Upgrade Model B Rower?

[volent]

Hi, I have a Model B rower that I row about 150,000 meters per month. I would like to get blue tooth and a better computer. Maybe connect to EXR. I was wondering if I should buy a PM5 for it or just buy a new Model D rower. My model B never had issues and is build like a tank but I figure after 35 years, more parts are going to be need to replaced.

The PM5 upgrade would be $200 vs $1000 for the Model D. Thanks

[Ombrax]

Welcome to the forum!

I'm a bit on the frugal side (ok, some say I'm cheap) but as long as you're happy with the B (noise level, feel at the catch, seat, etc, etc) and you don't have any major parts that are obviously about to fail, I'd stick with the Model B and upgrade to a PM 5. I'm also a bit sentimental, and after so many years of faithful service, if it didn't have any major issues, I'd feel pretty bad about dumping the B. Besides, you can still do some significant work on it and still not spend anything like the cost of a new one.

But the bottom line is functionality - I say that if it gives you what you need, keep it, and upgrade the PM as required. (I have no plans on retiring my Model C anytime soon, and unless it suddenly all falls apart, I'll keep it for the foreseeable future.)

[JaapvanE]

IMHO, the Model feels a bit different than the Model D: the footrest and handle have improved, but most of all the cage is different and thus the drag-factors you can reach. And the sprockets are different. I would advise to go to a gym and feel if you would like the change, as you are conditioned towards your B.

[Carl Watts]

With the meters your clocking up each month, I would buy a new rower.

[mict450]

Many consider the Model B seat the most comfortable C2 ever produced. If you do upgrade to the current RowErg, test and compare thoroughly & use the seat you prefer. If you're on the smaller side, it just might be the Mod B.

[cdykstra01]

My 2 cents... I bought my Model B used in 1995 (thank you Joe Galloway, Binghamton, NY!) and it's still going strong. I did replace the bearings in the flywheel about 10 years ago, but the parts were readily available from C2 and a local machine shop pressed them into place for me free of charge. I've upgraded to a PM3 and plan to upgrade to the PM5 sometime this year.

I agree that the Model B "feels" different than newer models, but my measured performance results do not seem to be different. And yes, the seat is more comfortable!

[volent]

Thank you for the advice. Does anyone know if I use a PM5 with a model B, will the drag factor displayed in the PM5 be correct?

[JaapvanE]

Yes it will show the correct metrics, providing you configure it is installed on a model B (menu setting).

[adouglas]

I bought my first erg last January... a vintage 1988 Model B for a whopping $200. I have since made every available upgrade to it... new-style handle, new-style stretchers, and PM5. It already had the current-style seat. I also replaced the shock cord and chain, just as preventive maintenance since I didn't know how long they'd been in service.

I also made a speed ring for it, which is easy to do... just make a ring of cardboard with an inner diameter of 14" and an outer diameter of 18". Zip-tie it to the cage. Done.

I've since put about 800k on it. The thing runs like new.

It's well worth it to upgrade IMHO. No need for a new machine. I expect this thing will outlive me. Best investment I've made in years.

[c2jonw]

Thank you for the advice. Does anyone know if I use a PM5 with a model B, will the drag factor displayed in the PM5 be correct?

The drag factor will read correctly and will be higher than any of the other C2 machines. But for a given drag factor setting the B will feel either lighter or heavier than the other C2 rowers, depending on which sprocket you are using. The B has a 13 and 15 tooth sprocket while the C, D and E all have a single 14 tooth.

[Tsnor]

Thank you for the advice. Does anyone know if I use a PM5 with a model B, will the drag factor displayed in the PM5 be correct?

The drag factor will read correctly and will be higher than any of the other C2 machines. But for a given drag factor setting the B will feel either lighter or heavier than the other C2 rowers, depending on which sprocket you are using. The B has a 13 and 15 tooth sprocket while the C, D and E all have a single 14 tooth.

Jon (or some physics major) do you know the scaling so you can compare model D Drag Factor to the PM5 reported model B drag factor?

Is is as simple as "Drag Factor on Model D times (14/13= 1.08) is model B on 13 tooth sprocket DF", and "Model D times (14/15 = .93) is model B on 15 tooth DF"?

(I'm not sure the difference is large enough to care).

[gvcormac]

Thank you for the advice. Does anyone know if I use a PM5 with a model B, will the drag factor displayed in the PM5 be correct?

The drag factor will read correctly and will be higher than any of the other C2 machines. But for a given drag factor setting the B will feel either lighter or heavier than the other C2 rowers, depending on which sprocket you are using. The B has a 13 and 15 tooth sprocket while the C, D and E all have a single 14 tooth.

I wrote the following before I understood your statement. As you say, the sprocket controls the apparent inertia of the flywheel. 13 feels like a heavier boat, and 15 feels lighter. It doesn't affect the average amount of work, just how much it winds up and coasts down on every stroke.

Do you mean that the range of possible drag factors is different? Surely, they overlap. I would not be surprised if the highest B setting (13 tooth open damper) was higher than 10 on the RowErg, but surely the lowest B setting (15 tooth closed damper) is not? Maybe it is not as low as 1 on the RowErg. I'm not sure. It has been more than 30 years since I used a B, and am relying on my recollection.

[adouglas]

There's a conversion chart on the C2 website:

https://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/i ... arison.pdf

There's also some simple math you can do. Check this out.

https://board.crossfit.com/showthread.php?t=20648

[gvcormac]

Thank you! This corresponds closely with my 30-year old impression.