Concept2 Maintenance Guide UK (2026): RowErg, SkiErg and BikeErg Care Schedules
A Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg or BikeErg needs very little maintenance: a wipe-down after use and a few quick checks at set amounts of use, which differ by machine. None of it needs a technician, and most of it takes under ten minutes with the tools supplied.
The short answer: wipe the machine down after every session; every 50 hours, oil the RowErg chain or inspect the SkiErg cords; every 250 hours, check fasteners, wearing parts and the flywheel on the RowErg and BikeErg; on the SkiErg, fasteners are part of the 50-hour inspection and the flywheel is cleaned as needed. Never use WD-40 on a RowErg chain, never spray liquid on the PM5 monitor, and stop using any machine with a worn chain, cord or connector until it is put right.
Key takeaways
- Concept2 schedules maintenance by hours of use, not by date. A home rower used for 90 minutes a week reaches 50 hours in about eight months; a studio machine used for four hours a day reaches it in about two weeks.
- The RowErg chain is oiled every 50 hours with about a teaspoon of purified mineral oil, 3-IN-ONE oil or 20W motor oil on a paper towel. Concept2 says never to clean it with a solvent such as WD-40.
- The SkiErg's cords are the wearing part. Concept2 says to untwist them regularly, inspect them every 500,000 metres (about 50 hours) and replace the bungee cord as soon as its white inner fibres show.
- Check inside the flywheel regularly. Concept2 lists it at 250 hours on the RowErg and BikeErg, and as needed on the SkiErg. Dust and lint restrict airflow and change how heavy the machine feels, so a dirty flywheel can make the same damper setting feel lighter.
- Gyms have a legal duty as well as a practical one. The HSE says PUWER requires work equipment to be "maintained in an efficient state, in efficient order and in good repair", and that any maintenance log is kept up to date. Machines used by members of the public, rather than staff, fall under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 instead.
How often does a Concept2 machine need maintenance?
On three timescales: after every use, about every 50 hours and about every 250 hours. The schedule below is taken from Concept2 UK's support pages for each machine.
| When | RowErg | SkiErg | BikeErg |
|---|---|---|---|
| After use | Wipe the monorail with soap and water or glass cleaner | Clean the grips every few workouts; untwist the cords regularly | Wipe the saddle, handlebars, step pad and flywheel |
| About every 50 hours | Oil the chain | Inspect the handle cords, internal cords and bungee; check fasteners and top pulleys | No 50-hour task on Concept2's BikeErg support page |
| About every 250 hours | Check the chain, chain-handle connection, shock cord, screws, monitor arm and flywheel | No 250-hour task; clean the flywheel enclosure as needed | Check the crank arm and pedal fasteners, all assembly fasteners and the flywheel; recheck calibration |
| Institutional use | 50-hour jobs weekly, 250-hour jobs monthly | Not listed separately; follow the metres | Not listed separately; follow the hours |
| Tools needed | Paper towel, light oil, torch, vacuum | The 6-lobe driver supplied, a helper, a torch | The 6mm L-key supplied or a 15mm pedal wrench, a ½" wrench |
Hours matter more than dates. As a guide, this is how long the two main intervals take to arrive at different levels of use:
| Typical use | Hours per week | 50 hours arrives in | 250 hours arrives in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home: three 30-minute sessions | 1.5 | About 8 months | About 3 years |
| Busy household or daily training | 5 | About 10 weeks | About 1 year |
| Studio or gym: 4 hours a day, 6 days a week | 24 | About 2 weeks | About 10 weeks |
For a commercial floor, Concept2's institutional RowErg schedule (weekly and monthly) is simpler to run than counting hours.
How do you clean and oil a RowErg chain?
Put about a teaspoon of oil on a paper towel and wipe it along the full length of the chain, then wipe off the excess. Concept2 UK's RowErg maintenance page recommends purified mineral oil, 3-IN-ONE oil or 20W motor oil, every 50 hours of use or weekly in an institution.
What not to use matters as much. Concept2 says: "Do not clean the chain with any kind of cleaner or solvent, e.g. WD-40." A solvent strips the light oil film that protects the chain and keeps the stroke smooth.
Daily care is just the monorail, the rail the seat runs along. Wipe it with a cloth or a non-abrasive pad, using soap and water or a glass cleaner. Concept2 warns against mineral acids, bleach and coarse abrasives.
Before you oil, pull the handle out slowly so the full chain is exposed. Let it retract under control rather than letting go, so the handle does not snap back into the monitor.
What should you check on a RowErg every 250 hours?
Six things, every 250 hours of use or monthly in an institution. All of them come from Concept2's RowErg maintenance schedule.
- The chain. Feel for stiff links. If oiling does not free them, the chain needs replacing.
- The chain-handle connection. Replace the connection if the hole is elongated or the U-bolt is worn halfway through.
