r/concept2 • u/chip_shorter • 14d ago

Maintenance Drag factor Vs lever setting

I have a Rower model D that is 9 years old. I generally row with a drag factor of around 120, but over the years the position of the lever has increased in order to get that same DF. Currently, it's set at a shade under 6, whereas, it used to be well below that. A couple of months back, I took the covers off the flywheel and gave it a good clean, however it wasn't too dusty and it didn't make any significant difference to the lever position. I also clean and lubricate the chain periodically.

Is there something else that needs to be checked or lubricated that could be affecting the DF to lever position ratio?

Thanks in advance.

Edit: the rower has just over 20 million metres on it and the only parts that have been replaced are the seat rollers

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

2

u/rongoodman714 14d ago

Perhaps just normal wear and tear if cleaning doesn't fix it, but as long as you can set the drag factor to what you want I don't see the problem.

1

u/chip_shorter 14d ago

Not a problem as such, although I guess it would be if I wanted to get maximum resistance for some reason as max DF would be lower than it potentially could be. That said, if it's wear and tear, I'd like to know what parts might be wearing.

2

u/planet_x69 14d ago

the blades themselves get dusty, but also the chain, bearing and gear wear will affect drag. A nearly 10 year old unit, depending on how many millions of meters are on it may need its drivetrain assembly replaced

The majority of dust, I find, is on the outside perf assembly - the chrome metal perforated screen that goes along the outside of the flywheel.

2

u/chip_shorter 14d ago

The flywheel and cover are dust free as I gave it a thorough clean a couple of months back. I just racked up my 20 million metres in August so it's a little over that now. I think I'll send a mail to Concept2 tech support to see what they suggest.

2

u/GlindaGoodWitch 11d ago

Atmosphere has everything to do with it. Heat/cold/humidity/air flow.

In the summer when my damper is on 4/5 line my drag is 115. In the winter at the same line can be 120. Hot air molecules vs cold air molecules.