About Concept2

Brothers Dick and Peter Dreissigacker started Concept2 over forty years ago in a Vermont barn with the vision of creating innovative, quality rowing products for training and racing. Our founders’ vision influences our business today: we continue to look for ways to make our products better and support our customers with quality products.

Even though we’ve moved out of the barn, our staff of over 100 employees still work side by side with Peter and Dick, fulfilling their mission to promote and encourage rowing, indoors and out. Our product range has expanded, but our focus has not. We’re still dedicated to designing, manufacturing, selling, and supporting our unique range of fitness and training products.

When you choose Concept2, you can be confident that your investment is protected by a successful, experienced company with a worldwide reputation for best-in-class products and unmatched customer service.
Why Concept2?

Concept2 is more than a name; it’s the idea that you should always take a second look. The more you look at something, the better the solution will be. We’re always innovating, so that our best can help you be your best.

AddedforTesting
Meet the Founders
Mission and Values
Work at Concept2

Concept2 History

1976: Concept2 Begins
Concept2 began in the back of a repurposed bread truck, where brothers Dick and Peter Dreissigacker, fresh from Olympic training, started making composite racing oars. They crisscrossed the country in search of a place to start their business.
Jon on erg prototype
1982: Model A
Peter and Dick needed to train through the winter. They nailed an old bicycle to the floor of the barn and pulled on the free end of the chain—the Model A Indoor Rower was born.
shaft 1000
1984: 1000 Shafts
With 12 employees, Concept2 grows too big for the barn and moves to the Morrisville Industrial Park.  In oar production, the 1000th shaft is made.  
Model B and C
1986: Ergometers Evolve
The Concept2 Indoor Rower evolves. The Model B enclosed the flywheel in a wire cage; electronics provide more accurate monitoring than the original bicycle odometer. Introduced in 1993, the Model C provided a smoother, quieter row.
Big Blade
1991: Big Blade
The Big Blade is introduced in oar design, an asymmetric hatchet-shaped blade that appeared to be 1-2% faster than existing designs.
2003: Model D and E
The Model D (2003) introduced a new ergonomic handle, adjustable footrests, advanced electronics and easier storage. The Model E (2006) sits 6 inches higher than the Model D for improved accessibility.
2006: Oar Innovations
The Fat2 blade design (2006) reflects everything we know about how blades move through the water. Paired with the Skinny shaft (2011), a smaller diameter shaft with wind resistance properties, it offers the greatest potential for speed.
2009: New Family Members
Our family of ergs now includes the RowErg (Models D, E and Dynamic), BikeErg (2017) and SkiErg (2009).
2020: Concept2 Today
Concept2 sells and ships Concept2 products to 115+ countries worldwide. Peter and Dick Dreissigacker continue to work here in Morrisville, tinkering on new ideas and innovations.