Model C "Silencing" kit

[tbartman]

Just wanted to report that I called C2 and ordered a "silencing" kit for my model C. It replaces the sprocket, chain, etc. and runs about $55. It made a HUGE difference in the noise from the erg. Fan noise is obviously still the same, but chain noise is way down. Before, with every drive, I got a loud "bbbrrrraaaapp" from the chain/sprocket, and on the recovery a "zzzzzz" but those are now gone. Now the whoosh of the fan is the dominant auditory theme, and is much less annoying than the chain noise.

It was well worth the $$. C2 warns that it can take 1-2 hours to do the swap, but it took me less than 30 minutes (although I have taken the erg apart before, so I had some familiarity with things).

Tom

p.s. on a related note, I also picked up a used Water Rower yesterday too. While that is still quieter than the Model C, even with the update, it just doesn't feel the same. I don't like it as much (others might like it more - I can't speak for them). Although the ads suggest that you can row in the room while others watch TV, I don't think so, unless they are used to watching TV with a fairly loud dishwasher running right next to them. The Water Rower is reasonably audible on the drive, although it is virtually silent on the recovery. I bought it to have at another house, and the price couldn't be beat.

[eniven]

Can someone provide a link for the Model C silencing kit?

I was looking through the Model C parts/retrofits, but didn't see anything that looked like a silencing kit... Maybe I'm blind?

Anyway, any help is appreciated! Thanks.

[BobD]

They don't list it, you have to give them a call. It's definitely worth doing.

[eniven]

ahh, I see.

Does anyone know how much the silencing kit costs? Thanks.

[BobD]

See above $55.00

[peteyddotcom]

Per Concept2, you're looking for PN1915 for $54.45 called the Quiet Kit. They say that it is not an easy retrofit, though most people on the board that have done it say that it's not terrible.

I may do it in the spring.

[BobD]

If you have had your C2 apart before, it takes about 45 minutes. If you have not and you go slow and easy into new territory it will take about 2 hours. It is really not difficult if you read the directions before, and then follow them. Aftwards you basically have a new drivetrain and new improved idler pulleys on the shock (elastic) cord. There are no adjustments to be made, just swap the parts.

[arakawa]

Just wanted to report that I called C2 and ordered a "silencing" kit for my model C. It replaces the sprocket, chain, etc. and runs about $55. It made a HUGE difference in the noise from the erg. Fan noise is obviously still the same, but chain noise is way down. Before, with every drive, I got a loud "bbbrrrraaaapp" from the chain/sprocket, and on the recovery a "zzzzzz" but those are now gone. Now the whoosh of the fan is the dominant auditory theme, and is much less annoying than the chain noise.

It was well worth the $$. C2 warns that it can take 1-2 hours to do the swap, but it took me less than 30 minutes (although I have taken the erg apart before, so I had some familiarity with things).

I too just bought and installed the Quiet Kit for my Model C. When I called C2, the person to whom I originally spoke wasn't familiar with the name for the kit, but the part number cleared up any confusion.

The most involved thing I had done previously with my Model C was to open up the fan cage to clean out the cat hair. At that level of experience, and with my below average to average level of practical mechanical ability, I was able to install the new parts in about 60 minutes. I might have been able to do it faster if my cat didn't try to "help".

The instructions I got were actually three distinct sets of instructions - one for a new chain, one for a new sprocket, and one for a new axle. I replaced the chain first, then followed the instructions for the new sprocket and new axle simultaneously (as many of the steps were common, such as opening and closing the fan cage).

Tips for future Quiet Kit installers - have some rags handy before you start. You're going to have as much grease on your hands as you would if you were field stripping and cleaning your bicycle. Also, Lysol got the chain and axle grease out of my carpet.

I think the noise reduction is significant, in that, as others have noted, the dominant noise component is now the fan, not the chain. I can hear the TV and music through my headphones at a much more reasonable volume.

[rowland]

I would like to know if the silencing kit installed on a"c" makes it as quite as a new "d" from the factory. I know there is a big difference from the "d" I use at hte gym and the "c" I have at home. If it did I would consider getting the kit. thanks for the replies

[tbartman]

No, it won't match a D because the D has less fan noise (different cage design), and the chain noise is much better than a regular C but still not quite the same as a D. I'd say on a scale of 0-10, with 0 being silent and 10 being the C the way it was before, a D is like a 4 and the silencer kit brings the C to a 6.

[BobD]

I think tbartman is right. On the other hand the Kit is also a complete drive train overhaul and upgrade. After you are finished only the fan and bungee cords are original.