2nd hand power rack - should I buy this?

[FallingBridge]

This is a 2nd hand rack proposed by a guy next to my town (remove spaces)...

https ://www . leboncoin . fr/sports_hobbies/1152113445.htm?ca=16_s

I live in France (but not French :P ), the stuff I can find looks more expensive than the US.
How would you judge this? It costs 500EUR new, it's offered at 350EUR.

Thanks in advance,
Michele

[keyboardworkout]

Can't get the link to work without spaces

Edit

Maybe this is it:

https://www.leboncoin.fr/sports_hobb...45.htm?ca=12_s

If it is the correct rack, it looks functional for your price and location. The drawbacks will be the hole spacing for bench and the crappy j-hooks.

[FallingBridge]

Can't get the link to work without spaces

Edit

Maybe this is it:


If it is the correct rack, it looks functional for your price and location. The drawbacks will be the hole spacing for bench and the crappy j-hooks.

Yes it's the right one. Does it include security for bench press? I don't really know how it works so I can't say by the picture...
Thanks!

[CliveWarren]

I would say yes. Buying used is the way to go. Maybe try offering 250 €. 50% retail, is probably realistic for used.

It's not the fanciest rack, but it looks like it would be serviceable and safe.

[FallingBridge]

Sorry for the multiple questions, but it's a good amount of money so I don't want to make a wrong buy.
I've seen the video from the retailer and the guy does squats outside it: does it mean there is no security? No fallback positions? I thought that was the function of the two central bars, but you have to squat inside...

https :// www . decathlon . fr/rack-musculation-adidas-id_8353239.html

Thanks a lot man!

[ironwill2008]

Sorry for the multiple questions, but it's a good amount of money so I don't want to make a wrong buy.
I've seen the video from the retailer and the guy does squats outside it: does it mean there is no security? No fallback positions? I thought that was the function of the two central bars, but you have to squat inside...

https :// www . decathlon . fr/rack-musculation-adidas-id_8353239.html

Thanks a lot man!

Yes, you Squat inside the rack.

The 'silver' bars are the safety catchers; set those just a little lower than where the bar is at when you're at parallel, and if you miss a rep, you simply sit down, and let the catchers 'catch' the bar.

[FallingBridge]

Yes, you Squat inside the rack.

The 'silver' bars are the safety catchers; set those just a little lower than where the bar is at when you're at parallel, and if you miss a rep, you simply sit down, and let the catchers 'catch' the bar.

Thanks.
I assume the same applies for bench presses, do I simply need to set them at the right height? I will maybe have problems as indicated by Clive concerning holes spacing...

[ironwill2008]

Thanks.
I assume the same applies for bench presses, do I simply need to set them at the right height? I will maybe have problems as indicated by Clive concerning holes spacing...

Yes.

You can make minor adjustments, if necessary, by placing a sheet or two of plywood under your bench.

[FallingBridge]

I just realised I would need a longer barbell (mine is 160cm long). The stated dimensions are:
208 x 165 x 150 cm. I assume 150cm is the width, which bar length would I need? Is 2m enough?

Reading the reviews, multiple people complain about the pullies cables getting worned out quickly, are they easy to replace in general?

[Farley1324]

I just realised I would need a longer barbell (mine is 160cm long). The stated dimensions are:
208 x 165 x 150 cm. I assume 150cm is the width, which bar length would I need? Is 2m enough?

Reading the reviews, multiple people complain about the pullies cables getting worned out quickly, are they easy to replace in general?

The standard is what we call an Olympic barbell, and is 7 foot long (~213 cm) weighing 20kg (or 45 lb). The sleeves on the end are about 2" diameter and match up to Olympic style plates with similar size hole in the middle. Most racks are intended to be/best used with a bar of that type.

What bar and plates do you have?

[ironwill2008]

I just realised I would need a longer barbell (mine is 160cm long). The stated dimensions are:
208 x 165 x 150 cm. I assume 150cm is the width, which bar length would I need? Is 2m enough?

As above, you will also need an Olympic barbell and weight plates.

Reading the reviews, multiple people complain about the pullies cables getting worned out quickly, are they easy to replace in general?

Yes, at least for someone with basic tools and basic mechanical skills. Replacement parts are easy to obtain from a number of online suppliers.

[FallingBridge]

The standard is what we call an Olympic barbell, and is 7 foot long (~213 cm) weighing 20kg (or 45 lb). The sleeves on the end are about 2" diameter and match up to Olympic style plates with similar size hole in the middle. Most racks are intended to be/best used with a bar of that type.

What bar and plates do you have?

I have two 160 cm barbells (when buying second hand stuff, I got a free barbell). Their diameter is 28mm, and my weights have holes of 30mm diameters (of course). I have enough weights for a long time I think (8*10kg + 8*5kg + ...). I'm a novice and I'm 65kg (143lb) * 1.78 cm (5.84 feet).

[FallingBridge]

As above, you will also need an Olympic barbell and weight plates.





