Concept2 Forum

Anyone have any experience with setting up either an erg or a skierg on the back (screened-in) porch? If covered between sessions, does the equipment survive well outdoors? I live in Charlotte, NC. Thanks.

I was wondering this as well. I'm thinking of leaving mine on a finished, unheated porch. How do they react to the cold temperature? Usually our lowest winter temps are around 5 degrees F.

Hi,
It's worked out really well for me. I had to make a few adjustments to the porch, but so far so good. When the temps drop down past 35 or so I remove the PM3 and take it inside. Josh from C2 recommended bringing it in at an even higher temp, but that's what I've done so far and no problems. Kind of a pain, but worth it to have the machine outside. During the winter I'll spend more time on the erg indoors and hit the skierg when the weather allows. In the summer I'll do the opposite. I like alternating on the two machines, they are both great.
Cheers,
Barry

Two things can happen to SkiErgs in the cold:

1) The monitor may appear faded or dim. Cold temperatures will have the same effect on any LCD display. We haven't done extensive testing but it is unlikely that reasonably cold temperatures will do any damage to the PM.

2) The shock cord will get sluggish. Like most rubber, the bands in the shock cord will get stiff. Fortunately skiing for 30 seconds or so will warm things and the shock cord will tighten up.

It's also possible that the lanolin in the handle cord will congeal and make the handle cord a bit stiff but as with the shock cord, the handle cord will soften up pretty quickly when you ski.

Trevor