What do I need to know before buying used?

[edward.jamer]

Looking for suggestions of what I should test/check before buying a used BikeErg. PM5 summary shows 131 hours, 3.3 million meters. Pics look fine, but want to check out in person before committing.

Asking price is about 2/3 new. I'm in a small population area so it's uncommon to find them second hand. This doesn't sound like an overpay?

Assuming we go forward, any general tips for someone new to indoor cycling? Mostly for my daughter (13) as I'll probably stick to rowing.

Thanks!!

[gvcormac]

Can you try it or are ordering over the interwebs?

If you can try it, basically, check for loose stuff and noises.

The good news is that C2 stocks a full complement of parts, so with some time/effort/$$$ you can fix whatever might be wrong.

That's low mileage, so unless it has had some sort of catastrophe it should be good.

Prices are hard to estimate. During Covid, people paid list price for used. 2/3 of list for slightly used sounds reasonable.

You an figure out the manufacture date from the serial number on the back of the fan. Even over the interwebs, you can ask for a pic of that.

[edward.jamer]

Found via web. I was hoping to get the chance to check it out in person first, but that might not happen. Your comments are helpful though - thanks!

Looks like the bike is around the same age as my RowErg (a few years ago). It's been lightly used after a knee rehab was complete though, explaining the relatively low mileage.

Like you said, I've got a lot of confidence buying C2 equipment based on the excellent track record for support, parts and maintenance.
Doesn't look like any noticeable wear. I think we're going to pull the trigger and hope for the best. We can't afford a new one - this maxes our budget - but if it's half as good as the RowErg then it'll end up being a steal.

[Carl Watts]

The most problems occur in the monitors when people put cheap batteries in them.

Rowers are prone to "Storage" for long periods where they are not used and people leave the batteries in them that then go flat and leak acid.

You really want a photo of the battery compartment of the monitor before you buy one, otherwise worst case, you could be up for a new monitor.

Pretty much only use Alkaline batteries like Energizer or Duracell and you will not have that issue.

[edward.jamer]

Good tip - thanks!

[edward.jamer]

Brought the used BikeErg home this afternoon.
It needed a good cleaning and regular maintenance session. Seems fine outside of a few scuffs and scratches though.

Updated PM5, then calibrated and tried a very short ride afterwards. Once cleaned, drag factor was reported as 33 at damper setting 1, 222 at damper setting 10... Seems ok. Still planning to replace the batteries later tonight. (Maybe not necessary, but workout history shows that it's been sitting unused for several months and they look pretty cheap to start with. Why not avoid problems before they start, right?)

I do need to order a couple of replacement parts:
* 1 x flywheel cover bolt
* 1 x pn1299 screw (not listed on the C2 parts site; I'll email and see what they suggest)

Otherwise no complaints. Seller agreed to drop the price slightly, so it ended up being closer to half price versus buying new; my confidence in C2 equipment makes that feel like a great deal. Fingers crossed that it gets as much use as our RowErg.

Thanks for the feedback, Carl and gvcormac! Really appreciate it.

[Carl Watts]

Enjoy.

If you get time check out Zwift, it really is quite amazing.

Used the RowErg for over 12 years but have now moved to using a WattBike Trainer with Zwift.

[edward.jamer]

... If you get time check out Zwift, it really is quite amazing. ...

Yes, it's high on the list of things to try!

My daughter did 4k using ErgData real time loop tonight, and thought it was amazing to bike "with" someone. She also thought the loop would be fun if I row and she rides since our C2 machines sit side-by-side.

Zwift will blow her mind. Looks very fun!

[Willy.VdW]

You can check the charge level of the batteries:
https://www.concept2.com/service/monito ... nformation
Perhaps it is worthwhile to check it before replacing them.

[Carl Watts]

You can check the charge level of the batteries:
https://www.concept2.com/service/monito ... nformation
Perhaps it is worthwhile to check it before replacing them.

If they are really cheap carbon zinc batteries, I would throw them straight in the bin.

The black EverReady "super heavy duty" is the greatest Concept 2 monitor killer ever made. If you want to write your monitor off then fit a couple of these and wait 12 months.

For those with attention to detail the words use Alkaline batteries is moulded into the case.

[gvcormac]

It surprises me that people still buy carbon batteries. Alkalines are cheap enough at Costco and many dollar stores. A recent Marketplace study showed that the brand-X may last only 90% as long as the brand names, but for 1/5 the price they are the clear value leader.

That said, alkalines (even the expensive ones) can and do leak, if you leave them discharged for a long time. But they won't discharge spontaneously -- at least not nearly as quickly as carbon.

[Carl Watts]

Personally I have found that Duracell have been the best.

As I have said here before I have a couple of D ones with a best before date of March 2005 on them that I still use for testing. Its the construction of the case and quality across the board that makes them last and not leak. They are down to like 35% capacity but will still run a monitor, including the sharp inrush current in the older PM3 and PM4 monitors with the memory backup capacitor when its flat.

People using the PM2 should only use Lithium AA batteries, this technology simply doesn't leak in my experience.

Duracell Made in Canada

[Willy.VdW]

That said, alkalines (even the expensive ones) can and do leak, if you leave them discharged for a long time.

Indeed, they do. I have seen a couple only last week in a portable radio.
Fully depleted, but only on the same day, when the radio stopped working.
It were Duracell Industrial C batteries, expire date 2018.
But I agree they are good and rarely leak, I also use them.

[kevinrasco]

For people of the future who may stumble upon this thread while searching for a deal on a C2 rower...
Definitely check that battery compartment.
Eventually the rubber band may need replacement or adjustment. This band retracts the chain on the recovery. I have adjusted the band in my machine myself. It's not a task for the non-technically inclined. C2 support can provide detailed instructions, and replacement parts if necessary. That said the band should last many years whether used or not. I would be suspicious of a machine stored in extremely hot conditions for a long time. If you see spikes of 85~100 SPM on your logbook data the band is in need of adjustment. (Assuming you don't actually row that fast!)

[edward.jamer]

...

Eventually the rubber band may need replacement or adjustment. This band retracts the chain on the recovery. I have adjusted the band in my machine myself. It's not a task for the non-technically inclined. C2 support can provide detailed instructions, and replacement parts if necessary. That said the band should last many years whether used or not. I would be suspicious of a machine stored in extremely hot conditions for a long time. If you see spikes of 85~100 SPM on your logbook data the band is in need of adjustment. (Assuming you don't actually row that fast!)

Hahaha... I was trying to figure out what rubber band you meant, and had to read the post twice before recognizing that this is rower-specific advice (despite being posted in the BikeErg forum).

Still good advice when giving a used RowErg the once-over before use, though. My only quibble would be that the bungee cords aren't that bad to replace if you take your time; just be sure to set aside an hour or so if you're really slow and new to the process, like me. There are some good videos on YouTube showing the process which help out a lot.