# How to assemble a Concept2 RowErg Source: https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/how-to-assemble-a-concept2-rowerg Published: 2026-10-12 Publisher: Row and Spin **In short:** A Concept2 RowErg arrives in one box in two main parts: the front unit with the flywheel and the monorail. You fit the front legs, slide the seat onto the rail, join the rail to the front unit, fit the rear legs and attach the monitor. It takes most people well under an hour with the tools supplied. Follow Concept2's printed instructions for your version. The Concept2 RowErg is one of the easiest rowers to put together, and Concept2 supplies a printed guide and the tools you need. This article walks through the general order of assembly so you know what to expect before you open the box, and covers the checks to make before your first row. Concept2 updates its design from time to time, so treat the steps here as an overview and always follow the instructions in your box or on Concept2's website. ## Before you start Choose where the rower will live before you open the box. You need a clear area roughly the length of the rower plus room at the sides, on a firm, level floor. See [rowing machine dimensions](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/rowing-machine-dimensions) for typical sizes. A mat underneath protects the floor; see [do you need a mat under a rowing machine](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/rowing-machine-and-bike-mats). The box is heavy and long. Two people make carrying it easier and safer. Open it on the floor where you will assemble the rower, and lay out the parts and the small bag of fixings so nothing gets lost. - The front unit with the flywheel housing and handle - The monorail with the seat already fitted or packed separately - Front and rear legs or stabilisers - The PM5 monitor and its arm - A bag of bolts and the tools supplied by Concept2 ## Assembly in order The exact steps depend on the version, but the usual order is below. Read each step in Concept2's guide before you do it. 1. Attach the front legs to the front unit with the bolts supplied. 2. Slide the seat onto the monorail, making sure it faces the right way. 3. Join the monorail to the front unit using Concept2's fixing method for your version. 4. Attach the rear legs to the far end of the monorail. 5. Fit the monitor arm, if it is not already attached, and connect the monitor and its cable. 6. Fit batteries to the monitor if your version needs them. 7. Tighten every bolt firmly with the tool supplied, without forcing. ## First checks Before rowing, slide the seat along the full length of the rail. It should glide smoothly with no grinding. Check that the rail is fixed firmly to the front unit and that the rower sits level on all its feet. Pull the handle out gently and let it return. The chain should run smoothly and the handle should come back to its rest. Set the damper lever to a middle setting to start; our guide to [Concept2 damper settings](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/concept2-damper-settings) explains what the numbers mean. Press a button on the monitor to wake it, or start rowing to power it up. If the screen stays blank, check the cable at the back of the monitor and at the flywheel housing, and see [Concept2 PM5 not working](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/concept2-pm5-not-working). ## Setting up the footplates and monitor Adjust the footplates so the strap crosses the widest part of your foot. Rowers with larger feet usually use a lower hole. Tighten the strap so your foot is held but not squeezed. Angle the monitor arm so you can read the screen without leaning. Pair it with the ErgData app or a training app if you want to save your sessions; see [how to use the Concept2 Logbook](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-concept2-logbook). It is also worth checking for a firmware update; see [updating PM5 firmware](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/how-to-update-concept2-pm5-firmware). ## Splitting and storing One of the RowErg's design features is that it can stand on end or separate into two parts for storage. Concept2's instructions show the safe way to do this for your version. Our guide on [how to store a rowing machine upright](https://rowandspin.co.uk/blog/how-to-store-a-rowing-machine-upright) covers the general precautions. When standing it up, make sure the rower is stable and cannot be knocked over, especially if children or pets are around. Note: Ask for help with lifting the box and tipping the rower upright. Keep fingers clear of the rail joint when connecting or separating the two halves. [Compare the RowErg with other rowers](https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-rowing-machine-uk) ## Common assembly questions If a bolt will not start, stop and check it is the right one for that hole and is straight. Cross-threading a bolt is easy to do and hard to undo. If the seat feels rough after assembly, wipe the rail; packing dust is a common cause. If a part is missing or damaged, contact Concept2's UK support with the serial number from the label on the front unit. ## Frequently asked questions **How long does a Concept2 RowErg take to assemble?** Most people finish well within an hour, as Concept2 ships it largely assembled. **Do I need my own tools?** Concept2 supplies the tool needed for assembly. Check the box contents list. **Can one person assemble it?** Yes, but carrying the box and lifting the rail are easier with two people. **Which way round does the seat go?** Check Concept2's guide. The seat shape is designed to face one way, and fitting it backwards makes rowing uncomfortable. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-rowing-machine-uk - https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-rowing-machine-for-small-spaces - https://rowandspin.co.uk/best/best-smart-rowing-machine ## Sources - [Concept2 UK](https://www.concept2.co.uk/)