Looking at buying a second hand concept C with a PM1

[Barmanfx]

Hi all,

Looking at buying this rower in Vic (Australia). New with delivery is $1640 and this is $500.

Definitely needs the upgrade to the PM5, quiet kit and handle - ~$430.

Is the mount arm also going to need to be replaced?

Would anyone try to talk me out of buying this rower?

Thanks

[MPx]

Not going to talk you in/out of anything, but just share some thoughts/experience.

I bought my C in 1997 and that came with a PM2 - later replaced with 2+ then 3. That means the machine you're looking at is probably 30+ years old albeit if the PM1 still works it may not have been used much. The C is a great erg and parts are easily accessible. An erg works by you doing exercise on it. If you're motivated to keep doing it with just a PM1 then thats good enough. But the great strength of C2 (vs rivals) is the community/competitions/comparitors/etc all of which are far better (as in easier to engage with) via a PM5...which encourages engagement over the longer term, not just with initial enthusiasm. So if you're going to get a PM5 anyway....and it sounds like a few other parts, then its just a question of how you value economy. To some saving $100 is a major victory and will become a proudly recounted tale, while others get more "value" from the pleasure of a new machine. I replaced my C after 21 years at the end of 2018 - its still going strong, gave it to a friend of mine who put a PM5 on it. But I feel I had my value from it and I got a motivational lift from the new D.

[Barmanfx]

Thanks for the reply.

Grabbed it for $480, going to do a complete refurb and turn it into a bit of a project and compared to new still have a fair bit left in the bank.

It feels pretty good and used it for my home gym warmup last night.

It terms of upgrading from the pm1 to the pm5, do I need to also buy a new cable/sensor kit?
And with the device holder it looks like it comes with the arm already so shouldn't need to buy a replacement arm?

It's $55 shipping so I want to buy everything in one go.

[Ombrax]

It terms of upgrading from the pm1 to the pm5, do I need to also buy a new cable/sensor kit?

I'd PM Carl Watts and ask him. (or maybe he'll notice your thread and reply, but ask him directly to be sure)

Good luck with the project.

[gvcormac]

If you buy the Model C upgrade kit, you should be good to go.

https://shop.concept2.com/performance-m ... eries_only

[Carl Watts]

PM'd you.

[Ombrax]

If you buy the Model C upgrade kit, you should be good to go.

https://shop.concept2.com/performance-m ... eries_only

That looks like it's what's needed for PM-related updates. For a rower as old as this one I'd also consider things like the bungee cord, and if necessary (it's super, super easy to check visually) the handle swivel bushing.

Regarding the swivel bushing, if the rower was just used at home and did not see a bunch of hard KMs then it may be fine, but if was ever in a gym, or saw lots of KMs then there's a good chance the bushing should be replaced. But you don't have to guess on that - it's right there and you can inspect it in two seconds. Also, in the US they cost $1, so worth getting if you're going to buying other stuff anyway.

[Barmanfx]

Thanks for all the replies.

I am considering going all in and just refurbishing everything.


Basically be a brand new machine. Probably last another 30 years.

[Ombrax]

I am considering going all in and just refurbishing everything.

Well, at that price point you of course know what everyone's thinking,..

But if you enjoy the journey as well as the final destination, then I suppose it's OK.

Either way, you should end up with a good machine.

[Barmanfx]

Well, at that price point you of course know what everyone's thinking,..

But if you enjoy the journey as well as the final destination, then I suppose it's OK.

Either way, you should end up with a good machine.

Yeah well Australian tax and all. It just is what it is. It's still better than a brand new machine by $600. And it's a project haha.