Concept2 Indoor Rower: FAQs
- What are the dimensions of the Indoor Rower?
- Is it difficult to put together?
- Is it easy to store?
- What is the difference between the PM2, the PM2+ and the PM3?
- When I'm using the heart rate option available for the rower, am I attached to any wires?
- What type of batteries do the Monitors use?
- Where is the damper set during races? Is there a damper setting where I will perform best?
- What is the warranty on the Concept 2 Indoor Rower?
- Do you have a return policy?
- How long is an Indoor Rower going to last me? Is it well built?
- Does Concept 2 publish any training information for the rower?
- How does the flywheel work?
- How does damper setting compare between a Model B, a Model C and a Model D?
- Can the Indoor Rower be used for adaptive rowing?
What are the dimensions of the Indoor Rower?
Assembled Dimensions
- Length 240 cm
- Maximum Width 60 cm
- Height 90 cm
- Weight 28 kilos
- 90cm x 72cm x 135cm (H)
Is it difficult to put together?
The Indoor Rower requires very little assembly - just the installation of the front legs and the frame lock, using a total of 10 screws. We include the necessary tool and clear instructions with lots of pictures. Allow about half an hour for the job.
Is it easy to store?
A unique self-locking system enables the monorail and seat section to be detached from the flywheel section for easy storage. The monorail is lightweight and the built-in casters make it easy for one person to move the heavier flywheel section of the Indoor Rower.
What is the difference between the PM2, the PM2+ and the PM3 for the Rower?
The PM2 (Performance Monitor 2) was the standard monitor on all Model B and Model C Indoor Rowers. The PM2+ (Performance Monitor 2 Plus) was the enhanced version of the PM2 and enabled you to connect the Monitor to your own IBM compatible computer. The PM3 (Performance Monitor 3) is the standard monitor for all Model D Indoor Rowers. It has a number of different graphical display modes as well as the ability to store all your metres and workouts.
When I'm using the heart rate option available for the Rower, am I attached to any wires?
No, you are not attached to any wires when using the heart rate interface available for the rower. You are wearing a WIRELESS Polar or Polar compatible chest strap. A wireless signal is sent from the chest strap to a receiver and your heart rate is displayed in the lower right corner of the display.
What type of Batteries does the Monitor use?
The older-style monitor (PM1) on the Concept 2 Indoor Rower (previously known as the ergometer) requires three Eveready 357 batteries. You can find several equivalents under different brand names. A 1.5 volt silver oxide battery is required. Once the batteries are replaced you'll need to reinitialise your monitor. To do this, press and hold the RESET button. Then press and hold the ARROW UP button. Next, release the RESET button and finally, release the ARROW UP button. This needs to be done every time the batteries are changed in the Performance Monitor 1.
The PM2 and PM2+ use (2) standard AA batteries. No re-initialisation is required with this monitor.
The PM3 uses D Cell Batteries. The Model D has a Power Generation feature meaning that when you row, you charge the batteries and supply power to the monitor, greatly extending battery life.
Where is the damper set during races? Is there a damper setting where I will perform best?
There is no required damper setting for races or time trials on the Concept 2 Indoor Rower. You are free to choose the setting you prefer so long as you do not change it once you have started to row.
Preferred damper setting is highly subjective, depending on body type, conditioning level, and rowing style. Our surveys of top finishers at the British Championships indicate most excel at the low to mid range damper settings (between 1 and 6). Suggestion: once per week for one month do a 2000 metre time trial at race pace. On week one, set the damper at 2, for week 2, set it at 4 and so on. Pick the damper setting that allows you to perform best.
The electronic monitor on the Concept 2 Indoor Rower is not simply a revolution or speed counter: it measures rate of acceleration, max. speed, and rate of deceleration of the flywheel on each stroke and recalibrates between strokes. Therefore it calculates power produced/distance rowed precisely regardless of damper setting. Hence competitors are able to choose a damper setting according to their personal preference.
For more on the principles of the flywheel, visit the air resistance page
What is the warranty on the Concept 2 Indoor Rower?
The rower comes with a twelve month full parts guarantee. We will be happy to send you a full written copy of the warranty if you would like one before purchase. A copy is included with every machine.
Do you have a return policy?
If, within 30 days of shipment of your Indoor Rower, you are not satisfied with it, you may return it to us. All shipping costs are your responsibility. We will refund the cost of the machine.
How long is the Rower going to last me? Is it well built?
The Concept 2 Indoor Rower is of a commercial grade and designed for institutional use. There is no such thing as a home model. The model you buy as an individual is the same as the model a health club or university would buy. As a home user you can expect the rower to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
Does Concept 2 publish any training information for the rower?
Yes. Concept 2 publishes both a Training Guide and a Training Log. The training guide is devoted to the Indoor Rower and has been written by Terry O'Neill, three-time British Olympic rowing coach. The guide is available to download for free or can be purchased for £25. The spiral-bound training log costs £5 or can be downloaded for free.
How does the flywheel work?
See the Air Resistance page for more information on how the flywheel works.
How does damper setting compare between a Model B and a Model C?
If you are familiar with training on the Model B and have changed to a Model C or D, or are unsure of which resistance level to use at your next indoor race, outlined below is a guideline conversion table of resistance. You will notice that the Model C gears 1 and 2 add a range of lighter resistance levels previously unavailable on the Model B.
| Model B and Model C Resistance Conversion Table | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model C Gearing | Model B Gearing | Load |
| 1/2 | not available | very light |
| 3/4 | large cog, vents closed | light |
| 5 | large cog, vents half open | - |
| 6/7 | large cog, vents open | medium |
| 8/9 | small cog, vents closed | heavy |
| 10 | small cog, vents half open | very heavy |
| not available | small cog, vents open | - |
Note: These conversions are approximations. Actual comparison will depend on air conditions (ie altitude, proximity to wall, size of room). These comparisions are related to the machines and not the efficiency of the rowers. We do not encourage heavy loading of the Indoor Rower for safety reasons.
Can the Indoor Rower be used for adaptive rowing?
There are are a number of pieces of equipment available to allow the Indoor Rower to be used for adaptive rowing. Check out the Adaptive Rowing section of the Concept 2 Shop.
