Upgrade PM on model B?

[drachma]

Hi All,

I have a model B rower with a PM2. I am thinking it would be real convenient to have the HR monitoring built into the rowing data so i can sync it with pace changes etc. A force curve read-out would also be dandy for helping out my technique and consistency.

I am also considering slides, due to the evidence that they reduce peak loading on the lower back.

Right now I have the Cardboard Flywheel Housing upgrade to get the drag factor down to a normal level.

So,

1. will a PM4 work on this model and is the force curve going to be accurate?
2. how about slides? will the regular C2 slides work with this model or do I need to find older ones?

[Citroen]

1. The PM4 can be configured to work with a model B.
2. Pick up the phone call Concept2.

[AndyGadget]

Hi Drachma, I hope you don't mind me going off-topic for a sec.
What is this Cardboard Flywheel Housing Upgrade of which you speak? Is this of similar history to my Duct Tape Wrapped Over The Cage upgrade on my model B or is there a template somewhere? (My duct tape is starting to peel off so I'm looking for a more permanent low cost solution.)
(BTW, model B works fine with PM5 too.)

[Carl Watts]

Time to get a new Erg guys.

If your doing any serious meters each week its time for a Model D.

[AndyGadget]

The shop website says the standard C2 (single) slides work with the model B - http://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers ... ies/slides .

New ergo? - Probably one day but my Model B is in the shed so cosmetic appearance isn't a problem. Rollers / handle / cord /seat replaced, and flywheel bearings are sound so while it's performing OK I'll hang on to it. I was a water rower in the 80's and early 90's and just bringing back my general fitness after too long off so not enormous mileage.

[Bob S.]

The shop website says the standard C2 (single) slides work with the model B - http://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers ... ies/slides .

New ergo? - Probably one day but my Model B is in the shed so cosmetic appearance isn't a problem. Rollers / handle / cord /seat replaced, and flywheel bearings are sound so while it's performing OK I'll hang on to it. I was a water rower in the 80's and early 90's and just bringing back my general fitness after too long off so not enormous mileage.

The model B was built like a tank. With proper care, it can generally outlast any owner. With a PM4 and wheel cage shielding, its early deficiencies are eliminated.

[jag]

Hi Drachma, I hope you don't mind me going off-topic for a sec.
What is this Cardboard Flywheel Housing Upgrade of which you speak? Is this of similar history to my Duct Tape Wrapped Over The Cage upgrade on my model B or is there a template somewhere? (My duct tape is starting to peel off so I'm looking for a more permanent low cost solution.)
(BTW, model B works fine with PM5 too.)

You want a part from the Model B part list: WIND DAMPER RING, PN 372, $12.30.

It's plastic (not cardboard), installs easily and will last as long as your Model B. Works great and looks like it came with the machine to start with.

[AndyGadget]

Thanks Jag, Actually you mentioned this to me just about a year ago on another thread. I e-mailed C2 in the UK at the time but can't remember getting a reply.
I've just sent another e-mail asking if this is still available. (It's not shown in the shop accessories or parts sections of the website.)

[AndyGadget]

I've had a reply from Concept telling me that the speed ring is no longer available, at least in the UK, so . . .

I've just made one of my own out of 3mm hardboard.
It took a couple of iterations to get the cutouts in the right place but now I've got a drag factor of 95 to 225, fairly linear across the range of lever settings. Fits a treat and will look great once I've refitted it after the satin black paint has dried. A while back I posted plans for a 3D printed extension for the drag factor lever. This works fine with my speed ring and makes adjustment from the seat a lot easier - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:753360

My model B with no drag adjustment gives 195 to 250, and with my duct tape around the cage mod was giving 110 to 220, (although this was variable depending on how much tape was flapping about at the time ;¬)

If I get a couple of requests I'll start a new thread and post details of the sizing and angles for the speed ring I've made.

[jla956]

Andy Gadget - I just ordered the Speed Ring for my Model B and was wondering if you could provide the link for your 3D printed extension handle plans? It seems that you are adjusting your ring to determine drag factors of which I will need to learn more about. I am also upgrading my PM1 to a PM5 so that should help me a lot with all of this. Been using my Model B since 1988 and back in 2002 I upgraded to the Flex Foot but that's all I've ever done to it except replace the batteries in the PM1.

Now that I've turned 60 I plan to up my rowing workouts and these upgrades should help me to better monitor everything. I've got legal pads listing hand-written logs of over 28 years of rowing but with this new monitor I understand that I will be able to download my pieces onto a USB and then upload them onto an online log book - that will be nice. If anyone has a link to threads to help me better understand drag factors I would most appreciate it. Also, any input as to what to expect in the transition from a PM1 to a PM5 and how I can best utilize it would be most appreciated.

I also ordered one of the new design rowing handles to see what a difference that makes. Overall, the folks at C2 were very helpful today. I originally called to see about ordering a SkiErg but the customer service rep explained that there was really no reason to get one as my Model B would provide the same type of workout and monitoring capabilities if I would just upgrade a few things. Nice to see a business put the customers best interest ahead of just trying to make a sell. One day I might go ahead and order one of the SkiErgs but for now I'll just worry about learning how the PM5 works and what all it has to offer.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

[woodgeek]

Time to get a new Erg guys.

If your doing any serious meters each week its time for a Model D.

Huh? Do these rowing machines have an expiration date that I'm not aware of? An erg is a handle, connected to a chain, pulling a flywheel coupled with an impeller. When you're rowing, the work/energy put into that system is measured by a computer. If each of those systems work, why is it time for a new erg? If one of those systems needs to be repaired, is it time for a new erg?

I just bought a Model B that was made the year after I left high school. It still functions as designed. The PM1 still functions as designed. I'd like to be able to track my workouts on my computer so I'll be upgrading my Model B with a PM5 later this year.

For what it's worth, I like the appearance of the Model B more than the newer high-tech models.

[Cyclist2]

My model B still works fine after 30 years and one new shock cord. Keep it where it won't rust, do the recommended maintenance and I expect it will last even longer. The PM2 has heart rate readout using an analog device (Polar, e.g.). I built a side panel from pegboard to reduce the drag factor, easy to do.

It is noisy, however, which is why I use my Model C mostly anymore.

Slides will fit the Model B. If it is in a line it has to be the first in the line, since the front leg is behind the flywheel.

Have fun!