Yes, at least for someone with basic tools and basic mechanical skills. Replacement parts are easy to obtain from a number of online suppliers.

Yes no problem, I have some mechanical skills.
Now I'm more concerned about the price of all of the equipment I would need, including a new bench (my actual one includes support for the bar, which probably would annoy me...).

[RestoringTally]

The standard is what we call an Olympic barbell, and is 7 foot long (~213 cm) weighing 20kg (or 45 lb). The sleeves on the end are about 2" diameter and match up to Olympic style plates with similar size hole in the middle. Most racks are intended to be/best used with a bar of that type.

What bar and plates do you have?

I have two 160 cm barbells (when buying second hand stuff, I got a free barbell). Their diameter is 28mm, and my weights have holes of 30mm diameters (of course). I have enough weights for a long time I think (8*10kg + 8*5kg + ...). I'm a novice and I'm 65kg (143lb) * 1.78 cm (5.84 feet).

You have two options:
1) get a 213 cm (7 foot) barbell that fits your current plates. Standard barbells (25mm diameter at ends) are typically good only for lighter weights. As you progress, a standard bar will likely not be strong enough to use without getting bent.

2) get an Olympic bar and Olympic weights. This will add a lot to your cost, but will be useful during your full lifting career, unlike option 1 above.

[RestoringTally]

Now I'm more concerned about the price of all of the equipment I would need, including a new bench (my actual one includes support for the bar, which probably would annoy me...).

It sounds like you have a bench press bench. That will likely not fit inside the rack.

Yes, in addition to the rack, you need a bench and a bar with weights. With all that equipment, you will be able to work out and progress to heavier weights safely.

[Farley1324]

You need a power rack, bench, and olympic barbell/plates. And probably something like rubber horse stall mats on the floor underneath. Bonus points for a good pull-up bar on the power rack, room overhead to do press the bar overhead, and room on the floor outside the rack.

[gym62richard]

I have two 160 cm barbells (when buying second hand stuff, I got a free barbell). Their diameter is 28mm, and my weights have holes of 30mm diameters (of course). I have enough weights for a long time I think (8*10kg + 8*5kg + ...). I'm a novice and I'm 65kg (143lb) * 1.78 cm (5.84 feet).

You appear to have 5ft barbells, that accept standard plates 25mm-30mm diameter holes. If my assumption is correct those bars will not fit a normally configured power rack, you would require a 7ft bar or rackable 6ft bar, that accept Olympic plates that generally have a 50mm diameter hole.

[FallingBridge]

Thanks all for your answers.
Maybe I'll go, temporary, for option 1, buying a long bar accepting my weights and if I get too big I'll change all my equipment later.

I will go to decathlon (a popular shop here in France) and verify that this bar is compatible with the rack, because they sell it too (remove spaces):

https :// www . decathlon . fr/barre-de-musculation-200-m-id_8289900.html

[Wildtim]

Honestly I would sell what you have as a complete setup. That usually brings top dollar with an entry level system as some kids mom or dad can get everything they need for Jr. in one go. Then use that money to go towards a Olympic set-up built around the rack you found. This type of set-up could last you a lifetime but more importantly will instantly feel more comfortable to use and more stabil giving you confidence to really push yourself and progress faster.

[FallingBridge]

Honestly I would sell what you have as a complete setup. That usually brings top dollar with an entry level system as some kids mom or dad can get everything they need for Jr. in one go. Then use that money to go towards a Olympic set-up built around the rack you found. This type of set-up could last you a lifetime but more importantly will instantly feel more comfortable to use and more stabil giving you confidence to really push yourself and progress faster.

Thanks for the suggestion.
I'll probably buy the rack, then I will see how much I can get from all my equipment. I can probably use the rack temporarily with a 2m non olympic barbell (I'm going to ask it at the shop in a couple of hours).

Just for information, what's the benefit of that big rack against this:

https :// www .leboncoin . fr/sports_hobbies/1153880219.htm?ca=16_s

[FallingBridge]

I went to the shop, taken some measures of the cage itself.
It's 112 cm wide, and the depth is 75cm: isn't it a bit too narrow on the inside to perform squats? The vendor told me it's ok as long as you have a clear reference on the ground where to put your feet... Any experience?

Aside from that, it looks solid, there a lot of exercises because it includes all the pulleys/lat machine, I'll probably be able to do the fierce 5 full body program properly (not the dumbbell version), right?

Concerning the barbell, even a 175cm fits, I checked, so no problem from that side, I can go on with that and one day switch to olympic stuff.

[RestoringTally]

I went to the shop, taken some measures of the cage itself.
It's 112 cm wide, and the depth is 75cm: isn't it a bit too narrow on the inside to perform squats? The vendor told me it's ok as long as you have a clear reference on the ground where to put your feet... Any experience?

112cm or 44 inches is a good inside width for a rack. Most people squat with their feet shoulder-width apart or slightly more than that. 112cm is plenty wide enough for squats, unless you are very tall with long legs and you want to use a very wide sumo stance. In that case you need a rack that allows your feet to extend past the sides of the rack. The rack you linked to has front-to-back members on the ground. Those members mean your feet must remain inside the rack.

