Hey r/crossfit,Quick question: how many of you use a Concept2 RowErg or BikeErg in your box and just look at the calories or distance on the PM5?
I've been working on ErgUltra — a training platform for Concept2 ergometers — and one of the things that surprised me most is how much data the PM5 actually generates. Every stroke produces watts, pace, stroke rate, drag factor, drive length, peak force, average force, work per stroke, and a complete force curve. It streams all of this via Bluetooth at ~1 Hz.

We're building a performance diagnostics engine that turns this raw data into actionable training intelligence. Here's the quick version:

VO2max from your erg test — Using the ACSM metabolic equations, we can estimate your VO2max from a 2K, 6-minute, or 12-minute Cooper test. The formula accounts for which erg you're on (RowErg uses a higher multiplier because it's full-body, BikeErg lower because it's legs only).

FTP + Watt Zones — A 20-minute all-out test gives you your Functional Threshold Power (FTP = 95% of your 20-min average watts). From that, 6 Coggan power zones are generated. This is the same system cyclists have used for years — now applied to erging.

Cross-Erg Zone Transfer — This is huge for CrossFit. If you test on the RowErg, the app calculates equivalent zones for the BikeErg and SkiErg. So when your WOD calls for 15 cal on the BikeErg, you know exactly what watt target puts you in the right intensity zone — even though you tested on the rower.

TRIMP Training Load — Every workout gets a single training load number using the Banister exponential model. This lets you compare a 90-minute Zone 2 row to a 30-minute Zone 4 interval session. Useful for managing total training load when you're also doing strength work, metcons, and skill sessions.Daily 

Readiness Score — If you wear a chest strap, the app calculates HRV metrics (RMSSD, LnRMSSD) from your RR-intervals. Combined with training load trends and resting HR, it generates a 0-100 Readiness Score. Above 80 = go hard. Below 35 = rest day.I wrote a full deep dive with all the formulas, scientific references (13 studies), and how the tech works.

For the CrossFit athletes here: do you track any of this data from your erg work? Or is it mostly just "row 1000m as fast as possible" and move on? Curious how people approach erg training in a CrossFit context.

How much data does your Concept2 actually generate? We're building a performance diagnostics engine for erg athletes — here's the science.