Staying interested (upgrade to pm5/apps, or bike smart trainer?)

[adccl8z]

Not sure if Training is the correct sub forum but..

I'm finding rowing against the numbers is a bit tedious at times, and would like something with more engagement and competition

I could swap my pm3 for a pm5,and get some interaction via apps (e.g. ergdata loop, exr). Though, I like having a log card and I understand if you use ergdata, the workout is not stored locally?

If the answer is a pm5 then maybe I'd swap the entire machine for a new rowerg; my model d was bought new in 2004, it's been rock solid over ~7mil metres, but perhaps a good time to treat myself to a new machine to cover the next 20years. Cost of change would be around £500

Or.. maybe I stick with my trustworthy model D and put that £500 towards a smart trainer + zwift(or rouvy etc) which has a lot more interaction/competition.

Can't decide; wondering what folk have done to keep interested.

[Sakly]

It's very individual, so only my view of things.
Ergdata enables a fast access to logbook and rankings, so you can have competition at least with ranking tables. Ergzone does the same, including hosting many of competitions from various sources, often over 4 weeks or so, as well as challenges over the season. This can make it definitely more interesting.

Your machine should be very good to go with 7mm on it. Mine has 6mm on it in only 2 1/2 years and works like new. So swapping the monitor would be a good option. Probably PM3 could be sold to anyone as well, don't know.

[JaapvanE]

My RowErg has 7 million meters on it, runs smoothly. The gym I often do strength training had to replace a 20 year old Model D, but they neglected maintenance completely. Mechanically, it could have lasted anothe decade easily.

I use it with EXR on a daily basis. Love the app, couldn't live without it.

[MPx]

Not clear what you currently do with your numbers?
Do you have a C2 Log? If not, as Sascha says, you're missing out on the rankings and C2 competitions - C2 run about 20 competitions per year. PM5/Ergdata makes the maintenannce of all that simple and virtually automatic. With the online log, why would you want to store locally?
Do you have a team? Most teams operate an internal monthly challenge and also take part in the CTC (cross team challenge) so that's two more competitions per month.
I love the numbers so find my motivation in there, but if you want scenery etc then there's plenty of apps now that work with the PM5 - although they will probabbly preclude using Ergdata concurrently - hopefully others will advise.

I moved on my Model C after 21 years (with PM2; 2+; and 3) and about 12mm (low total as used my work gym for a few years) - it still works well for the mate I gave it to and he's put a PM5 on it. Had my Model D since Christmas 2018 and its done 14mm since. They last forever...but need a PM update from time to time.

[JaapvanE]

I love the numbers so find my motivation in there, but if you want scenery etc then there's plenty of apps now that work with the PM5 - although they will probabbly preclude using Ergdata concurrently - hopefully others will advise.

Using an app excludes other bluetooth uses, including ErgData. On EXR you link EXR to the C2 logbook. So, upon completion of your session, EXR will upload the session for you. Several other app use the same approach.

Small side effect is that some apps (EXR included) will not automatically verify results. For most uses of the logbook (including challenges), this is not a requirement for joining or contributing.

Come to think of it: EXR can connect via USB cable with a Windows based setup for a PM3 (see https://exrgame.com/support/concept-2)

[gvcormac]

The PM5 stores your data, whether or not you use ErgData.

If you have a USB stick plugged in, it stores on that. Otherwise, internal memory.

Unfortunately, you cannot distinguish among multiple users in memory.

That said, ErgData captures much more detailed information. In memory, just split summaries (same as PM3).

Personally, I get my challenges from the log ... seasonal challenges, season total, workout of the day, and ranked workouts.

[MPx]

The PM5 stores your data, whether or not you use ErgData.

If you have a USB stick plugged in, it stores on that. Otherwise, internal memory.

Advice I've had from C2 tech in the past is not to use both a USB stick and Ergdata (or other app) at the same time. It works sometimes, but the app can get confused about what its saving where and the odd session can get lost. Always possible to plug in a USB later and use the move workout option on the PM if you want an off PM, off log, local backup.

[JaapvanE]

Advice I've had from C2 tech in the past is not to use both a USB stick and Ergdata (or other app) at the same time. It works sometimes, but the app can get confused about what its saving where and the odd session can get lost.

I always have a USB stick plugged in, as that stores the HR belt connection. Haven't had an issue in 3 years.

[Sakly]

Advice I've had from C2 tech in the past is not to use both a USB stick and Ergdata (or other app) at the same time. It works sometimes, but the app can get confused about what its saving where and the odd session can get lost.

I always have a USB stick plugged in, as that stores the HR belt connection. Haven't had an issue in 3 years.

Can get confused does not mean will get confused. I read about some people, who faced this problem.
Ergdata stores the belt connection too.

[JaapvanE]

Can get confused does not mean will get confused. I read about some people, who faced this problem.

True, but with well over 1000 sessions, a chance below 0.1% is extremely acceptable....

[Sakly]

Can get confused does not mean will get confused. I read about some people, who faced this problem.

True, but with well over 1000 sessions, a chance below 0.1% is extremely acceptable....

Absolutely agree. As long as something works, no reason to complain

[MPx]

True, but with well over 1000 sessions, a chance below 0.1% is extremely acceptable....

Yeah...worked for me for ages too ... until it didn't, In trying to find out why that was the advice received.

[JaapvanE]

Yeah...worked for me for ages too ... until it didn't, In trying to find out why that was the advice received.

An issue might be the USB stick used. It has to be a low powered (USB 2.0?) one, otherwise it will max out the connector used. It will trigger an overcurrent circuit when writing. My impression is that newer PM5's are a bit more tolerant, but still limited to older USB sticks.

[adccl8z]

Big thanks for the replies and the discussion

You've helped me decide my next purchase will be a pm5 kit (with the tablet mount) for my existing model D

Cheers

[Dave Neve]

Hello adccl8z and all

You mentioned upgrading and that kind of guided the answers but have you considered mixing it up a bit, either on the RowErg if you are doing the same routine every time, or in a gym, if you have access to one.

It's normal that training becomes a bit of a grind after many years, but variety is the spice of life, and it's important to try to enjoy your workouts as much as possible