Through combining households, I have two Model Ds: from 2003 and 2013.
The 2013 feels "springier" on the pull. I know that it has a nickel chain where the 2003 doesn't. I wonder if the nickel chain is slightly more elastic. Or maybe the clutch bearing is more abrupt on the 2003, making the catch feel more solid.
Or maybe it is just my imagination.
Thoughts?
PS I've measured the bungee tension with a grip-strength gauge and don't see a measurable difference.
Different feel between OG and 2G Model D?
Re: Different feel between OG and 2G Model D?
Use "display drag factor" to ensure both ergs have the same drag factor +/- 5. Higher drag feels very different than lower drag.
Compare force curve at the same split. If the feel is "springier" that could show up as a right shift in the force curve. If nothing else, force curve is measured and not subjective.
FWIW we have a ton of ergs at the boathouse. They feel the same once you dial in drag factor (at least to me). Some are old chain, some are new plated.
CHAINS BREAK. If you have an old chain and it's corroded (especially near the handle where sweat falls on it and where debris can fall on it when it's stored) then you can replace the chain. Afterwards you can compare feel with the new chain installed. Chain is cheap, but install is somewhat fiddly. If the old chain looks fine then it's probably good (we don't replace them preventively).
(Nice job comparing the shock cords using hand grip strength gauge).
Compare force curve at the same split. If the feel is "springier" that could show up as a right shift in the force curve. If nothing else, force curve is measured and not subjective.
FWIW we have a ton of ergs at the boathouse. They feel the same once you dial in drag factor (at least to me). Some are old chain, some are new plated.
CHAINS BREAK. If you have an old chain and it's corroded (especially near the handle where sweat falls on it and where debris can fall on it when it's stored) then you can replace the chain. Afterwards you can compare feel with the new chain installed. Chain is cheap, but install is somewhat fiddly. If the old chain looks fine then it's probably good (we don't replace them preventively).
(Nice job comparing the shock cords using hand grip strength gauge).
Re: Different feel between OG and 2G Model D?
All good ideas. I haven't found any objective difference between the machines. Only that the older one feels "stiffer."Tsnor wrote: ↑May 30th, 2025, 4:13 pmUse "display drag factor" to ensure both ergs have the same drag factor +/- 5. Higher drag feels very different than lower drag.
Compare force curve at the same split. If the feel is "springier" that could show up as a right shift in the force curve. If nothing else, force curve is measured and not subjective.
FWIW we have a ton of ergs at the boathouse. They feel the same once you dial in drag factor (at least to me). Some are old chain, some are new plated.
CHAINS BREAK. If you have an old chain and it's corroded (especially near the handle where sweat falls on it and where debris can fall on it when it's stored) then you can replace the chain. Afterwards you can compare feel with the new chain installed. Chain is cheap, but install is somewhat fiddly. If the old chain looks fine then it's probably good (we don't replace them preventively).
(Nice job comparing the shock cords using hand grip strength gauge).
I'm not in a ruch to replace the chain as it seems fine. My 21-year-old C2 has maybe 10M+ metres (haven't kept precise count between logcard and PM3 resets and PM5 upgrade). Still works perfectly, and I sorta prefer it due to the more connected feel. But I use the newer one, too ... it is in a room with a better outdoor view.