Dirt Low Down Drag Factor

[c2workout]

I was at my local YMCA and happened to look over as I was working out on a treadmill and noticed the only two piece of equipment not in use was two C2 Model C ergs. I then stopped and went over to erg for a bit and the first erg I was on feel odd. So I went to set the Drag Factor and with the lever on 4 I was measuring about 57. I tested the DF from 1 to 10 and the DF read from 50 to 84. I then tried the other erg and it was about the same. One had about 8 Million Meter and the other 16 Million.

I would guess neither erg ever had any maintanace done ever.

Question: Has anyone seen DF's this low because the erg is just filled with dirt, I did notice that many of the vent hole were blocked. Or is there more wrong like a missing magnet. Let me know at I may take a vacuum , chain oil and Phillips screw driver the next time I go and see if anyone there notices I am cleaning it.

Let me know if anyone else has ever seen this low of Drag Factors before.

Needless to say I could not stand using this erg in the shape it was.

Stephen

[johnlvs2run]

I have used a clean erg down to a drag factor of 65 or so.

Yes I would definitely clean out the erg, and let them know what you're doing.

Without taking off the cage, you could use a quite damp cloth and wipe off the vents and fan cage all over. Then repeat with a dry cloth to make sure the cage is dry. This will open the vents a bit and raise up the drag factors.

If you can open the cages, then the vacuum will help the most, however you don't really need that. Plus pull out the clumps of fuzz and dirt into a trash bin, then wipe out the rest with a damp cloth, then dry everything with a dry cloth. Be sure to do the same with the insides of the vent holes, as that is where the greatest resistance to the air flow occurs.

Lubing the chain will help the smoothness quite a bit.