Everything You Need To Know About Concept2 Rower
If you know what a Concept2 Rower is, you are probably booked in for a HYROX or CrossFit session and are sore from your last toes-to-bar workout. Alternatively, you’re a gym owner or floor manager looking for more information about the famous Concept2 model.
At FitKit UK, we are one of the UK’s largest gym equipment stockists and have plenty of knowledge about cardio and strength equipment. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Concept2 rower. We’ll cover everything from cost to maintenance, plus handy tips and tricks for storing the Concept2 in your home gym or commercial space.
Quick Summary
- Why It’s the Standard: The Concept2 RowErg uses dynamic air resistance and a universally calibrated PM5 monitor, making it the official benchmark for CrossFit, HYROX, and competitive rowing.
- Footprint & Storage: Measures 8 ft × 2 ft in use and runs on 2 D-cell batteries (no wires). Splits into two pieces in seconds or stores vertically to save floor space.
- Lifespan: Indefinite modular lifespan (20–30+ years for home gyms, 10–15+ years for commercial gyms). Friction parts like bungees, rollers, and chains are inexpensive and easy to swap.
- Concept2 vs Alternatives: Competitors offer quieter magnetic drives (Spirit CRW800+) or water aesthetics (Spirit CRW900), but Concept2 wins on data calibration, resale value, and parts availability.
Key Features of a Concept2 Rower
| Performance Monitor (PM5) | A monitor that helps you track key performance metrics, such as distance, pace, speed, calories, and more. |
| Air Resistance Flywheel & Damper | Uses air resistance so that intensity is directly linked to the user’s input. The harder you pull, the more resistance you feel. |
| Tool-Free Quick Separation | Features a frame lock mechanism that lets you split the rower in two quickly and easily. Perfect for storage. |
| Durable Drive Chain & Ergonomic Handle | Made with a nickel-plated steel chain that requires minimal maintenance. Contoured handle with a 10-degree curve for natural rowing feel. |
| Adjustable Footrests & Smooth Rail | FlexFoot system that easily allows a range of shoes and foot sizes to be inserted |
| Commercial-Grade Build | Steel-frame construction designed for commercial gym use. |
Concept2 Rower: Storage and Footprint
The Concept2 Rower offers great floor efficiency, making it the perfect cardio piece for smaller gym spaces and home gyms. It takes up a standard 8-foot by 2-foot space while in active use and needs no power cords, making it a gym favourite for many.
It can also split into two compact halves in seconds and store vertically, so you can quickly change your training space at home or in commercial classes.
Concept2 Rowers vs Competitors
| Feature / Spec | Concept2 RowErg (PM5) | Spirit CRW800+ | Spirit CRW900 | Half Human Air Rower |
| Resistance Type | Dynamic Air (4.3kg Flywheel) | Dual Air & Magnetic (16 Levels) | Fluid / Water (Plus XL Twin Tank) | Dynamic Air (10 Levels) |
| Drive Mechanism | Nickel-Plated Steel Chain | High-Strength Steel / Monorail | Poly Belt | Unspecified |
| Console & Metrics | PM5 LCD (Accurate/Comparable data, Watts, Splits) | 5.5″ Blue Backlit LCD (11 Workouts) | Large LCD (Auto-adjusts to tank resistance) | 5″ Backlit LCD (8 Programs, Watts, SPM) |
| App Connectivity | Bluetooth & ANT+ | Telemetric HR compatible | Smart Device Connectivity | Bluetooth (Kinomap, EXR, D-fit) |
| Max User Weight | 135 kg (21st 4lb) | 204 kg (32 st) | 150 kg (330 lbs) | 150 kg (331 lbs) |
| Power Source | 2 x D Batteries | 120V Mains Plug-In | Battery Console | 2 x C Batteries |
| Storage Style | Separates into 2 pieces | Foldaway frame design | Stands upright vertically | Separates / Standard upright |
| Build Aesthetic | Industrial Gym Standard | Powder-coated Steel & Aluminium | American Ash Blackwood Finish | Commercial-grade Steel |
| Warranty | 2-Year Parts | 3-Year Parts & Labour | 3-Year Manufacturer | 2-Year Commercial |
Key Things for Buyers To Consider
Key Considerations for Home Gym Users
- Living Environment: Air rowers generate noticeable wind noise. If you train in an apartment or around sleeping children, magnetic or fluid rowers offer quieter alternatives.
- Ceiling & Rail Clearance: Taller users need to measure monorail length, while vertical storage requires verifying ceiling height (typically 7.5 to 8 feet).
Key Considerations for Commercial Gym Owners
- Member Onboarding: Equipment in a commercial facility must be self-explanatory within seconds. Complex menu screens slow down group classes and confuse drop-in members.
- Standardised Testing Metrics: Facilities offering CrossFit, HYROX, or athletic performance coaching need machines with calibrated metrics (like Concept2’s PM5) so member scores are benchmarked accurately.
