Quieting a Model B
Quieting a Model B
I'm wanting to dabble a little in this sport and am I'm debating purchasing a lightly used Model B (with a PM 3 monitor) but am wondering--how loud is this machine? Will I be able to listen to music/watch TV at a normal volume while using it? Is there any way to quiet it? Would I be better off just springing for a new D right away (the B is $300--is this too much?)? While we're on the topic, what are the significicant differences between the B and the D, if any? is it worth the extra 500 for the new D?
-
PaulS
- 10k Poster
- Posts: 1212
- Joined: March 16th, 2006, 12:07 pm
- Location: Washington State, USA
- Contact:
Re: Quieting a Model B
The B will certainly be too loud to listen to anything (Except for commercial Jets) at "normal volume", but all of the Models are as far as I can tell. The D and E are quiet enough that you can make out music at what would be high normal volumes, but if you need to understand dialog the volume needs to be a bit above what I would call "normal high". Bose Wave Radio @ 55 volume is enough.jlschrrs wrote:I'm wanting to dabble a little in this sport and am I'm debating purchasing a lightly used Model B (with a PM 3 monitor) but am wondering--how loud is this machine? Will I be able to listen to music/watch TV at a normal volume while using it? Is there any way to quiet it? Would I be better off just springing for a new D right away (the B is $300--is this too much?)? While we're on the topic, what are the significicant differences between the B and the D, if any? is it worth the extra 500 for the new D?
If the D or E aren't breaking the bank, and you plan on sticking with the machine for some time, it could potentially be the last time you ever need to purchase one. And anyway, resale value is pretty darn good for well maintained machines. That said, the B is a great buy if it is in good repair, the monitor upgrade was $180 alone.
Erg on,
Paul Smith
www.ps-sport.net Your source for Useful Rowing Accessories and Training Assistance.
"If you don't want to know the answer, don't ask me the question."
Paul Smith
www.ps-sport.net Your source for Useful Rowing Accessories and Training Assistance.
"If you don't want to know the answer, don't ask me the question."
-
johnlvs2run
- Half Marathon Poster
- Posts: 4012
- Joined: March 16th, 2006, 1:13 pm
- Location: California Central Coast
- Contact:
Re: Quieting a Model B
I've had a model B since 1993 and am getting it ready to sell, with pm2+ monitor, 14 tooth cogwheel which means same resistance as the C/D, same drag factor range as the D, newer seat, newer shock cord, I'm replacing the bearings and clutch today so they will be new, speed damper on the side and it's a smoother machine than the C. I had a C for two years and sold it a couple of months ago, preferring the smooth action of the B.
Ten days ago I got a new D from C2 and love it. It is quite and the force profile feature is great. If you can afford a D than I'd recommend to get one from C2. Regardless of which you get, the resale value is great. I sold the C for $122 more than I paid for it two years ago and there was quite a bit of competition for the purchase.
I covered the perimeter of the B, so the noise was much less. The sound on the B is a very low hum or whooshing sound, which is different than the C. In some cases the C was more noisy, particularly the action of the chain. Also the B has a more level railing, which is nice. I have found the railing on the B to have the smoothest action of any of the three. I first made a speed ring and covered the perimeter with black roofing paper, then later replaced it with rubber from an old truck tire innertube. If I was to keep the B I'd experiment with using clear plastic, but any of these will work well.
The model D pm3 is very quiet and excellent. If you can afford the D then it is the one that I'd recommend.
Ten days ago I got a new D from C2 and love it. It is quite and the force profile feature is great. If you can afford a D than I'd recommend to get one from C2. Regardless of which you get, the resale value is great. I sold the C for $122 more than I paid for it two years ago and there was quite a bit of competition for the purchase.
I covered the perimeter of the B, so the noise was much less. The sound on the B is a very low hum or whooshing sound, which is different than the C. In some cases the C was more noisy, particularly the action of the chain. Also the B has a more level railing, which is nice. I have found the railing on the B to have the smoothest action of any of the three. I first made a speed ring and covered the perimeter with black roofing paper, then later replaced it with rubber from an old truck tire innertube. If I was to keep the B I'd experiment with using clear plastic, but any of these will work well.
The model D pm3 is very quiet and excellent. If you can afford the D then it is the one that I'd recommend.
Last edited by johnlvs2run on December 20th, 2006, 4:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
bikeerg 75 5'8" 155# - 18.5 - 51.9 - 568 - 1:52.7 - 8:03.8 - 20:13.1 - 14620 - 40:58.7 - 28855 - 1:23:48.0
rowerg 56-58 5'8.5" 143# - 1:39.6 - 3:35.6 - 7:24.0 - 18:57.4 - 22:49.9 - 7793 - 38:44.7 - 1:22:48.9 - 2:58:46.2
rowerg 56-58 5'8.5" 143# - 1:39.6 - 3:35.6 - 7:24.0 - 18:57.4 - 22:49.9 - 7793 - 38:44.7 - 1:22:48.9 - 2:58:46.2
