Concept 2's New Machine
by Rowing World on 1 Aug 2006
Concept 2 Event Media
From September 1st Concept 2 will begin offering the new Model E Indoor Rower in addition to the Model D. The Model D itself is changing slightly.
The Model E is the 5th generation of our successful Indoor Rower. It includes all the proven features of the Model D plus the additional features described below.
Model E Features:
The frame is 6' higher, positioning you at a comfortable seat height.
One-piece leg design for greater stability and solid feel.
Nickel plated chain for low-maintenance and a clean look.
Longer monitor arm makes it easier to reach the PM4. (for those that have not lost the weight yet?... Ed)
Fully enclosed chain housing for easier cleaning.
Powder-coated frame is sealed with a clear top coat for extra durability.
Light metallic grey finish with dark blue-gray accents.
PM4 Performance Monitor is standard on all Model E Indoor Rowers.
PM4 Features The PM4 includes all of the features of the PM3 plus these additional features:
The PM4 has the on-board computing power to support machine to machine racing, both wireless and wired.
Built in Compatibility with Suunto heart rate technology (chest belt provided) which offers improved transmission and eliminates interference from nearby rowers.
Rechargeable battery pack is included with the PM4. As you row you will actually be recharging your battery. The battery pack can also be recharged by connecting the PM4 to a PC through the USB port.
The PM4 has increased memory capacity to allow for future expansion and features.
Perhaps the most exciting development is the wireless networking ability of the new PM4 and also the ability for clubs and fitness centres to race without hooking up a PC. It would seem from an Interview with Bill Patton, C2's marketing Manager that the PM4's can link themselves together and display the race progress on the monitor. (see the picture above). If there are only 4 machines in the race then all the boats are shown with a the distances between detailed - if there are 5 to 8 boats then the display rolls to show each group alternately. Pretty neat stuff by the sounds of it.
The Model D will be available with either the existing PM 3 monitor or with the more sophistcated PM4.
There is no evidence to suggest that these monitors will improve your perfomance, they will just provide more opportunities to find out where you are going wrong.
Rowing World is waiting to hear when it will be available in NZ and more importantly at what price. The US price guide would indicate that it is likely to be about 25% more than the Model D.
A quick call from Gary Reid of Concept 2 indicated that he was a bit surprised by the announcement as dealers had been asked to keep a lid on it until 1st September. He indicated that the first of the model available in NZ would be in late September or early October.
Gary commented that some of the features were an exciting development of the features first shown in the PM 3 - in particular the wireless networking for small groups and the ability to hold a race without a PC for 8 or fewer machines.
Gary can be contacted at www.concept2.co.nz
Keep on Erging
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/26246
