Concept2 Forum

Hi, I'm considering upgrading my trusty Model B to a model D.

What are the pros and cons of getting a D instead of my B.

The model B is well-nigh indestructible, that's one thing I already know.

I believe this has been discussed many times before so do a a search for various opinions.

The D is much quieter.
It is lighter so it is easier to move.
It comes apart. (easier to transport)
It comes with the latest monitor (doesn't much matter might not matter to you depending on what you have and your personal opinion)
The handle is shaped different (I like it better)
The foot platforms is different. Might not be much of an improvement.

The B does seem indestructible, but the D is also very well made and replacement parts are really very inexpensive. C2 believes it is in their interest to keep all machines running well so I doubt they make any money replacement parts. I am very impressed with engineering in the D--it is really impressive how good they made it with inexpensive parts.

I had an model A that was then converted to a B that I had for over 20 years. I resisted upgrading for a long time because the B was just fine. Finally my wife surprised me with a D, and I ended up using it a lot more. I can't really say why but I enjoyed rowing it much more.

I've also considered the same upgrade. One more difference: the seat. For me, the seat on the B is far more comfortable. I'm assuming I'd get used to the seat on the D, but it's been a mild deterrent to upgrading.

I also have a B that is 23 years old, with many million meters on it. However it is noisy and my hearing has suffered enough already. I just bought a used model C with less than 1 million meters on it for $200 and plan to upgrade it to a pseudo-model D with a new handle and PM3. I like it! I can listen to the TV without headphones and it just seems smoother. I plan to keep the B so I can row with my wife (and maybe get some slides in the future), but I see it sitting idle more. If you can afford it, the Cs or Ds are much nicer.

Mark

Oh, about the seat. I hate that. My skinny ass just gets rubbed raw with the rocking on those pelvic bones. I have a nice pad that I use and plan to get an old rowing shell seat sometime and put that on. I guess C2 went more to the mass appeal than rower specific like the models A and B.

Thanks for the info.
The main reason for me to consider the replacement is that I find erging on the model B somewhat heavy, I already installed the speedring Concept 2 provides, but that didn't solve the problem for me.
There's no sideways or up and down movement of the flywheel and it turns quite freely, so I figure the bearings of the flywheel are ok.
I did replace the shock cord, and I have rowed more than 315.000 meters since the replacement, so I guess the shock cord has lost its newness.
The chain and cogs also run pretty smooth, so maybe it's just me getting old.
Since I've never rowed on a model D I have no way of knowing if its action is lighter than the model B's, if you have any feedback on that?
I could alternatively go for a setup like this one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26916409@N00/3309741053/
which has a home made damper ring that covers the flywheel cage better than the C2 speed ring does and also has roofing paper covering the tip of the flywheel cage in effect creating a closed cage like the newer models have.
Other than this, I find the footboard a bit harsh on my heels when I'm rowing, I could get the flexfoot retrofit from C2 for that, and the PM1 a bit basic, when rowing on a model B you can never really compare your times with people that row on newer machines.

If you are still on a PM1, a newer erg with a PM2+, PM3, or PM4 would also make it possible for you to get Rowpro and do some rows online.

I did all that to my Model B and it lowered the drag factor considerably, down to a comparable 2 or 3 damper setting on my "new" model C. It was still noisy, however, which was what I was trying to alleviate. The newer machines feel smoother, I think, just because they are newer and improved over what they built in 1987. I know the B is a vast improvement over the A I originally had. This C, and the D's I've rowed in various places are an improvement over the B (except for the seat), but not as significant. I only broke down and got the C because it was such a good deal, otherwise I'd still be happy on the B.

Good luck with your decision.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
I''ll just have to row on the model D and see how I like it and decide if I want to upgrade.

The big improvements came with the Model C and if you keep it well enough maintained it is pretty quiet.

A PM3 or a PM4 is a big bonus as it allows you to connect it to you PC and run RowPro. The USB connection also reduces the battery consumption by half on a PM3.