What's underneath your erg?

[708uvr]

My wife and I use a Model C regularly and I was wondering if anyone out there recommends anything for for the surface where the machine rests.

We used to have a Model B that we used all the time and it actually wore away a small spot on the hardwood floor in our old apartment. (I think the Model B was less stable and more prone to a slight rocking.) If there were a carpet underneath that machine, it definitely would have worn a hole in it.

Obviously, perspiration is also a factor for an underlying rug, but putting this issue aside, do you think a Model C would wear a hole in a nice rug?

Also, I noticed the UK Concept 2 site sells a large piece of plexiglass to place underneath an erg, but why bother with a huge piece of plexi when you could just use two much smaller pieces for the two points of contact?

Thanks for any advice out there.

[michaelb]

I bought a packet of those ugly, grey interlocking foam squares at home depot, and use those under the erg. 4 squares just cover it. I don't think you need to use anything, but I though it would help catch the sweat poring off me. A rug would be ok, but at least for me it would get a lot of sweat.

What I would like underneath is a set of slides.

[johnlvs2run]

Mine is on a very smooth painted garage concrete floor, and the erg does slip a bit now and then.

The foam pads are good though I've never tried them under the erg.

I got 6 of the 2x2' foam squares for $10 at an auto supply store near here.

[Citroen]

Also, I noticed the UK Concept 2 site sells a large piece of plexiglass to place underneath an erg, but why bother with a huge piece of plexi when you could just use two much smaller pieces for the two points of contact?

Plexiglass? I don't think so.

The Rower Mat is made out of 4 mm thick fluted rubber and measures 250 cm by 80 cm. The Rower Mat can be used on any surface and both helps protect the floor and eliminate slippage.

http://www.c2shop.co.uk/products/floor_mat.php

[Bob S.]

Also, I noticed the UK Concept 2 site sells a large piece of plexiglass to place underneath an erg, but why bother with a huge piece of plexi when you could just use two much smaller pieces for the two points of contact?

Plexiglass? I don't think so.

The Rower Mat is made out of 4 mm thick fluted rubber and measures 250 cm by 80 cm. The Rower Mat can be used on any surface and both helps protect the floor and eliminate slippage.

http://www.c2shop.co.uk/products/floor_mat.php

On checking the US C2 site, I looked at accessories and didn't see any mats listed — rubber, plexiglass, or other. I don't know whether or not C2 in the UK will ship to the US. I notice that even for shipment to Ireland or North Ireland, it is necessary to call to find out the shipping rate. We are a lot more "offshore" than that.

Bob S.

[708uvr]

Citroen is right, of course. I just had plexi in my head for some reason.

In fact, I did e-mail the US C2 folks and they said they could mail me a mat. I'm just wondering how necessary a huge rubber mat is.

In any event, here's the very friendly e-mail I received:

The part number for the mat is PN1556 and sells for $90. You will have
to call us to place an order.

Best regards,

Customer Service
Concept2, Inc.
105 Industrial Park Drive
Morrisville, VT 05661-8532
Phone:(800)245-5676 or (802)888-7971 (USA/Canada only)
International Phone: (802)888-6333
Fax: (802)888-4791
E-mail: mailto:rowing@concept2.com
Web site: http://www.concept2.com
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:00pm (eastern time)