- Liability & Accessibility: Elevated frame heights (19–20 inches) reduce hip and knee strain, making machines safer and easier to mount for older members or rehabilitation clients.
What maintenance does a Concept2 rower need?
Like any gym equipment, staying on top of maintenance is key to ensuring longevity. A well-maintained machine can extend the life of your Concept2 rower. Some maintenance tips and schedule should be as follows:
Daily maintenance
Wipe down contact points after use, making sure users clean sweat from the handles and seat to prevent salt buildup. We know this can be hard in a commercial gym with lots of members using the equipment; regular cleaning throughout the day helps if gym floor staff have the time.
Monthly maintenance
Every month, you should lubricate the chain. Pull the chain out fully, wipe the full length, and wipe off any excess oil. The chain should move smoothly and quietly, with no oil dripping or leaking.
Every 6 months: maintenance
Remove the screws holding the flywheel cage cover, lift the mesh, and vacuum away the dust. Tighten the frame fasteners with a Torx key, and make sure the frame feels rigid and isn’t loose or wobbly.
What is the lifespan of a Concept2 Rower?
- Home Gym: 20 to 30+ years
- Commercial Gym: 10-15+ years
In theory, a Concept2 rower has an indefinite lifespan, as every component is easily replaceable and modular. The steel and aluminium monorail and frame never fail under normal use, and machines often log 20-50 million metres without structural issues.
| Did You Know? Concept2 is committed to reducing environmental impact and continues to manufacture and supply individual replacement parts for models dating back to 1981. This means that even the oldest models can be repaired and not end up in landfill. |
Do Concept2 Rowers wear out?
Like all cardio models that are subject to friction, you should expect some elements of a Concept2 rower to show wear. The good news is that the parts that do wear are fairly inexpensive and easy to swap out. Parts such as the bungee, seat rollers, chain, and handle all wear and are the parts you should watch.
What to look for in a used Concept2 rower?
When buying a used Concept2 rower, check a few things before you go ahead. At FitKit UK, our internal team checks all used Concept2 rowers to ensure they’re top quality. Here are some of the things you should check:
The Monitor
Check for any dead pixels on the monitor, and make sure the backlight is firing correctly.
Drag Factor & Flywheel
Turn on the monitor, select More Options > Display Drag Factor, and row at damper setting 10. A clean flywheel should read around 190–210. A reading below 140 on setting 10 means the internal mesh cage is packed with dust, lint, or pet hair.
Chain & Bungee Tension
Pull the handle slowly to check for rust. When you let go of the handle, it should snap back crisply.
Rail & Seat Smoothness
Slide the seat along the rail to check for smoothness; watch for any flat spots or grinding in the seat rollers. Run your finger along the stainless steel track and look for dents or gouges.
Can I use WD-40 on my Concept 2 rower?
No. Never use WD-40, degreasers, or harsh solvents on the chain. They strip the factory lubrication and can damage internal components. Also avoid spraying cleaning fluids directly onto the PM5 monitor.
What are some common issues with Concept2 rower?
Concept2 rowers are durable cardio equipment designed for commercial use. That said, it helps to know common issues and how to fix them.
| Issue / Symptom | Likely Cause | Recommended Fix | How to Verify Success |
| Bumpy Seat Ride / Black Residue | Sweat, dirt, and roller residue packed onto top of rail | Clean monorail track and rollers with glass cleaner or mild soap. Replace worn rollers if needed. | Seat glides smoothly and silently along rail without clicking or bumping. |
| Sagging Handle / Slow Return | Stretched, cold, or worn internal elastic shock cord (bungee) | Adjust shock cord tension under the monorail, let the machine warm up, or replace the frayed cord. | Handle retracts quickly and rests flush against chain guide when released. |
| Skipping Chain / Grinding Drive | Stiff chain links from lack of oil, or worn sprocket teeth | Lubricate chain with 3-IN-ONE oil. Replace chain and sprocket as a pair if slipping continues. | Pull handle firmly; drive resistance engages instantly with no slippage or popping. |
| Low Resistance / Low Drag Factor | Dust, lint, and pet hair blocking airflow in flywheel mesh screen | Unscrew flywheel cover and vacuum internal mesh screen completely. | Utilities > Display Drag Factor on PM5 reads 190–210 on damper setting 10. |
| PM5 Display / Connection Drops | Low battery voltage, corroded terminal contacts, or outdated firmware | Install new D-cell batteries, clean the battery terminals, and update the firmware via the Concept2 Utility app. | Monitor turns on instantly when you pull the handle and maintains a stable Bluetooth link. |
Shop Concept2 Rowers with FitKit UK
Browse the full range of Concept2 rowers available within our collection. With both new and used models available, we can provide you with a solution for your cardio needs, whether you are kitting out a commercial space or expanding your home gym. With its modular design, high-quality build, and universal tracking measurements, a Concept2 rower is one of the best pieces of cardio equipment on the market.
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