SkiErg & BikeErg Pace Converter
Convert equivalent efforts between Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg, and BikeErg. Watts is the universal equalizer across all three machines.
Quick summary
- What it does:
- Converts pace and watts between all 3 Concept2 machines
- Input:
- Pace (RowErg/SkiErg) or watts (BikeErg)
- Output:
- Equivalent effort on all three machines
- Price:
- Free, no signup required
Cross-machine reference table
Common effort levels compared across all three Concept2 machines.
| Watts | RowErg /500m | SkiErg /500m | Cal/hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 2:31.8 | 2:39.4 | 700 |
| 130 | 2:19.1 | 2:26.1 | 820 |
| 160 | 2:09.8 | 2:16.3 | 940 |
| 190 | 2:02.6 | 2:08.7 | 1060 |
| 220 | 1:56.7 | 2:02.6 | 1180 |
| 260 | 1:50.4 | 1:55.9 | 1340 |
| 300 | 1:45.3 | 1:50.5 | 1500 |
| 350 | 1:40.0 | 1:45.0 | 1700 |
How cross-machine conversion works
All three Concept2 machines (RowErg, SkiErg, and BikeErg) measure effort in watts. Watts is the universal unit of power output, making it the best way to compare effort across different machines regardless of technique or body position.
For the RowErg and SkiErg, the PM5 monitor calculates watts from your pace using the formula: watts = 2.80 / (pace/500)3. The BikeErg displays watts directly based on flywheel speed and damper setting.
At the same wattage, the SkiErg feels harder because skiing uses less total muscle mass than rowing. Most athletes find their SkiErg pace is roughly 5% slower than their RowErg pace at the same power output. This converter applies that factor to give you realistic equivalent efforts.
The calorie display on all three machines uses a similar formula. The PM5 approximates calories per hour as (watts x 4) + 300, so at the same watts you burn roughly the same calories regardless of which machine you use.
Calculate your pace and watts or find your rowing training zones.
Track all your Concept2 workouts
ErgManiac syncs with your C2 Logbook and tracks performance across RowErg, SkiErg, and BikeErg.
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