Model B Indoor Rower

Released in 1986, is a durable, vintage-industrial ergometer featuring a distinctive black wire cage flywheel, wooden handle, and wooden footboards. Known for its longevity, it provides a solid workout, though it lacks modern features, often requiring retrofitting with newer PM3/PM5 monitors for modern connectivity

What is a Rower?

What a rower is

A rowing machine (erg) is a low-impact, full-body cardio piece — legs, back, and arms drive each stroke — making it a favorite for conditioning and steady-state work that spares the joints. Resistance comes from air (a fan; harder the faster you pull, the CrossFit/Concept2 standard), magnetic (quiet, fixed levels), or water (a smooth, swishing feel).

What to look for

A trustworthy performance monitor (pace, watts, distance) is what makes training measurable — the Concept2 PM5 is the benchmark. Also weigh footprint and storage (many rowers stand or separate for storage) and build quality, since the seat, rail, and handle take daily abuse.