re furb or renew?

[toddler]

I have an old model d with around 30million meters on it...... I tightened the shock cord a couple of days ago, but it probably needs replacing.
Do I just replace the shock cord or do I invest in a new erg ?

[jackarabit]

Have not replaced the chain return cord. I'd take a chance on a 5$ Item if I thought it would improve the feel of the catch. Not much of an investment cf. to the cost of new D or E. Another question to ask is whether you want to replace parts a la carte or perform a sort of milage based service as is common in automobile maintenance. I have no idea if 30MM meters is even close to the number of hours of operation that produce enuf sprocket wear and chain stretch to create a skip. I've had bike chains that were still going at 18k miles. I think probably not unless your machine was attacked by gym rats who think the erg chain is just another sort of cable attached to a weight stack and should be pulled every which way but in line with the plane of the sprocket. Still, a more ambitious overhaul might mean heading off some future trouble and would be efficient as you would avoid opening the thing up repeatedly. Same as replacing a water pump while getting a timing belt replaced. OTOH if you really want a new rower, you can probably sell yours for 66 to 75% of your cost new. Jack