Model E Product Notice

Box Frame Metal Fatigue

Attention Owners of Model D and Model E Indoor Rowers Purchased Between August 1, 2006 and April 19, 2007

Model D and Model E Indoor Rowers shipped between August 1, 2006 and April 19, 2007 are susceptible to metal fatigue, which may cause a crack to form at a particular point on the frame under the foot stretchers. Although only a very small number of fatigue cracks have been observed to date, we believe that with time and use, any indoor rower shipped during this time period is susceptible to this metal fatigue problem.

To address this issue, we have modified the construction of this area to include a thin steel plate on either side between the box arm and the foot stretcher assembly. This new construction has been extensively tested for strength and susceptibility to metal fatigue. We have also developed a reinforcing kit that is available free of charge to all owners of Model D and E indoor rowers made during this time period. The reinforcement consists of two metal plates that are easily user-installed between the foot stretchers and the box frame. All the necessary tools and materials needed to complete the installation are provided in the kit. These plates are identical to the plates that are currently being used on new machines at our shop.

It is important that this reinforcing kit be applied to your indoor rower. We want you to take this proactive measure now, so that you will avoid any possibility of having this problem in the future. We apologize for this inconvenience.

US and Canada Customers:
Order your free reinforcement kit

Metal Fatigue Image Large View

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue to use my indoor rower?

Yes, you can continue to use your indoor rower unless you see a crack has started to form. Disconnect the monorail from the front end and inspect your machine as shown in the photos. If you see a crack, refrain from using your indoor rower and contact us right away so we can get your machine up and running as soon as possible.

How can I be sure that my indoor rower is affected?

The serial number label is located on the left side of the flywheel housing under the box arm.

Check the serial number on your rowing machine. The first six digits of the serial number on the rower indicate the date of manufacture. The serial numbers of the first affected rowers start with 073106 (7/31/2006) and the last affected rowers 040607 (4/6/2007).

What will my indoor rower look like after the parts are installed?

The following photo is a close-up of the foot stretcher area where the kit is applied. The kit has been installed on the indoor rower in the foreground.

What is involved with installing the reinforcing kit?

The reinforcement kit includes everything you will need to complete the installation, including detailed instructions.

The first step is to detach the foot stretcher assembly. Remove the footplates (six screws each) to access the two hex head screws that fasten each side of the foot stretcher assembly.

The next step is to install the reinforcing plates to each side of the box frame.

The last step is to reattach the foot stretcher assembly.

Chronology of Communications to Customers

Date	Description
May 3, 2007	Email notification sent to customers in the US, Canada, and internationally who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated.
May 21, 2007	Letter sent to customers in the US and Canada who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated, and who had not responded to the May 3rd email.
June 25, 2007	2nd email notification sent to customers in the US and Canada who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated and who had not yet contacted Concept2 regarding the notice.
July 23, 2007	2nd email notification sent to international customers in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East (except Israel) who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated and who had not yet contacted Concept2 regarding the notice.
July 24, 2007	2nd email notification sent to international customers in Africa, South America, Central America, Mexico, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Israel, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and the Caribbean who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated and who had not yet contacted Concept2 regarding the notice.
July 31, 2007	2nd email notification sent to international customers in Continental Europe and Asia-Pacific who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated and who had not yet contacted Concept2 regarding the notice.
September 25, 2007	Email notification sent to coaches of rowing programs in the US and Canada who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated and who had not yet contacted Concept2 regarding the notice.
January 10, 2008	Email notification sent to schools, rowing clubs, and universities in the US and Canada who purchased indoor rowers directly from us during the time frame indicated and who had not yet contacted Concept2 regarding the notice.
March 16, 2009	Email notification sent to customers who purchased Concept2 Indoor Rowers from a specific reseller during the time frame indicated and who had not yet contacted Concept2 regarding the notice.