- The shock cord. If the handle no longer returns fully to the fan enclosure, the shock cord needs tightening. If you notice this between checks, stop using the machine until it is sorted.
- Screws. Check all of them, including the assembly screws.
- The monitor arm. Loosen or tighten the Performance Monitor arm joint nuts as needed.
- The flywheel. Shine a torch inside the fan enclosure and vacuum out any dust.
Concept2 is direct about worn parts: using the machine with a worn or weak chain, sprocket, swivel connector or shock cord "may result in injury to the user", and "when in doubt about the condition of any part, Concept2 strongly advises that you replace the part immediately". It also says to use only genuine Concept2 parts.
If you are choosing between leg heights, the maintenance is identical; our RowErg standard vs tall legs guide covers the differences that do matter.
How do you look after the SkiErg's cords?
Untwist them regularly and inspect them every 500,000 metres, which Concept2 puts at about 50 hours of use. Twisted cords wear out early, and the cords are the part of a SkiErg that wears.
To untwist, Concept2's SkiErg maintenance page says to pull both handles out as far as they go, let them dangle and spin freely, run a hand down each cord, return the handles to the top and repeat at least twice more. A second person makes it easier.
At the 50-hour inspection, check:
- Handle cords: replace them if fuzzing gets worse in one spot, and replace both at the same time.
- Internal cords and bungee: remove the lower side cover with the 6-lobe driver supplied and have a helper draw the handles out slowly. Some fuzzing on the bungee is normal; replace it immediately once the white inner fibres show.
- Fasteners: check all of them, and examine the wall-mount fasteners carefully on a wall-mounted SkiErg.
- Top pulleys: they should spin freely, and their housings should swing freely in the brackets.
Wall mount or floor stand, the routine is the same. Our SkiErg floor stand vs wall mount guide covers which version to buy and what wall it needs.
What maintenance does a BikeErg need?
The least of the three. Concept2's BikeErg maintenance page lists a daily wipe-down, a 250-hour check and one as-needed adjustment, with no chain to oil.
- Daily: wipe the saddle, handlebars, step pad and flywheel with a cloth and cleaner. No bleach or coarse abrasives.
- Every 250 hours: check the six crank arm and pedal fasteners with the 6mm L-key supplied or a 15mm pedal wrench, check all assembly fasteners, and vacuum any dust inside the flywheel.
- After cleaning the flywheel: recheck calibration on the PM5 under Main Menu > More Options > Utilities > Calibration Utilities.
- As needed: the seat post should slide up and down with light pressure. Adjust it with a ½" wrench and do not overtighten.
A loose pedal or crank is the one fault that cannot wait for the 250-hour mark. If either creaks or moves, tighten it before the next ride. Our BikeErg buyer's guide covers fit, space and who the bike suits.
Why does a dusty flywheel change how the machine feels?
Because all three machines use air resistance. Concept2 says dust and lint in the flywheel enclosure restrict airflow and reduce fan resistance, so a dirty machine feels lighter at the same damper setting.
That is why the PM5's drag factor, the measure of how much resistance the flywheel is actually producing, is worth checking after any flywheel clean. If a session suddenly feels easier than usual at your normal damper number, dust is a likely cause.
Our damper setting guide explains which drag factor to aim for, and our PM5 monitor guide shows how to display it.
What should you never do when maintaining a Concept2?
Six mistakes cause most avoidable damage or risk. Each is a warning on Concept2's own support pages.
- Using WD-40 or any solvent on the RowErg chain. Oil it instead.
- Cleaning with bleach, mineral acids or coarse abrasives. Soap and water or a non-abrasive household cleaner is enough.
- Spraying liquid onto the PM5. Spray the cloth, not the monitor.
- Opening the monitor. Concept2 says the Performance Monitor is a sealed unit and that taking it apart voids the warranty.
- Training on a worn chain, cord or connector. Concept2 warns this may injure the user.
- Fitting non-genuine parts. Concept2 says other parts may cause injury or poor performance.
Storage counts too. Concept2 says not to stand an assembled RowErg on its end because it may tip over; our RowErg dimensions and storage guide explains how to separate and store it safely.
How should a gym or studio maintain its Concept2 machines?
On a fixed weekly and monthly routine, with a written log. For the RowErg, Concept2 gives institutions that schedule: the 50-hour jobs weekly and the 250-hour jobs monthly. It doesn't publish one for the SkiErg or BikeErg, so track their use and follow their intervals.
The law points the same way. The HSE's guidance on maintaining work equipment says PUWER requires equipment to be "maintained in an efficient state, in efficient order and in good repair", that a maintenance log, where one exists, is kept up to date, and suggests using "the manufacturer's maintenance instructions as a guide".
PUWER covers equipment used at work, for example by instructors; the HSE says it does not apply to equipment used by the public, which falls under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Either way, the operator is responsible for keeping its machines safe.
