How to buy a used Concept 2

[tfield98]

We've used an erg at the gym and are shopping for a used one locally on CraigsList.

We have found someone selling a Concept II that was not used commercially. He says it's an older model to which we'd have to retrofit a timer (which we want). Are there any caveats to or doing that?

Any suggestions on what to look for when examining a used Concept 2? Where do they fail? Any tips on avoiding a lemon?

Thanks!

Tom

(Moderator's edit: fixed title!)

[gregsmith01748]

Hi,

There are 5 major product generations of concept2 ergs

Model A (which had an exposed fly wheel and primitive timer)
Model B (which had an enclosed flywheel, non adjustable drag and later models had a performance monitor (PM))
Model C (which has an enclosed flywheel, adjustable drag and a PM)
Model D and Model E (which have all the stuff above but a better PM that does a lot more stuff)
Dynamic (Which is brand new)

I think the craiglist entry is probably for a model B. Some folks love the model B and you can put a PM on them and they work great. You can, with some trouble, adjust the drag.

If you can find a used model C, D or E, it is likely to be in better shape and would not require the purchase of the PM, which will set you back about a hundred bucks.

[tfield98]

Thanks, Greg. You just kept us from buying a "B", with which we not have been happy. I appreciate it.

If you or anyone else has any suggestions on what to look for (in wear and tear, maintenance-needed, etc.) in a used erg, that would be great!

Hi,

There are 5 major product generations of concept2 ergs

Model A (which had an exposed fly wheel and primitive timer)
Model B (which had an enclosed flywheel, non adjustable drag and later models had a performance monitor (PM))
Model C (which has an enclosed flywheel, adjustable drag and a PM)
Model D and Model E (which have all the stuff above but a better PM that does a lot more stuff)
Dynamic (Which is brand new)

I think the craiglist entry is probably for a model B. Some folks love the model B and you can put a PM on them and they work great. You can, with some trouble, adjust the drag.

If you can find a used model C, D or E, it is likely to be in better shape and would not require the purchase of the PM, which will set you back about a hundred bucks.

[rtanton]

[quote="tfield98"]Thanks, Greg. You just kept us from buying a "B", with which we not have been happy. I appreciate it.

If you or anyone else has any suggestions on what to look for (in wear and tear, maintenance-needed, etc.) in a used erg, that would be great!

[quote="gregsmith01748"]Hi,

Tom, I am one of those who row on the "B' and prefer it to either the "C, D or E". I upgraded my B with a PM4 and then added slides, C2 damper ring and ShoxBox. I have used the others (C, D, E) at clubs but find the drag settings too low to match my boat's (Whitehall Tango) feel on the water. The only erg that might eventually replace my B setup would be either a Dynamic or Oartech slider.

Russ

[tfield98]

Thanks, Greg,

We're old -- 60 years old, so we won't be needing the higher drag! Thanks for your input though. I really appreciate it.

Tom

Hi,

Tom, I am one of those who row on the "B' and prefer it to either the "C, D or E". I upgraded my B with a PM4 and then added slides, C2 damper ring and ShoxBox. I have used the others (C, D, E) at clubs but find the drag settings too low to match my boat's (Whitehall Tango) feel on the water. The only erg that might eventually replace my B setup would be either a Dynamic or Oartech slider.

Russ

[rtanton]

[quote="tfield98"]Thanks, Greg,

We're old -- 60 years old, so we won't be needing the higher drag! Thanks for your input though. I really appreciate it.

Tom

Youngster, I have you beat by a few My coach recommended higher drag settings to improve leg strength and power.

Russ

[Bob S.]

Thanks, Greg,

We're old -- 60 years old, so we won't be needing the higher drag!

Well that one was good for a laugh. I first encountered the erg at age 64 and that was 24 years ago. At 60, you are probably not too far off from the average on this forum.

Bob S.

[Howard N]

I own a model B which I bought locally 2nd hand off of Craig's List. I did not like the Model B foot stretchers and I wanted a PM3, so as long as I was ordering that stuff from Concept 2 anyway, I also ordered the newer handle. I'm happy with mine. I did use some duct tape to block some air to get the drag factor to 120. It didn't take much and was easy to do.

I'd suggest checking out the one for sale and make up your own mind on how it will fit in with what you want to do.

63 years old regards,

[kwadams]

Thanks, Greg,

We're old -- 60 years old, so we won't be needing the higher drag!

Well that one was good for a laugh. I first encountered the erg at age 64 and that was 24 years ago. At 60, you are probably not too far off from the average on this forum.

Bob S.

Hi Bob,

I'm sure that anyone reading this thread just did the math like me and all I can say is WOW!! I am just a kid at age 50...I hope I have another 40 years of erging in front of me, too, and I will need lots of extra room for all those Holiday Challenge pins!

Thanks for all of your support and assistance on this forum. I still have not pulled the trigger on the dynamic, but will try to sell my model D after the holidays and see what happens.

Best regards,
Kevin