Interactive virtual software compatible with C2?

[Mcgyver]

Getting bored and want to up my experience with the C2. Is there a compatible (BT) online subscription software for the C2, thinking similar to the Hydrow or Peleton.

[Carl Watts]

Boredom kicks in pretty quickly with the Concept 2 rower, probably 6 months to a year for most people and the rower is up for sale.

RowPro has been the only thing that has kept me in the seat for over 10 years now.

Unfortunately a hot contender by the name of Zwift are dragging their oars on bringing out something similar.

[mitchel674]

Getting bored and want to up my experience with the C2. Is there a compatible (BT) online subscription software for the C2, thinking similar to the Hydrow or Peleton.

Look into the Asensei app. I suspect they have a trial version. It's a lot like Peleton in that the app tracks your rate and power in real time. Good variety of rows and plans, but does not offer live classes and the instructors are not interactive or engaging while rowing. I generally use Asensei once a week for an interval or pyramid session in between my long, steady state rows.

Rowpro can be fun. Basically a way to row/race with others all over the world. Unfortunately, the numbers of rows available daily is dependent on the interest of others. Some days you just can't find a row you are interested in at a time slot you are available.

For hour long rows, I will often just put rowing scenery up on my TV in front of the erg. Lot's of good stuff on youtube. Check out the videos from a forum member here. Beautiful lakes in and around Austria.
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=186831

In the end, rowing is boring. You need to find your own motivation.

[Dino]

Despite Zwift not offering rowing, you can still connect your Concept2 rower and row as a cyclist. I have been rowing on Zwift for the last few months and there are quite a few people who do. Despite what you might think, it actually works quite well. It depends what you want to get out of it.
If you want to row for general fitness, take part in group rides, give yourself a set time to be on the rower by signing up for group ride or race, have literally hundreds of PB segments you can set rather than be limited to ranked distances, and so on, then Zwift could be the motivation you are looking for. I have joined many group rides, done a few 'crit' races, done three multi-day stage races and also just done my hour or whatever on my own.
There are usually facebook groups for the different Zwift groups, some group rides have Discord channels to chat and you can type messages to people (at least at the start!). You can also create your own meetups and row with other rowers or cyclists whom you know.
It wont cost you anything to give it a go either as the you get a 7day free subscription, and the RowedBiker app that acts as a bridge between the PM5 and Zwift is free.

[CJOttawa]

Getting bored and want to up my experience with the C2. Is there a compatible (BT) online subscription software for the C2, thinking similar to the Hydrow or Peleton.

You've got a few options.

The Rowing sub-Reddit has a sidebar that links to a few and the users seem to be going through the process of trying them out and posting reviews. I hope the mods here won't mind my posting some links:

https://old.reddit.com/r/Rowing/comment ... ules_faqs/

Review of several: https://old.reddit.com/r/Rowing/comment ... ions_here/

• KREW (Android) - guided workouts, auto-programs the PM5, free, subscription service adds audio feedback and a few other features, syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
• ASensei (iOS) - similar to KREW, syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
• Regatta (iOS) - subscription service that seems like an alternative to closed ecosystems like Peloton or iFit, syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
• ErgZone (Android, iOS), syncs with Concept2 online logbook.
• Kinomap - actual video footage of rows. (Android, iOS) - can be cast to a big screen or used on a tablet or smartphone.
• CityRow Go - direct PM5 support "coming soon" as of September 2020.

Concept2 has a page up with links but there's less narrative so it's a bit hard to sort through: https://www.concept2.com/service/software/apps

[jamesg]

Getting bored

Try one of the Interactives:
http://3.8.144.21/training/interactive

[lindsayh]

Getting bored and want to up my experience with the C2. Is there a compatible (BT) online subscription software for the C2, thinking similar to the Hydrow or Peleton.

Boring? on the erg? I don't really get that - just get into the groove and concentrate on the stroke for me (>20m meters). Some like movies or music but for me a distraction. We are all different!

[CJOttawa]

I actually empathize slightly with the "rowing is boring sentiment." It can be Zen, but it's not like cycling: on a bike (even an indoor spin or smart bike), you can use your hands to interact with a computer, remote, phone, and you can adjust your position, pedaling while upright, aero-tucked, or even standing on the pedals for a climb. With rowing, you're stuck largely in one "mode."

If rowing on the water, there's scenery, smells, the sound of your blades catching the water. On an erg, it's helpful to have interactive apps.

I have the smartphone hardwired with a USB hub, a big-screen TV in front of the erg, and Spotify (or a class/workout video) playing. I can ignore what I want but it's nice having the option of more sensory inputs.

There are Bluetooth media control pods which should fit on the erg handle. I'm toying with adding one for media control while erging.

[exerscreen]

Despite Zwift not offering rowing, you can still connect your Concept2 rower and row as a cyclist. I have been rowing on Zwift for the last few months and there are quite a few people who do. Despite what you might think, it actually works quite well. It depends what you want to get out of it.

That's pretty much what it comes down to. If you want a connected social fitness experience, then hacking Zwift for rowing is probably the only current option. If you can treat it as an artificial social fitness game where your avatar happens to be a cyclist (or runner), then all is well. Otherwise, it might be a long wait.

I'm personally not interested at all in a connected rowing experience that just plays back workouts, training plans or recorded scenery while I row a virtual single. I want some interaction and gamification. I WOULD be interested in hopping into a virtual 8 (complete with coxswain) and training together or racing our (sort of) bitter rivals from Asheville or Atlanta or wherever.

James