Got me my own C2!

[mwalsh]

They say that timing is everything, and I certainly ran into some good luck tonight when I decided to check CL one last time before heading to bed because, lo and behold, a really cheap Model C posted just a minute earlier, and I just got done driving 160 miles to go get it before someone else did!

Now that's not to say it's perfect - the PM2 on it appears to be a lost cause, and it still has the old school wooden handle - but it pulls really well and other than a few scrapes and scratches in the finish it appears and feels sound.

I can't wait to start training on it because, frankly, the slipping on the one and only erg at my gym has gotten worse to the point that it's practically unusable, and despite complaining to the manager dude a couple of times all they did as of this week was clean and lube the chain, which didn't make any difference at all. Now I can tell them to stick their poor, beat-up Model D, and I'll just do my training at home!

I guess other than upgrading the handle, I'll really want to take care of the monitor situation. Is $50-$60 a reasonable price to want to pay on a good used PM3? Does anyone in the community have one they'd be willing to let go at that sort of money? I really can't see me being able to spend another $180 right now for a brand new PM5, and some of the PM2s and PM3s I see on eBay for ~$150...well, no.

Is there anything to watch for when putting a PM3 on a Model C? I seem to remember reading something about calibration, but can't remember if that was applicable to this situation or if it was Model B related. And the swing arm that's supposed to take the PM2 - usable for a PM3 or no?

What about this PM2 - anything I can try to see if it can be coaxed back into life? Clearly just installing new batteries isn't going to do it, but I don't mind stripping it down completely and cleaning everything real good if it might get it going again! Although I'd probably still prefer a PM3 so I can see and easily set drag factor.

[Balkan boy]

Give the wooden handle a chance.
I did over 2 million meters with that handle and I never had a blister. I would tell anyone who would listen how amazing the foam material on that handle was. Now I use Model D handle and it blisters my hands everywhere. I have to row in gloves for the first time.
Now put that saving towards a new PM5 with warranty.

Try to diagnose your PM2. If you're not particular about internal memory and external connectivity of the PM3/4/5, the PM2 will serve you well. It has all the primary feature like the new ones, including Drag factor, intervals, splits etc.

[mwalsh]

Give the wooden handle a chance.
I did over 2 million meters with that handle and I never had a blister. I would tell anyone who would listen how amazing the foam material on that handle was. Now I use Model D handle and it blisters my hands everywhere. I have to row in gloves for the first time.
Now put that saving towards a new PM5 with warranty.

Try to diagnose your PM2. If you're not particular about internal memory and external connectivity of the PM3/4/5, the PM2 will serve you well. It has all the primary feature like the new ones, including Drag factor, intervals, splits etc.

Huh. I didn't realize the PM2 could display Drag Factor. The only other thing that might be a problem for this one, even if I were to get it going, is that the battery cover is missing. I guess I'll start with Google and see what kind of diagnostic and/or repair information can be found out there. For now, even without a PM, I could continue with my stroke training (trying to have consistent timing) using the metronome app on my iPhone.

One thing that did strike me on the wooden handle is what good shape the foam grips were in! I might give it a chance, but conversely don't want it to feel weird when moving to other C2s using the newer style handle. We'll see.

[mwalsh]

Give the wooden handle a chance.
I did over 2 million meters with that handle and I never had a blister. I would tell anyone who would listen how amazing the foam material on that handle was. Now I use Model D handle and it blisters my hands everywhere. I have to row in gloves for the first time.

Since C2 was shipping me other stuff anyhow. I decided to order the new style handle. I didn't really have a problem with the wooden handle, but somehow the ergonomic design of the newer handle and the nominal extra length...it just feels better. I've not had any real blistering either way, but then my sessions are fairly short compared to those of some folks.

[Alissa]

For now, even without a PM, I could continue with my stroke training (trying to have consistent timing) using the metronome app on my iPhone.

If you end up using your metronome app, make sure the drive and the recovery are not the same length. The drive should be much shorter than the recovery!

HTH,

Alissa

[mwalsh]

For now, even without a PM, I could continue with my stroke training (trying to have consistent timing) using the metronome app on my iPhone.

If you end up using your metronome app, make sure the drive and the recovery are not the same length. The drive should be much shorter than the recovery!

HTH,

Alissa

Got it. When using 4/4 time it's a rough 1-3 ratio, maybe a bit less. You pull hard on the first measure and that gives you slightly less than the three remaining measures for the recovery (on account of the small amount of time spent on transitioning between drive and recovery and vice-versa). It seems to work OK and I'm still using the metronome even though I now have a PM5 fitted.