So I have this model A at a summer place where I go and I'm used to rowing on my model C at home with a drag factor between 100 -115. The model A feels pretty heavy even with the chain on the largest cog (most teeth) on the fly wheel. What can I do to lighten it up? Install an even bigger cog? Take the black flaps on the wheel off? What would you suggest?
Thanks, Don
Model A question
Both your ideas will work.
There are two slightly different issues. The weight (really moment of inertia) of the model A flywheel is much more then the later models. So removing the black flaps will make it feel lighter except on the first stroke where almost all the force goes into accelerating the flywheel rather then the air resistance.
Make sure to remove the black flaps in pairs on opposite sides, or in some symmetrical pattern.
On my model A, the cogs was a standard 5 speed 13-17 tooth bicycle freewheel. I did replace mine with a 14-18T which was also standard.
5 speed freewheels are hard to find these days and then with only a limited number of sizes. 6,7, and 8 speed freewheels use a different thickness cog and are wider so make sure you get a five. (you may get a six speed to work). IF your chain is very worn it may not work well with a new freewheel. IF you have problems, I would bring it to a bike shop and let them take care of it. If you have only been using the 17T and it still works fine on one of the smaller ones, you won't have a problem. ALso you will need a freewheel remover or let a bike shop do it.
There are some places that may still have some 5 speed freewheels.
With anything bigger then 18T you will not get one tooth increments in a standard 5 speed but that may not be an issue if you only use one cog. You may find something with a 18 or 19 tooth cog in the middle which will be better for chain alignment, but you won't find anything with both an 18 and 19.
I'm pretty sure I have several five speed freewheels buried in a box in my garage, including a few with 15-19T (which I special ordered when I was racing as a junior). I have no idea how worn they. If you'd like can take a look and send them to you if you pay the postage.
Move it close to a wall will reduce the drag slightly.
You could also call C2 and ask them what they suggest.
There are two slightly different issues. The weight (really moment of inertia) of the model A flywheel is much more then the later models. So removing the black flaps will make it feel lighter except on the first stroke where almost all the force goes into accelerating the flywheel rather then the air resistance.
Make sure to remove the black flaps in pairs on opposite sides, or in some symmetrical pattern.
On my model A, the cogs was a standard 5 speed 13-17 tooth bicycle freewheel. I did replace mine with a 14-18T which was also standard.
5 speed freewheels are hard to find these days and then with only a limited number of sizes. 6,7, and 8 speed freewheels use a different thickness cog and are wider so make sure you get a five. (you may get a six speed to work). IF your chain is very worn it may not work well with a new freewheel. IF you have problems, I would bring it to a bike shop and let them take care of it. If you have only been using the 17T and it still works fine on one of the smaller ones, you won't have a problem. ALso you will need a freewheel remover or let a bike shop do it.
There are some places that may still have some 5 speed freewheels.
With anything bigger then 18T you will not get one tooth increments in a standard 5 speed but that may not be an issue if you only use one cog. You may find something with a 18 or 19 tooth cog in the middle which will be better for chain alignment, but you won't find anything with both an 18 and 19.
I'm pretty sure I have several five speed freewheels buried in a box in my garage, including a few with 15-19T (which I special ordered when I was racing as a junior). I have no idea how worn they. If you'd like can take a look and send them to you if you pay the postage.
Move it close to a wall will reduce the drag slightly.
You could also call C2 and ask them what they suggest.
Two easy ways to reduce the drag:
1) Block air flow- move the machine close to a wall such that the air flow into the center and out the circumference of the flywheel is interrupted.
2) Remove fan blades- there are nine of them so remove every third one. Depending on the vintage of the machine you may need to remove a retaing staple from the blades to get them off.
C2JonW
1) Block air flow- move the machine close to a wall such that the air flow into the center and out the circumference of the flywheel is interrupted.
2) Remove fan blades- there are nine of them so remove every third one. Depending on the vintage of the machine you may need to remove a retaing staple from the blades to get them off.
C2JonW
73 year old grandpa living in Waterbury Center, Vermont, USA
Concept2 employee 1980-2018! and what a long, strange trip it's been......
Concept2 employee 1980-2018! and what a long, strange trip it's been......