Different feel between OG and 2G Model D?

[gvcormac]

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.

[Tsnor]

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).

[gvcormac]

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).

All good ideas. I haven't found any objective difference between the machines. Only that the older one feels "stiffer."

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.

[jamesg]

Just keep at it. If something breaks, such as the clutch, you'll know.

[Ron Ginsberg]

I have a first generation model D from early production (2004). A year or two ago I decided to give myself an "upgrade" by replacing the chain to the new nickel plated model. At the same time I replaced the cog on the axle. Both the old chain and cog were working well and had over 15 million meters on them. The machine felt different after the upgrade, smoother and a bit more quiet. I think the primary reason was the new cog. When I removed the old cog from the axle I discovered the remains of two soft rubber washer. The new cog came with a rubber like washer on each side that snugs up against the chain. In looking back at the promotional material that accompanied the introduction of the model D, I noticed that C2 touted the addition of this feature. I think that you might be experiencing the difference between the fit of a new model chain and a cog with a in tact bushing as compared with an older chain and degraded or absent bushing. Just a possibility.

[Carl Watts]

What doesn't feel better when its new ?

You can still quite easily replace all the bits and bring it back to as new on the Erg, unlike my 2004 Subaru suspension which I thought felt pretty good until I bought a new 2023 Hyundai.

[gvcormac]

What doesn't feel better when its new ?

You can still quite easily replace all the bits and bring it back to as new on the Erg, unlike my 2004 Subaru suspension which I thought felt pretty good until I bought a new 2023 Hyundai.

I actually like the feel of my old Erg a bit better, but there's not enough difference that I'd attempt to change either.