Keeping Concept rower outside

[hooge789]

Hi,

I am interested in a concept2 rower. I would like to storage it outside below a roof. Let's say some kind of hut with only a roof to avoid rain getting inside my rower. But of course, there is still humidity of the air. Could humidity damage something of my rower? Is there a risk for the mechanical pieces. By the way is the electronic part (head unit) moveable?

Would appreciate you share your experiences with me.

Thanks,
Thomas

[Citroen]

You really need to tell us which model and which monitor you're getting.
http://www.concept2.com/service/indoor-rowers
http://www.concept2.com/service/monitors

Model C/PM2
Model C/PM3
Model C/PM4
Model C/PM5
Model D/PM3
Model D/PM4
Model D/PM5
Dynamic/PM3
Dynamic/PM4
Dynamic/PM5

all have a moveable monitor arm. Some models have the monitor bolted on. Some have a wing nut, some have an unscrewable "monitor mount knob". With the wing nut or knob you can take your PM3/PM4/PM5 indoors out of harm's way.

[Anth_F]

You can purchase fully waterproof covers for Concept 2 machines

I would certainly be investing in one if i was keeping my C2 outdoors.

http://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers ... ies/covers

[Carl Watts]

Personally I wouldn't recommend it unless you lived in a country or state with very low rainfall and very low humidity.

Eventually the moisture just gets in to places it shouldn't. A mate of mine has his rower in a damp garage and after a few years the flywheel clutch bearing gave out and he only rows at about 2:30 pace.

Essentially its going to shorten the life of it, but if you want to buy a new rower every 5 years its not a problem.

[sekitori]

You can purchase fully waterproof covers for Concept 2 machines

I would certainly be investing in one if i was keeping my C2 outdoors.

http://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers ... ies/covers

This cover may provide some sort of protection but if you want one that's completely waterproof, look elsewhere. This is C2's description of the cover mentioned above:

"Made of polyester/vinyl laminate with velcro tabs at the bottom edge, our indoor rower covers are water-resistant and provide protection from dust and dirt. They are not designed to provide full weather or heat protection for indoor rowers that are stored outside."

Some covers are advertised as being weather resistant but that's no indication that they're waterproof. If you keep the rower outdoors and want the best protection possible for it, don't buy one unless you see the words "fully waterproof" or its equivalent.

[hooge789]

Sorry, coming back to my thread late.

Thanks for your feedback.
Thomas

[Rowedkill]

We keep ours outside on a covered patio in the summer. We do use the Concept2 cover. The rest of the year, it is in the garage. Our Crossfit box has rowers 5 years old, stored in their big, unseated gym...no issues and these are not covered. It is a PM5. This is year 2, 3 million k, so far, so good. I love to row outside and am willing to repair/replace as needed. Will keep you posted.

[hooge789]

Rowedkill, thanks for encouraging news.

Thomas

[petertolman]

Personally I wouldn't recommend it unless you lived in a country or state with very low rainfall and very low humidity.

Eventually the moisture just gets in to places it shouldn't. A mate of mine has his rower in a damp garage and after a few years the flywheel clutch bearing gave out and he only rows at about 2:30 pace.

Essentially its going to shorten the life of it, but if you want to buy a new rower every 5 years its not a problem.

That's exactly why I keep my rower inside. My area is near to the beach and we people experience lots of moisture and humidity inside the air.

[ecduffy]

I keep my 4 year old model E in the basement for 6 months, and then in the garage for 6 months in the spring and summer. I live in Northern NJ, USA. Very high humidity. This year I have noticed corrosion on the frame, and around the handle attachment on the nickle plated chain. I can tend to the corrosion on the frame, but not the chain. I believe that coupled with humidity, that sweat gets to these locations, and causes additional corrosion. Also, notice that the powder coating is eroding near sweat areas.
I probably have 5 years left in the machine, based on others post's that I have read. I am glad that I have taken up rowing. Happier to know some of the limitations on the life of the rower. And what I may expect, now and in the future. I find it interesting the amount of views on this simple post. I think this is a huge issue that my be resolved going forward (we are stuck with current and past) with improvements in the metal used in manufacturing. The chain can be 310 or better stainless. Probably some improvements in the powder coating method can improve the life of the frame, especially around the welds. I have brought this to the attention of C2, and was simply told to keep in doors all the time. Note: Even my basement has humidity, and knowing how much comes from sweat vs humidity is difficult, but I would bet that sweat is more corrosive. Also, I would bet that the yearly usage on my machine ranks over that of an avg gym. If they were to poll the top 10 private owners of each of the teams, this theory would bear out. Hope this helps.