Newbie question: VERY used C2 "C" price

Mary53 · Post by **Mary53** » April 27th, 2008, 9:24 pm

Greetings; this is my first post. I've been rowing a little while at my local YMCA. They've upgraded their model C's with E's. PushPedalPull have refurbed the old C's and installed PM3 monitors. They're asking $550. I don't know yet if refurbishing includes new chain/shock cord, etc, or if it just means they blew out the dust and wiped it off. They look "better/cleaner," but have millions of meters on them and I know they weren't regularly oiled/maintained in the Y facility itself by the already-overbusy staff, except for just being wiped off regularly. I would want to upgrade the handle to the new molded one.
1. My biggest hesitation is simply the huge mileage and, with tax, paying nearly $600 for it. It does have the PM3 already installed, though I realize opinions differ as to whether the PM3 is better than the PM2.
2. Would it be better to pay $890 with shipping and get a brand new model D? Some also seem to prefer the model C to the D, others prefer the D... would appreciate input/reviews from those who've moved from the C to the D. I can stretch for the new D, but prefer to save money. But also aware that it's no savings if the mileage is so high that the C might not last. I row quite a lot and will be rowing even more by having an erg at home, so it needs to last.
3. Is the C fairly "life-long" repairable by simply replacing worn parts? I want it to run as smooth and quiet and well as possible.
Any comments/advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated as I must make the decision soon lest it be sold out from under me.
Many thanks,
Mary

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » April 27th, 2008, 10:53 pm

I've owned the B, C, D, and pm1, pm2, pm3.

Of the two, I much prefer the model D to the C.

The C was $550 in mint condition from Ebay with low meters, that I used for 2 years and then sold for $677 minus Ebay/Paypal exorbitant fees, so I figure the increase was a wash. Then I got a new model D. I did like the pm2 monitor better but it doesn't work on the D.

Resale is another consideration, as at some point you'll want to sell the C for a better one. The main draw to the facility machine is savings, but you won't really be saving due to the high use it has had, and it doesn't sound like a deal. If it was $300 and you could sell it for more than next week, then maybe.

In this case I'd go for the new one. The condition is much better, it is quieter, smoother, and will be nicer looking in your home.

rowland · Post by **rowland** » April 28th, 2008, 12:07 pm

I agree with john buy a new d over the old high priced C,
I would only buy a C in the 300 to 400 range, tops

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » April 28th, 2008, 12:44 pm

Also agree. The C is noisy which is my biggest complaint about it. John seems to be the only one who has strong opinions about the PM2 (you will suffer just as much with either one). If you really want to save money, wait to you find a better deal for a used machine.

Mary53 · Post by **Mary53** » April 30th, 2008, 11:45 pm

Greetings, and thanks very much for your helpful responses. I went by and had a look at the rower; it had the new monitor installed but otherwise didn't look like it had been touched. Same accumulation of grime and dust as when I last saw it, chain was very dry -- not sure what "refurbished" means in their definition. Anyway, I was not able to talk with the shop owner, and haven't yet made a final decision as to whether I want it at the lowest price I would pay, which he might or might not accept. This week has been too busy to even think more about it. I'm not encouraged to find it looking in the same condition, looking unserviced at all except for new monitor, as when it left the local Y. On the other hand $890 is something that must be thought about.
Thanks very much once again for your feedback and advice.

ckaiserca · Post by **ckaiserca** » May 13th, 2008, 7:13 pm

To me, "Refurbished" would mean a full cleaning of the machine, replacement of any worn out parts, and new shock cords.

If they have not even cleaned the grime off the unit, then stay far, far away at that price!

Spend the money on a new "D." You will be happy that you did!

Mary53 · Post by **Mary53** » May 13th, 2008, 11:21 pm

Hi friends,
Thanks for further input and advice. I've indeed closed the door on the model C I was asking about. Talked to the shop owner, he wouldn't budge a penny. I also expressed that I expected "refurbished" to mean what my experienced buying refurb'd cameras, electronics, etc means: gone over, cleaned, and made as "like-new" as possible.
Have been looking at some other C's on row2K and ebay -- certainly wind up going new. Will let you know!
Thanks again!

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » May 14th, 2008, 12:35 pm

Check craigslist.com too.

Mary53 · Post by **Mary53** » May 15th, 2008, 7:59 am

Thanks, John. I've been watching it, but nothing comes up so far.

johnlvs2run · Post by **johnlvs2run** » May 15th, 2008, 11:35 am

You might check out if any B's come up too.

The B is my favorite erg, especially if it has a pm2 monitor.

If you could get one for a low price then it might be a good deal.

Mary53 · Post by **Mary53** » May 15th, 2008, 7:32 pm

Thanks John, especially for recommending the "B." I know nothing about it, but have been watching the ones on ebay. One will sell probably pretty high because of who is selling it.
I'm biding my time and watching for a good deal. Thanks for continuing to help.
Mary

Widgeon · Post by **Widgeon** » May 29th, 2008, 11:17 am

Mary, I have had the opportunity to row on Model "A", "B", "C", "D" and "E" machines. The B model has significant differences from C, D or E. I don't find it to be as good a machine for me. Though John finds it useful to his needs. The slide is constructed differently on the B, as are the fly wheel, and footplate. The fan has some adjustment via an adjustable vent on the side of the wheel, but the cage is very open wrt the C and later models. Major resistance change is via a sprocket. You reach in and move the chain from one sprocket to the other.

The biggest thing to consider: C and later models break down, easily for storage. Model B is a solid unit. Must have the space to store it. The model B is a good machine. More problems with corrosion of the slide, esp since they are older machines and chrome coated. That has started to be a problem on my father's machine, which I rowed quite a bit 20 years ago when it was new. I still row that machine occasionally, but it is showing its years. You will want to be careful when getting a B model.

I currently own a C and a D. Both are nice machines. The D is quieter. Since I row while watching TV with my family, that is a big consideration for me. There is a retrofit kit to make the C quieter, but I have not done that yet, my understanding is that it will still be noisier than the D. Save your pennies and spring for the D. You will have the handle and monitor upgrades. If you get a used C you will have almost $200 to upgrade to the new handle and PM3. I think the sprocket upgrade is about $45. I don't know what it would cost to replace the shockcord. Not a lot, but it all starts to add up. Unless you can get a C for a good price, probably less hassle to get the D.

Good luck!

Pam

Mary53 · Post by **Mary53** » May 30th, 2008, 7:41 am

Thanks Pam for your knowledgeable input, especially all the info on the B model. I think I've about decided to save for a D unless I can find a really excellent-condition C for $550 or less, including shipping. Shipping really jacks up the price. You're in Norman, I'm in Tulsa -- know anyone with a good C I could come and get myself? My car gets good mileage!

It's just hard to shell out hundreds when I work in a Y and there is exercise equipment all around -- but the rowers are often full when I am able to take time for rowing.

So I'm wrestling with some indecision in it as well.

I'll keep everyone posted though, meanwhile thanks again!

Mary

zen cohen · Post by **zen cohen** » May 30th, 2008, 1:50 pm

Hang in there, Mary. I found a very clean C on craigslist for $375 (he asked for $550 but dropped his price). Then a week later I saw a new D still in wrapping on CL for $500. Sold the C for $550 on ebay and kept the D. So if you're in or near a very populated area keep watching those ads and one will pop up, and if it's too high, negotiate. Then again, if the price is reasonable it'll probably go fast.