Concept2 Forum

I'm new to the forum, and new to rowing. I've been working out on a model C the last few weeks at my local Y. I went today to take a look at a local model C that is for sale on ebay at a very low price (currently < $200). It is a local gym that is going out of business, they are selling all their stuff, most of which is pretty old and worn. A lot of the machines they have for sale are broken, and everything is very explicitly labeled "as is, all sales final". I tried out the rower, and came away a little concerned. It seemed to row extremely easy compared to the rower I've been using. Otherwise everything seemed normal. I suspect they have not maintained the machine at all.

So my question is, how risky is it to buy a used machine like this? I'm inclined to go ahead. If I do need to do some maintenance, is that pretty straightforward for someone who is fairly good at tinkering around with stuff.

http://www.concept2.com/us/support/rowe ... enance.asp

Simplest thing might be that the fan cage is clogged with dust and crud, ten min job to resolve that.

Worse case is new chain, new shock cords.

As long as the monitor works it's probably a good punt at $200.

Though its looking like it may be more than $400 now ($310, with 2 hours to go on ebay), so I'm thinking more seriously about just saving and getting a new one.


Edit: It looks like lots of other folks were lurking, looking at that low price like me. In the final two hours the price went from under $200 to the winning price of $599. I'll keep rowing at the Y for the time being.