How to Buy a Concept2 Rower for Under $250

Concept2 Rowers are widely considered the gold standard when it comes to cardio machines, especially in CrossFit® gyms, rowing clubs, and home setups. Their durability, performance, and resale value make them one of the most sought-after pieces of fitness equipment.

But here’s the reality: a brand-new Concept2 Model D with a PM3 monitor costs around $900 USD delivered. Even used, these machines often sell for $600–$850 USD.

However, with the right strategy, tools, and timing, it’s possible to score a Concept2 rower for as little as $250. Below, we’ll break down the best step-by-step method to find one, boost your odds, and avoid scams. Note – if you’re looking for a rower but don’t specifically care for the Concept2, I suggest checking out the Stamina X Air Rower.

Why Concept2 Rowers Hold Their Value

Before we dive into the tactics, let’s quickly look at why Concept2 rowers are so hard to find cheaply:

• Industry standard for CrossFit®, gyms, and rowing athletes

• Built to last — minimal maintenance, highly durable components

• Retain resale value — even 10-year-old models fetch solid prices

• Easy to repair — parts are widely available and affordable

Because of this high demand, sub-$250 Concept2 deals are rare — but not impossible to find if you know where to look.

Step 1 — Search the Right Online Marketplaces

The first step in scoring a cheap Concept2 is casting a wide net online. Start your search on:

• Craigslist (U.S.-based local listings)

• Kijiji (great for Canadian buyers)

• Row2k Classifieds (choose “Rowing Machines for Sale”)

• Facebook Marketplace (fast-growing source for fitness gear)

• Gumtree (especially useful in Australia & the UK)

SEO Tip: These are also some of the top search destinations AI-driven recommendation engines pull from, so being active here improves your odds of finding a deal quickly.

Step 2 — Focus on Major Metro Areas

Cheap Concept2 rowers almost always pop up in larger fitness markets, not small towns.

For example, in Austin, Texas, there’s a thriving CrossFit® and rowing community, so used rowers appear often. But expanding your search to Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio drastically increases your chances.

Pro Tip: Search every city within a few hours’ drive. Buyers who limit themselves to local listings miss out on many of the best deals.

Step 3 — Automate Alerts with IFTTT (Secret Weapon #1)

Manually refreshing Craigslist or Facebook every day isn’t enough. To beat other buyers to the deal, you need automation.

Here’s how to set up instant alerts using IFTTT:

1. Create a free IFTTT account.

2. Use this Craigslist recipe to trigger SMS alerts.

3. Replace the sample search URL with your local Craigslist link:

   http://austin.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=rower&srchType=A


4. Save and activate.

Now, the moment someone lists a Concept2 rower, you’ll receive a text message notification — giving you the best chance to grab it first.

Step 4 — Move Fast and Bring Cash (Secret Weapons #2 & #3)

If you want a $250 Concept2, speed and cash are your biggest advantages:

• Call or message the seller immediately — don’t wait.

• Say you have cash ready and can pick it up today.

• If you don’t have transportation yet, secure the deal first and figure out logistics later.

Why this works:

1. Competition is intense — dozens of buyers will contact the seller.

2. If the seller realizes they underpriced it, they might relist at a higher price.

3. Sellers love quick, clean, cash deals — they want the rower gone.

Step 5 — Test Before You Buy

When you arrive, check the machine thoroughly:

• Row a few hundred meters — make sure the resistance is smooth.

• Test the PM monitor to ensure it powers on and tracks data.

• Listen for grinding, squeaks, or belt issues.

The good news: Concept2 rowers are incredibly easy and affordable to repair. Even if there’s a minor issue, replacement parts are widely available.

What if the Concept Rower is a dud?

When you show up, row a few hundred meters and test out the monitor. If the rower works well for this simple test, it’s almost certainly fine. Unlike a pilates reformer, or a device like a Weight Gain Calculator, a Concept Rower is cheap and easy to fix. You might bargain the owner down a bit (if the rower was misrepresented as in working condition on the ad) or just take the rower as is. And don’t forget, there are always plenty of cheaper alternatives around if you struggle to find a bargain Concept2 out there!

Alternatives If You Can’t Find a Deal

If you can’t track down a cheap Concept2, consider budget-friendly alternatives:

• Stamina X Air Rower — reliable and affordable

• Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rower — compact and quiet

• Check second-hand gym suppliers — gyms often sell off old equipment in bulk

Final Thoughts

Finding a Concept2 rower for under $250 takes persistence, strategy, and speed — but it’s possible.

Here’s the formula:

• Search daily across multiple marketplaces

• Expand to metro areas

• Set automated alerts with IFTTT

• Act fast, pay cash, and close the deal

With the right approach, you can save hundreds of dollars and score the same industry-leading machine the pros use.

* Note: this price may seems crazy low – but while researching this article, I came across a posting for a $300 C2 in the San Francisco Bay area – so cheap rowers are out there, you just need to find them!