The Canadian Slidewinder

[ironoarsman]

Good job!

[Jesus45U]

Often when inventors show off their ideas, they end up using oh so much hyperbole. But this was down to earth - Thank you. :)

As for the handles, I've seen another adaptation that acts somewhat like yours. Basically it was two stiff handles with a loop of string between them, which was then hooked onto the line where the bar was normally hooked on.

Simple and cheap, it worked very nicely.

The feet was simple wide bands of velcro.

[MrRobertEdmondson]

I agree the adaptation to which you refer is an improvement over the stock handle, but it has limitations:

- the attachment cord forms a forward "V" which restricts the user's extension at the catch

- the "loosey-goosey" structure does not enable the hand over hand action possible with the Slidewinder handle, nor the desired sculling-like angular progression of the handgrips

The brief videos, "Slidewinder on the Water" and "Slidewinder goes to School" further explain and demonstrate.

[aerostepn]

Outstanding idea! I love it! I have often thought the straight handle was not correct.

Will it work on my B model? Where can I purchase one?

[MrRobertEdmondson]

Thankyou for the enthusiastic response. The demonstrated handle will work on the Model C and D, but the cage around the flywheel of the Model B does not provide enough forward clearance for the nose of the new handle. At present, only two of those handles exist - the one in the video, and another for display. I'm still considering the possibility of manufacturing and marketing. Patents are pending. It's astonishing C2 and others have not recognized the limitations of the single-piece handle.

[MrRobertEdmondson]

The demonstrated handle's purpose is not just to improve the biomechanics of the exercise. During the stroke, as the handle arms spread, an angular progression of the individual handgrips occurs which closely replicates the changing angle of oar handgrips during actual rowing. This replication is consistent, whether a sculling or a non-sculling stroke is utilized. By comparison, the single-piece stock handle is a crude, stone age implement. It belongs in a penal colony, not an exercise machine.

[wasJar3lov]

You need to practise more! :) heels down all the time, and our arms back before leggs ;) sorry bad english

[MrRobertEdmondson]

Thanks for the advice, but this video is not about my technique , it's about much needed mechanical improvements to the C2 machine.

[sssssbooom]

That is so cool. great designing!!

[ndktube]

Very cool! Video stops at 1:49 though. Nuts.

[badocter]

That handle looks pretty awesome. A lot of ergers would order one right now if it were available and did not involve significant modification efforts on the erg itself -- I see that you have removed some of the bits on the C2 around the chain housing to accomodate the extra length of your handle at the catch.  How easy were those mods to make? I will have to look at my model E to figure out if the bits on it could be removed. Excellent ideas.

[MrRobertEdmondson]

I'm not sure about the Model E, but yes, on this Model D the performance monitor brackets and plastic chain port were removed to open up a corridor down the left side of the flywheel housing. The PM was remounted on the top of the flywheel housing. Simple changes. Also, the chain had to be shortened slightly so that the extra slack is taken up at the catch. A bit of work, but worth it. After 25 years it's time to move beyond the limitations of the stock handle.

[glaros0]

impressive improvements. I like C2, but the point about tighting the shows with this special mechanism solves a huge problem (for me at least), after about 300-400m my foot float around loosing power, stability and overall body stiffness rowing action, if you know what I mean - actually im focusing on keeping my foot still instead of rowing. well done - you positively shaked C2 concept!

[MrRobertEdmondson]

Watch Xeno Muller's "Improving Rowing Technique". Note the severe angulation of his student's wrists at the completion of the stroke. It's a glaring bio-mechanical defect, caused entirely by the C2 stock handle, but kinesiologists, physiotherapists, professors of bio-mechanics, and many others who should know better, continue like hired pitch men, to sing unqualified praises for the C2 ergometer. How did such an obviously flawed exercise machine become this sacred cow, immune from all criticism?

[MrRobertEdmondson]

The reality is, Concept 2 had one good idea about rowing machines a long time ago (flywheel/air resistance) and have been milking that one idea ever since. In 25 years virtually all of their improvements have been cosmetic and electronic - not mechanical. Compare, for example, the huge advances in bicycle technology over the same time period. With respect to the ergometer, C2's reputation as an innovative company owes more to successful marketing than to actual engineeering achievements.

[jamiewhatwhat]

bravo. you are obviously a talented guy, and the quality of your work appears excellent. I wonder, what id the added weight penalty of the slidewinder? I imagine it would be a significant penalty over longer distances if it weighed much more than the original handle. the crossover/sculling technique looks to be the best improvment overall. I would be very interested to read independant opinions on how superior the biomechanics are iver the original equipment. Finally, The foot pegs look superb!

[MrRobertEdmondson]

Thankyou for acknowledging that the C2 ergometer has design flaws. It's time the mythological status of Concept 2 be taken down a few notches. The C2 ergometer is a machine, not a holy icon - and machines can be improved.

[tonesterau]

These are fantastic innovations and improvements. I especially like the footholds. The straps that come standard on the C2 eventually fail. End there's nothing that bugs me more than "loose feet" flapping around because the foot straps work loose.

[MrRobertEdmondson]

Don't be too critical of my technique. I've spent more time working on the machine than working out on the machine.

[Sigmarian]

he has terrible technique

[MrRobertEdmondson]

Re:onekgguy tendiniti For too long Concept 2 users have been stuck with a rigid stick of a handle, and suffered from the flawed biomechanics resulting from its use. Note how the stock handle (even the new one on the Model D) forces the wrists to an angled position at the completion of the stroke, stressing those joints. By comparison, when using the prototype handles, the wrist joints remain comfortably aligned with the direction of the applied force throughout the stroke.

[onekgguy]

I like your improvements a lot. I've been sidelined with tendinitis from poor form on my C2 (too much arms I'm told) and wonder if the Canadian Slidewinder would help? I also like your solutions for the differing shoe sizes as well as the shirt tail guard. I'll take you up on all 3 if and when they become available.

[cohaye12]

I love the handle, with the over under movement. Do you sell those?

[MrArticulator]

Nothing is for sale right now. It's all prototype stuff. Patents pending. A year and a half to develop. Turns the old family sedan (the Concept 2 ergometer) into a

sports car. R. Edmondson