[FallingBridge]

112cm or 44 inches is a good inside width for a rack. Most people squat with their feet shoulder-width apart or slightly more than that. 112cm is plenty wide enough for squats, unless you are very tall with long legs and you want to use a very wide sumo stance. In that case you need a rack that allows your feet to extend past the sides of the rack. The rack you linked to has front-to-back members on the ground. Those members mean your feet must remain inside the rack.

I was more concerned about the depth, as in my butt could touch the pulleys parts behind if I don't place myself properly, although between the pulley system and the bars there is an additional clearance... I'm quite thin and average height (1.78cm).

[RestoringTally]

I went to the shop, taken some measures of the cage itself.
It's 112 cm wide, and the depth is 75cm: isn't it a bit too narrow on the inside to perform squats? The vendor told me it's ok as long as you have a clear reference on the ground where to put your feet... Any experience?

I was more concerned about the depth, as in my butt could touch the pulleys parts behind if I don't place myself properly, although between the pulley system and the bars there is an additional clearance... I'm quite thin and average height (1.78cm).

The inside depth of 75cm is about 29 inches. That should be plenty room unless you like walking back a lot when you unrack. It is only necessary to step back enough to clear the j-hooks. Although, some people like to step back a long distance. That is a waste of energy and not necessary. If you end up hitting the hooks as you come up, then the bar is not following a vertical path, which means there is a form problem that needs to be fixed.

An easy way to check is to stand in front of a wall with an empty bar on your back. Position yourself so that when you do a proper squat your butt touches the wall behind you. Measure how much room you have between where the bar sits on your back to the wall.

[FallingBridge]

The inside depth of 75cm is about 29 inches. That should be plenty room unless you like walking back a lot when you unrack. It is only necessary to step back enough to clear the j-hooks. Although, some people like to step back a long distance. That is a waste of energy and not necessary. If you end up hitting the hooks as you come up, then the bar is not following a vertical path, which means there is a form problem that needs to be fixed.

An easy way to check is to stand in front of a wall with an empty bar on your back. Position yourself so that when you do a proper squat your butt touches the wall behind you. Measure how much room you have between where the bar sits on your back to the wall.

Actually the space inside is 65cm, the pillars are 5cm wide each. Anyway, I assume it's enough given your feedback, I'm quite thin...
I called the guy I should have it for 320 EUR.

[RestoringTally]

Actually the space inside is 65cm, the pillars are 5cm wide each. Anyway, I assume it's enough given your feedback, I'm quite thin...
I called the guy I should have it for 320 EUR.

That is the same distance I have between my uprights. I have a dumbbell rack that butts up against my rear uprights. (I have very little space in my gym.) I step back far enough to clear my bar pegs. I have no trouble squatting in that space.

[FallingBridge]

That is the same distance I have between my uprights. I have a dumbbell rack that butts up against my rear uprights. (I have very little space in my gym.) I step back far enough to clear my bar pegs. I have no trouble squatting in that space.

Thanks. Tomorrow I'm going to see the stuff and hopefully take it, any particular thing I should verify before buying? I'll have a look at ropes status (he keeps telling it's as new...), anything else?

Looking forward to properly do Fierce 5 Full body program now!

[FallingBridge]

Hi again,
I've taken precise measures and checked the equipment (it's in good conditions indeed!).
Now my dilemma: should I buy a 175cm bar (shown in the sketch) or 2m bar (more annoying for my room space, but doable, I have 2.80m between walls)?
Both for 30mm hole weights (I don't want to switch all my weights for olympic ones yet, too expensive!).
My question is: 6cm clearance on each side from the J hooks, is this enough or do I risk to be bothered in centering the bar a after squat series? I've never done squats so I don't really know if you are able to look at your sides to center it...
I would prefer the 175cm bar for easier handling, price is the same.

[FallingBridge]

Hi again,
my rack has arrived and I just finished asseblying it Here are some pictures of the status of my gym now.

I will buy this bench, unless you have a better suggestion:
https://www.decathlon.fr/banc-muscul...d_8380453.html

I don't plan to sell the other one because it has got the leg extension machine and the support for curls.
Any observation/suggestions? Especially concerning the layout, quite tight indeed...

Otherwise, I have a couple of questions:
1) How can I do the face pulls? The pulley on the top won't to do job, it's meant for downward pull only. Can I do it, sitting on the floor, with the lower pulley?
2) I'm running Fierce 5 novice full body (been running the dumbbell version up to now), do you suggest I stick with pendlay rows or should I use the rowing capability of the machine? (lower pulley)
3) Do you suggest performing romanian dead lift outside the rack or inside, using very low J hook placement?
Ciao,
Michele

[keyboardworkout]

Your j-hooks take up half of the useful area in the rack. I would look into having someone cut and shorten them for you.

Your bar doesn't look like it has inside collars.