The best way to keep the Concept2 in top running condition is by regularly lubricating it.
If your Concept2 rower has poor track or bearings, then your rowing motion will suffer and you might end up causing harm to yourself and the machine as well.
Let’s dive into today’s guide on how to lubricate Concept 2 rower to keep your machine under good conditions.
Let’s get right into it!
How To Examine a Concept2 Rower Before Lubrication
First before applying any oil on your exercise rower, it is important to determine how much your rowing machine has been used as well as the state of the machine.
If your rower has not been used for an extended period of time, then it is possible that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced.
Depending on how much the machine is being used, you may need to do the following once a month, or every two months.
Concept2 recommends oiling the rower every 50 hours of use.
But in order to inspect your rower, take it off the frame and inspect the frame and the bearings.
If there are any cracks, then they need to be repaired or replaced. The track should be clean and free from any dust or dirt.
How to Oil Concept 2 Rower? – Step-By-Step Guide
There are many different types of lubricants available. Some Concept 2 machines come equipped with a chain oil provided (3-in 1 oil concept 2), some are not.
It’s also important to note that Concept 2 machines can get dust and dirt in them, so a regular cleaning process to your machine must be applied.
Another important thing to note is that the machines can get hot while you are using them. So make sure you don’t lubricate your rower right after you finish your workout.
With that in mind, here is how to lubricate your Concept2 rowing machine:
- Pour 1 teaspoon of purified mineral oil, 3-IN-ONE oil, or 20W motor oil on a paper towel.
- With the oiled towel, stroke the entire length of the chain back and forth until the chain is oiled.
- Wipe off the excess, and repeat if needed.
- Next, lubricate the rails, the rollers on the flywheel, and the beam.
- Make sure you lubricate all the moving parts of your machine.
- Turn on Concept2 rowing machine and use it for 1 minute to help disperse the oil on the chain.
What Oil Should I Use On A Concept2 Rower?
There are many lubricants available on the market, and many of them are primarily a solvent for cleaning.
Once the solvent is gone there is very little lubricant left behind to do the real work, which results in premature wear and elongation of the chain, thus leading to early sprocket wear.
The Concept2 chain manufacturer’s recommendation is to opt for 20 weight oil, which can be 20W motor oil, household 3-IN-ONE oil or purified mineral oil.
Also keep in mind that this is not a bicycle chain, different construction and different applications mean that what’s good for one is not necessarily good for the other.
What is The Best Oil For Concept 2 Rower?
Just like a bicycle chain, you want to keep your Concept2 rowing machine chain well lubricated.
Many rowing machine owners advise against using products like WD40.
Whichever lubricant you decide to use, just make sure that after you apply it, wipe down the chain well.
Therefore, no excess oil remains. Excess oil will only attract, pick up and hold dust and dirt.
These are the best oil for Concept2 chain in today’s market:
1. 3-in 1 oil concept 2
3 In One versatile multi-purpose drip oil has been a trusted tool used by professional tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers to clean and protect their properties against rust and corrosion.
This product offers precise application with no overspray or splatter.
This lubricant is what is recommended by Concept2 for lubricating the chains on Concept2 Indoor Rowers.
It is also great for other rowing machine chains and any other moving parts like wheels, casters, sliding doors, power tools, and external parts of small motors, hinges, nuts and bolts, bicycles, wheels, fans, etc…
2. Impresa Rowing Machine Chain Oil
Unlike other generic lubricants, Impresa rowing machine chain oil is custom-formulated primarily for rowing machine use.
This Chain Oil is compatible with an array of chain-based rowing machine models with the Concept2 on the top of the list.
It provides anti-wear / anti-corrosion protection to help lubricate your chain and reduce the accumulation of dust and other gunk.
Regular maintenance of your Concept2 rower using the Impresa chain oil is crucial to its longevity and keeps you from breaking your workout routine while your machine is out of commission.
How Often You Should Oil a Concept2 Rowing Machine?
The best time to oil the Concept2 is when it is not in use.
One major thing to keep in mind is that the longer you wait between lubrications, the more oil will get contaminated with dust and dirt.
Therefore, you should oil your rower every 50 hours(also what Concept2 recommends).
In addition, you should oil your rower when you first get it.
But you don’t need to lubricate everything right away. You should solely oil the parts that are going to be used the most.
For example, the bearings and the flywheel. You should oil the other parts as well when they are not going to be used as much.
Conclusion
In order to increase the longevity of your Concept2 rower, you need to keep a regular lubrication routine.
Just follow the steps on today’s guide and you will be rowing long distances for years to come.
FAQ
Does the Concept2 rower need oil?
The Concept2 machine’s bearings primarily rely on oil to function properly.
If your rower is used daily and not lubricated, then the bearings will get worn out and need to be replaced.
Because of the high amount of friction the bearings experience, it’s important to lubricate your rower.
Another reason to use rowing machine oil is to extend the lifespan of your machine. If you don’t lubricate your rower, then the parts will wear down and become damaged.
When things get worn down, it’s harder for the Concept2 to work properly and you have to work harder to get the same results.
How do you fix a Concept2 rower squeaky seat?
There are many reasons why your Concept2 seat may make a squeaky noise. One of the most common reasons is that you need to lubricate your rower.
If you have an old Concept 2 version, then it will probably need more oil than a newer rower.
Another common reason is that your bearings need to be lubricated.
In order to fix a squeaky seat, Apply a small amount of silicone spray.
Can you use a bike chain lube on Concept 2 rower?
The recommended oil for a Concept 2 chain is Concept 2 chain oil, which isn’t expensive.
It is also recommended to avoid oiling a Concept2 with things like WD-40 or even bike chain oil unless you really know what you are doing since these can vary in suitability.
