rows smoothly. It's my first Erg, so I have nothing to compare it to, and have never worked on one before.
I'm going to order the PM5 retrofit kit for it, and if there are any parts that should be replaced, I'd like to order those, too.
Here are some pics, without taking anything apart. Do the bungees and connecty-bits look alright? Should the chain be straight? And, I'm sure this is more personal preference, but is it worth updating the foot boards? Seems like some flex would be nice.
Thanks for any advice!
Re: Another Model B Refresh!
Posted: December 26th, 2020, 5:54 pm
by dsamant
Did you try the other sprocket and see what the angle is like? Is it rubbing against anything at the current angle?
I would change the bungee if the return mechanism has a slack or if the rower has been stored outdoors previously. Extreme temperature exposure reduces its elasticity. It is very inexpensive ($9) and makes a huge difference in the rowing experience.
I personally like the wooden footboards (and the handle!) but the retrofit ones have more flex (as u said), more adjustment slots and can be adjusted more easily if you have multiple people using the same machine. I mentioned in the other post, the damper rings and front caster wheels are also good parts to order.
Re: Another Model B Refresh!
Posted: December 26th, 2020, 8:03 pm
by pep
Thank you! The chain was originally on the other sprocket; it was lightly rubbing against the flywheel cage, so I moved it in. I also tried adjusting the arms/cage position, so I'm not sure if it would still rub, but the lower part of the chain is still pretty close to the cage.
I'm not sure if it the return mechanism has slack (it feels fine to me, but again, I don't know what it's supposed to feel like), so for $9, can't hurt to find out. I believe it was kept in an insulated garage. Thanks for the suggestions!
Re: Another Model B Refresh!
Posted: December 27th, 2020, 4:33 am
by GreenStratMan
dsamant wrote: ↑December 26th, 2020, 5:54 pm
Did you try the other sprocket and see what the angle is like? Is it rubbing against anything at the current angle?
I would change the bungee if the return mechanism has a slack or if the rower has been stored outdoors previously. Extreme temperature exposure reduces its elasticity. It is very inexpensive ($9) and makes a huge difference in the rowing experience.
I personally like the wooden footboards (and the handle!) but the retrofit ones have more flex (as u said), more adjustment slots and can be adjusted more easily if you have multiple people using the same machine. I mentioned in the other post, the damper rings and front caster wheels are also good parts to order.
I have the wooden handle my model C, don’t think I’ll replace it.
Re: Another Model B Refresh!
Posted: December 27th, 2020, 4:35 am
by GreenStratMan
pep wrote: ↑December 26th, 2020, 8:03 pm
Thank you! The chain was originally on the other sprocket; it was lightly rubbing against the flywheel cage, so I moved it in. I also tried adjusting the arms/cage position, so I'm not sure if it would still rub, but the lower part of the chain is still pretty close to the cage.
I'm not sure if it the return mechanism has slack (it feels fine to me, but again, I don't know what it's supposed to feel like), so for $9, can't hurt to find out. I believe it was kept in an insulated garage. Thanks for the suggestions!
I’ve just put a new bungee on my model C, when I test the tension with a spring balance, it comes out at 2.5kg.
Re: Another Model B Refresh!
Posted: December 29th, 2020, 12:53 pm
by c2jonw
Looks like you got a good deal on this machine. Regarding the chain/cage alignment, it's a little difficult to tell from the pics but something does look a little crooked or racked. I'd try loosening the 4 screws that hold the flywheel cage to the two arms and also the 4 big bolts that hold the footplates and arms to the monorail. With all of the fasteners loose, see if you can correct the position of the cage in the arms as you evenly retighten things up.