Invest in PM5 for Model C or purchase Model D?

[kok1922]

Hi

A year or so ago, I was gifted a Model C rower and I love it.

A few weeks ago, the monitor just stopped working. My spouse is pretty handy and has tried everything but it is dead.

For the PM5 to be shipped to my house, the whole thing costs $195, which seems really pricey for a fairly simple monitor but clearly the demand is high as there are no ways to buy other monitors cheaply on ebay etc.

This Model C, by definition, is quite old but I have to say it works really well.

Do I just get over how pricey I think the PM5 is and buy it for my model C?

Or, will the Model C die/stop working soon and so I should invest in the Model D?

The only thing I want the monitor to tell me is stroke rate, really.

Thank you

[Citroen]

Your money, your choice.

You're trying to decide between $195 and $1000. I know which way I'd go but that may differ from your choice.

[Sakly]

Mechanically the ergs are rock solid and will probably last a lifetime. Wearing parts can be renewed at any time for any erg version.
The monitor seems quite simple, but it's the heart of the erg, as it gives you all the metrics, which you need to use the erg in the most effective way. If you don't need these metrics and only want to know your stroke count/rate, you could use a metronome and don't need a monitor at all.

[JaapvanE]

For the PM5 to be shipped to my house, the whole thing costs $195, which seems really pricey for a fairly simple monitor but clearly the demand is high as there are no ways to buy other monitors cheaply on ebay etc.

A monitor is for a specific machine, so you need a Concept2 monitor on a C2 machine.

The alternative is OpenRowingMonitor, where I am one of the developers (so a bit biassed). V1Beta has some support for the model C, but we haven't seen a working combination yet in practice as Model D's and later use a different sensor (a PM5 can handle this), and the electronics to process that signal is yet to be designed by someone. And, when you buy a Raspberry Pi, touchscreen and case, you end up around $200. Simpeler setups will work (as it is all webbased, one could use a phone as screen, greatly reducing the cost), but for a standalone machine you want to hop on it might be too much of an hassle. So there are alternatives, but a PM5 is by far the most elegant and relatively cheap.

Do I just get over how pricey I think the PM5 is and buy it for my model C?

Or, will the Model C die/stop working soon and so I should invest in the Model D?

Concept2 machines are extremely robust as they are disgned to survive the abuse of a boathouse. All parts are easily user replaceable and quite affordably available from C2. I wouldn't worry about that one too much.

[Ombrax]

As long as the Model C is in halfway decent shape or better I'd stick with it and get a new PM5.

Just about everything on the C can be replaced for far less than the cost of a new (or used) rower. Stick with the C and spruce it up if you like. As has been mentioned above, they are quite rugged, and will last for decades, especially if you take good care of them. (Example, if you're ordering a PM, go ahead and order one or two chain swivel bushings - they're a wear item, like the brake pads on your car, and the one on your Model C may be nearing the end of it's life. Inspect it to see how it's doing. They only cost $1 + shipping, but if you're ordering a PM anyway, there won't be an additional cost for shipping. You may also want to replace the retract bungee.)

https://shop.concept2.com/parts/321-slo ... c-d-e.html

[Carl Watts]

Get a new PM5.

You will find you need more than stroke rate, even if you are half serious you need to set a distance or time on the monitor as well.

I could fix the monitor if you were in New Zealand.

[jamesg]

Try using your C in minimalist mode: as is, with a clock. If not good enough, check sweat loss: minimum 500g or 1lb a day. If still not enough, use Heartrate, >100 (or whatever suits you and your age) for 20 minutes a day.

If still not good enough, get a PM5; you may need to tell C2 you're putting it on a model C.

$195, which seems really pricey for a fairly simple monitor

It's simple to use and tells the truth, virtues we pay for, and you can connect to your phone and logbook for free.

C2 machines don't need much maintenance. In the last twenty years I've only replaced the bronze bush twice and soaked the flywheel bearings in oil once. The fan may need cleaning once a year if the DF drops too far.

[secamato]

I happen to have a spare, lightly used, working PM5 that I would be willing to sell and ship for less than MSRP. Send me a DM and we can work it out!

[Aquaman]

I believe this is a question of why you love the machine you were gifted. Understanding and then serving that will help you in this decision. I can't presume I know why you love it, nor all the elements of the experience that contribute to that. For example, are the physical characteristics of the chain pull, the seat, or the drag positive experiences for you? The exertion it creates or it's approximation to sculling on the water? Or is it the informational insight and feedback you get on what you are doing on the machine, like the stroke rate or power output, that inspire your desire to use it more?

A new machine will improve marginally on the physical elements, while a new monitor will greatly improve on the informational insights. This is because the mechanical elements of the machine are more durable and consistent across models (and can be replaced in kind), while the digital element (monitor) evolves at a much faster rate (like mobile phones and computers do).

I regularly use a >25 year old Model D with a <3 yr old PM5 (updated the monitor 2 times PM3>>PM4>>PM5). I find new machines pull smoother and feel better, but I get a great workout regardless of the machine age. I will say the newer PM5s offer so much more data and connectivity which I value more now for health reasons.

[gvcormac]

Minor nit: Your Model D couldn't be more than 20 years old. You can find the date embedded in the serial number on a sticker under the front leg.

That said, I like the feel of my 20-year-old D better than my 10-year-old D. It feels more solid on the drive; the newer one feels springier. This may be because the newer chain is a lighter stainless construction. But it feels rubbery to me.

[dleyland]

I have just bought a model C with a PM2, but want to use a PM5 so I can connect to Zwift etc. I have bought from Concept 2 a PM5 and am removing my PM2 which will sit in a box for years. I am sure there are others out there who may have a PM2, 3 or 4 they might sell or donate to you, depending on location.

I'm in the UK, Essex and if you still need one reply to the text.

Dave