$20 DIY slides

Maintenance, accessories, operation. Anything to do with making your erg work.
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raisingmn
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$20 DIY slides

Post by raisingmn » March 14th, 2008, 12:31 am

Disclaimer: The following has not been tested thoroughly. What works for me might not work for you. Individual results are not guaranteed. When in doubt, buy the real thing.

Background: The Concept 2 slides have been on my wish-list for a while, but I just couldn't justify spending $258+SH. A cheap DIY solution seemed doable, but I hadn't found the right set of wheels, axles, mounting plates, etc to make it practical. Then, by accident, I ordered 2 sets (didn't realize they're sold in pairs) of footcasters from Concept 2 for my model A - Eureka!

Required parts/tools:
  • Erg - any model should work.
  • Hard floor surface - concrete is best. This won't work with carpet or a rubber mat. Wood floors could be damaged.
  • 2 sets of wheelcasters (#1809) from Concept 2 $14+SH.
  • 2 stretchy bungee cords - not the hard rubber kind.
  • Saw - a bandsaw works best.
Construction: (see photos below)
  1. Remove the axle and wheel from each caster.
  2. Cut off the top of the each caster with a bandsaw. You don't need to take off much to expose the wheels.
  3. Replace the axles and wheels.
  4. Remove the molded foot caps from your erg.
  5. Mount the casters in their place; upside down, so that the newly exposed wheels contact the floor first.
  6. Attach a bungee cord to each end of the erg, with the other ends attached to immovable objects. Bungee cords should have some tension on them.
That's it! Sit down and try out your new "slides".

I've only just done this, so I haven't stress-tested the casters by any means. Obviously, they were not designed for the weight of the erg + rower.

Hi-Res Photos + QT Video

Lo-Res YouTube Video

-Glen

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Last edited by raisingmn on March 14th, 2008, 11:34 am, edited 1 time in total.
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ChrisH
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Post by ChrisH » March 14th, 2008, 8:26 am

Great job Glen! I have wanted a set of slides for a while but didn't want to spend money on something I wasn't sure I'd use. If you have used C2 slides previously how does the "ride" compare? Any improvements you would make?
Chris
MH 54 5'8'' 190lbs.
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PaulS
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Post by PaulS » March 14th, 2008, 10:46 am

The Axles and Wheels are not really fit for the type of stress you will be putting on them, but you may be able to find some sort of sealed bearing wheel that would be suitable. It will be interesting to find out if the mechanism is structurally sound to support a rower, I'm doubtful on that, as it was probably designed with the weight of an Erg in mind with 200% margin, but that is still far short of an additional human, unless it is a very small human.
Erg on,
Paul Smith
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PJM
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Post by PJM » March 14th, 2008, 10:48 am

Hi Chris!!
I too am very interested in the Concept2 slides.I have no idea what they are like except for what I see in the pics but they sure would be an interesting addition to my already awesome erging experience!!

Pat
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raisingmn
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Post by raisingmn » March 14th, 2008, 12:55 pm

Thanks for the replies!

ChrisH: I haven't had the chance to try C2's slides, so I can't offer a comparison. I'd say the "ride" is compatible to the model A experience. :)

PaulS: C2's casters are designed to support the entire weight of a model C across 2 wheels while moving across a wide range of surfaces. I'm supporting the erg+rower with 4 wheels on a smooth surface. I weigh 240lbs (was 260 in January!) and so far no wheel failures. My guess is that the modified caster frame is the most likely point of failure.

PJM: Rowing on these definitely feels different. Getting up to speed takes some coordination of leg drive and layback to keep from sending the erg forward too far.

John Rupp: I've posted the videos to YouTube. See the link in the first post.

Ideas for improvement:
  • Replace the wheels with 2" Harken Self Contained Sheaves ($8/each at marine.com). "Sheave" is another word for pulley. Harken's are rated for 500lbs. and ride on ball bearings. This would fit perfectly in the C2 caster frame.
  • Place 1/2" PVC conduit beneath each new wheel ($2 for a 10' tube at Home Depot). By using some PVC fittings, you could assemble the conduit into an "H" so that each "leg" of H is aligned with a caster. The bungee cords could then run to the crossbar of the H.
This setup would have extremely low rolling friction, could be placed on carpet, and would be freestanding. Total cost (4 X C2 casters, 4 X sheaves, PVC + fittings): about $100.

-Glen
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ChrisH
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Post by ChrisH » March 14th, 2008, 2:16 pm

Hi Pat,
I had a chance to try out some slides, very briefly, a while ago. Not sure if I have the floor area to devote to them and my garage floor is sloped for drainage. I'm hoping that Glen's Glides or the new and improved Caster-Raider will be available soon. :shock:
MH 54 5'8'' 190lbs.
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raisingmn
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Post by raisingmn » March 14th, 2008, 2:41 pm

caster-raider
:lol: :!:
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