Usage is rising, so the routine matters more each year. ukactive's UK Health and Fitness Market Report 2026 recorded 679 million visits to UK health and fitness clubs in 2025, up 10% on 2024, with a record 12.2 million members.
A simple log per machine covers it:
| Log column | What to record |
|---|---|
| Machine and serial number | One row per RowErg, SkiErg or BikeErg |
| Date and who checked | Initials are enough |
| Weekly task done | Chain oiled, cords inspected, fasteners checked |
| Monthly task done | Flywheel cleaned, wearing parts inspected, calibration checked |
| Fault found and action | Machine taken out of use, part ordered, date returned to service |
For a full cardio floor, our commercial cardio floor plan guide covers how many machines to plan for.
What should you do if a part is worn or the machine develops a fault?
Stop using it first. Concept2's guidance is to replace any part you are unsure about immediately, and to treat a worn chain, connector or cord as a safety issue rather than a nuisance.
Then note the machine's serial number and what you found, and call us on 0333 880 3211. Every Concept2 machine we sell is covered by Concept2's manufacturer warranty, and we will talk you through the next step.
Before assuming a monitor fault, change both D-cell batteries: our PM5 guide covers that and firmware updates.
How are Concept2 machines delivered?
Free UK delivery on the Concept 2 RowERG, SkiERG, BikeERG and the Concept 2 Triple. Orders are dispatched within 5 working days, with tracking emailed within 24 hours of dispatch, and delivered across UK mainland by our delivery partners. We do not deliver to Northern Ireland.
Each machine is delivered by our nominated delivery company, who will contact you to book a delivery date that suits you. Installation is carried out by the same company and arranged directly with them once your order is placed, so you can agree timings and site access before they arrive.
Equipping a studio with Concept2?
Tell us how many machines you need and how many hours a day they will run, and we will help you plan the mix and the maintenance routine. Free UK mainland delivery on orders of £250 or more. Business finance through Vercas Financial on orders of £5,000 or more, for UK limited companies and partnerships of four or more partners.
See all Concept 2 machines → Call 0333 880 3211on orders of £250 or more Commercial-grade kit
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Frequently asked questions
What oil should I use on a Concept2 RowErg chain? Concept2 UK recommends about a teaspoon of purified mineral oil, 3-IN-ONE oil or 20W motor oil, applied with a paper towel along the full length of the chain, with the excess wiped off. Do it every 50 hours of use, or weekly in a gym. Do not use WD-40 or any other cleaner or solvent on the chain.
Why is my RowErg handle not returning all the way? The usual cause is a slack shock cord, the elastic cord that pulls the chain back in. Don't wait for the 250-hour check: stop using the RowErg until it is fixed. Concept2's fix is to tighten the shock cord, and it warns that using the machine with a worn or weakened shock cord may result in injury. If the cord looks worn, or tightening it doesn't help, replace it with a genuine Concept2 part or call us on 0333 880 3211.
Why does my Concept2 feel lighter than it used to? Dust is a common reason. Concept2 says dust and lint in the flywheel enclosure restrict airflow and reduce resistance, so the same damper setting feels easier. Shine a torch inside, vacuum out any dust, then check the drag factor on the PM5. On a BikeErg, recheck calibration afterwards in the PM5's utilities menu.
How often should a gym service its Concept2 machines? For the RowErg, Concept2's institutional schedule is weekly for oiling the chain and monthly for the fuller check. For the SkiErg and BikeErg, Concept2 sets intervals of use rather than weekly or monthly ones: SkiErg cords, fasteners and pulleys every 500,000 metres, BikeErg fasteners and flywheel every 250 hours. Record each check in a log. The HSE says PUWER requires work equipment to be kept in good repair and any maintenance log to be kept up to date.
Can I use a SkiErg with frayed cords? Not once the wear reaches Concept2's replacement point. Concept2 says some fuzzing on the bungee cord is normal, but it should be replaced immediately once the white inner fibres show. Handle cords should be replaced, as a pair, if fuzzing gets worse in one spot. If you are unsure, stop using the machine until it has been checked.
Does maintenance affect the Concept2 warranty? The machines we sell are covered by Concept2's manufacturer warranty. Concept2 says opening the sealed PM5 monitor voids its warranty, and recommends genuine Concept2 parts only. If you find a worn part or a fault, stop using the machine, note the serial number and call us on 0333 880 3211 before doing anything else.
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Pro Gym Essentials — premium home and commercial gym equipment, delivered across UK mainland. Prices and delivery taken from our live product pages, 17 October 2026; maintenance schedules checked against Concept2 UK's RowErg, SkiErg and BikeErg support pages, 17 October 2026; work-equipment duties from the HSE; club visit and membership figures from ukactive's UK Health and Fitness Market Report 2026.
