Replacement of the handle assembly of your Metallic Series rower is fairly straightforward and the process is identical for any Metallic Series rower.
As a guide, watch the video below. Note that this video is for an Original Series rower, but the same concepts apply for the Metallic Series from a procedural standpoint.
Step 1
Place handle into the most forward position near the large pulley in the Forward Riser.
Step 2
Using the 5mm ratchet included with your rower, remove the handle rests and handle rest bolts. Set them aside.
Step 3
Rotate the footboard away from the tank assembly toward the rear of the rower.
Step 4
Remove the tank cover by sliding it simultaneously upward and toward the rear of the rower.
Step 5
Unclip the bungee cord from the recoil strap.
Step 6
Gently pull the handle toward the rear of the rower, keeping tension on the recoil belt. The recoil belt will wind around the paddle shaft underneath the clutch.
When the handle strap is fully extended, peel the strap’s velcro off the clutch so that it can be removed entirely.
For metal clutches equipped with a strap retaining bolt, use a 1/8″ Allen key to remove this bolt (and set it aside) prior to removing the handle assembly.
Step 7
Take the new handle assembly and pass the Velcro end over the large pulley in the forward riser as shown. Ensure the strap / handle is oriented so that the Velcro surface at the end of the strap is in contact with the surface of the large pulley as it wraps around it.
Step 8
Pass the handle strap underneath the top deck towards the clutch housing. Pass the end of the strap inside (towards the center of the machine) the handle strap guide pulley (the upper of the two guide pulleys). Take the end of the drive strap and place the strap’s Velcro surface against the mating Velcro on the clutch.
For metal clutches equipped with a strap retaining bolt, use a 1/8″ Allen key to reinstall this bolt before proceeding to Step 9.
Step 9
Check that the belt orientation is correct. Slowly rotate the clutch (in a clockwise direction, as viewed from above) to feed the handle strap onto the clutch housing as shown. Make sure that the strap feeds evenly onto the clutch.
Wind the strap onto the clutch so that the handle reaches its full forward position, as shown.
Step 10
If your recoil belt is still attached to the recoil bush then go onto Step 11. Otherwise it will be necessary to reconnect the recoil. If you feel unsure about the orientation of the recoil it may be best to go through this process anyhow.
Step 11
With the handle in the full forward position, it is important that the recoil belt wraps around the recoil bush 1-2 turns.
When the recoil belt is properly wound, pass the recoil belt towards the center of the machine and inside the recoil belt guide pulley (the lower of the two guide pulleys) and over the 2 pulleys in the forward riser. Pass the belt underneath the machine towards the bungee as shown.
Step 12
Reconnect the recoil belt to the bungee as shown.
Step 13
Re-install the top cover. Starting just behind the monitor, position the cover at an angle. Simultaneously slide the cover downward and horizontally forward (towards the front of the rower) so that it covers the clutch and recoil mechanism area. Gently fit the front edge of the cover into the supporting / protective shims, if equipped.
Step 14
Gently rotate the footboard forward until it rests against the slanted brackets of the tank assembly. The holes in the top of the footboard (for the handle rests) should align with the threaded inserts of the slanted brackets.
Step 15
Using the 5mm ratchet, reinstall the handle rests and bolts. Ensure that the flat surfaces of the handle rests are parallel to the ground.
Note: This step also secures the footboard to the black slanted brackets of the tank assembly. Do not overtighten the handle rest bolts – permanent damage to the brackets may result.