A couple of issues with used Model C

[MarkusC2forum]

Hi, I'm new to rowing and just picked up a used Concept 2 model C. It appears to have a couple of issues, though. I'd appreciate if you could offer me some advice on these problems:

A: Crack in the aluminium track. I noticed that it does have a small crack on the surface of the monorail. The monorail itself doesn't seem to be affected. Since this is the first rower I own, I can't evaluate how severe of a defect this really is. The seat does glide over it without any problems. I'm merely an amateur rower and plan to use it for an hour a day at most. What I'd like to ask you is:

1. Should I be concerned about this? Is this a big and/or common problem?
2. Is there a way to fix it? What can I do about it? Any idea what a spare track would cost me?
3. How long can I continue to use it in this condition? Do I risk damaging the seat rolls?

B: Framelock: It doesn't have a framelock installed. In its place sits a kind of bolt. Do I absolutely need a framelock? The rower doesn't get moved or disassembled at my home. Or did they change the design of this component during the production period of the model C?

C: PM1: It came with a PM1 monitor. I changed batteries and re-initialized the unit according to the manual. It shows data when rowing, but doesn't react in any way when pressing the buttons. Can I assume a defect?

D: Serial number. Concept2 says: "The label containing the serial number is located between the V of the flywheel support legs and is on the bottom side of the rower." There isn't one on mine. Are they talking about a sticker with the number on it which could have been removed? Or is it supposed to be engraved in the metal? The only number I could find is on the side of the monorail: "PAT 4.396.188"- but that's not the serial number, is it?

Thanks for your help!

- Markus

[Carl Watts]

The top part of the monorail is a separate stainless steel capping strip. It can be replaced.

Framelock or I presume you mean the "Camlock" gizzmo, you ideally need one as the whole rower is less stable without it, even though you can still use the rower without one.

The PM1 is now an old monitor and it has limitations, mainly no Heart Rate input or PC connectivity. You can "Retrofit" a PM3 or PM4 to the Model C.

I have never noticed the serial number on my C2 !

[MarkusC2forum]

Thanks, Carl, for your insight. I pretty much got things sorted out by now. The stainless stell track is replacable, costs around 30 USD. Early model Cs apparently didn't have the framelock but did have a bolt instead, which is what I have on mine, so nothing's missing there. Given that the PM1 is only partially functioning and rather old I ordered a PM4 instead. The only thing that's still missing is the serial number. Maybe early Cs didn't have one?