Lightning Options and Accessories

Tim's Tech Tips: Insider tech information from Lightning designer Tim Brummer
Accessory prices are on our
Price list

For All Bikes:    
  MIRROR BRAKE LEVERS BAGS
  ZZIPPER FAIRING  CLOTHING OTHER ACCESSORIES 
  QUICK SIZE KIT  TILT STEERING  REAR SUSPENSION
P-38 Accessories:    
  SUSPENDED FORK    
   

For All Bikes

 
   

 

MIRROR

We recommend all riders use a mirror, if you prefer a helmet or glassed mounted mirror that is fine.

 Otherwise we offer a Mirrycle mirror modified with a bracket and hardware to mount on a brake lever.

 

BRAKE LEVERS

Touring or Mountain type levers are best choices for optimal hand position. We use Tektro or Sensir levers, modified to fit the curve of the Lightning drop handlebar. If you are buying a frameset, you can obtain these modified levers at the same time.

   

 

LOW DRAG PANNIERS

Custom designed for the Lightning—they do not increase wind resistance like other panniers. They are constructed with an aluminum framework, and tough Cordura nylon.

Also, these are the only panniers that can be used with the Shockster rear suspension. Other panniers place the weight too far rearward, resulting in damage to the suspension unit.

The panniers mount on a Blackburn or similar rack.

Capacity: 2,000 cubic inches.
Weight: 3 lbs
Colors: Black, blue, red, yellow, bright orange

 

   

 

 

 

SLIP-ON SEAT BAG

Custom made for the Lightning, the Seat Bag quickly and easily slips over the top of the seat to carry everything needed on a day ride. Includes slots for two 1.5 liter hydration bladders, and a small key and wallet pocket.

Capacity 700 cubic in.
Weight: 0.5 lbs
Colors: Black, blue, red, yellow, bright orange

 

 

 

 

HANDLEBAR BAG

Custom made for the Lightning, this Bag easily attaches to the handlebar using velcro straps to carry small items.  Has a main zippered compartment and small top pocket

Capacity 100 cubic in.
Colors: Black, yellow

 

 

ZZIPPER FAIRING

This small and lightweight fairing gives a 10% increase in speed. It also keeps you warmer in the winter, and keeps the bugs off in the summer.

Quickly and easily attaches to Tektro or DiaCompe brake levers with special mounting studs.

Plus, it is held in place with finger knobs, for fast no-tools removal.

Weight:1.2 lbs.

   
SHORTS

Custom made from Nylon/Lycra for use with recumbents. Because of the superb Lightning comfort, no padding is needed in the six panel shorts. Made by Kucharic cyclewear.

   

 

RAAM-tested QUICK ADJUST KIT

This amazing kit makes your P-38 easily adjustable to fit various riders in your family! The idea came from RAAM (the non-stop Race Across America), where Tim needed a way to fit the racing bike to multiple riders, and change quickly between them.

By adding the chain take-up device, this option lets you adjust crank boom without changing the chain length. Includes quick release skewers for the crank and handlebar adjustments! Perfect for quick adjustments for different users of the same bike.

Weight: 0.6 lb

THE CHAIN TAKE UP DEVICE IS STANDARD ON THE PHANTOM.

 

   

FENDERS

Matched Planet Bike fender sets are available for all Lightning models. Constructed from tough plastic laminated over aluminum, with stainless steel mounting hardware.

Weight: 1 lb

 
   
LOCK-DOWN TILT STEERING COLUMN

NOW STANDARD ON PHANTOMS!

The perfect solution for easier entry and exit, or if you want to change the handlebar reach during rides.

During quick stops, the folding stems used on other recumbent brands can fly forward, possibly resulting in a loss of control. For much safer riding, the exclusive Lightning Lock Down stem locks solidly in place, preventing any movement during riding. 

A custom oversized quick release lever is employed to easily engage and disengage the toothed locking mechanism. Six positions are available, from 20 degrees forward to 20 degrees rearward. 

Also, when unlocked, the stem can be tilted 90 degrees forward or rearward. This feature allows for easy storage or transportation in limited spaces, especially when the seat is removed. 

The locking pivot portion of the stem is a separate piece, and can be easily retrofitted to any LIGHTNING built after 1996. Because this portion adds about 3 inches to the stem height, a shorter upper stem might be needed to prevent excessive handlebar height 

The photos show a close-up of the locking pivot portion. The lower part inserts into the fork steerer, while the existing upper stem slides over the top part. 

Adds 0.5 lb weight

 

   

REAR SUSPENSION

Bolt-on rear suspension is now available for most LIGHTNING models. The suspension unit is a Shockster, built in the USA by Bike Control with special light weight springs for Lightning recumbents. 

Custom rear stays included with the suspension unit allow it to be easily bolted onto 2000 and up model Thunderbolts and Phantoms. Note: DO NOT MOUNT A SHOCKSTER WITHOUT THESE CUSTOM STAYS, as the frame might fail. The Shockster and Lightning warranties are valid only with the custom rear stays.

Also, with dropout modifications, the unit can be fitted to Thunderbolt, and Stealth models built before 2000, and to P-38 models built after 1990.  If the unit is fitted to a P-38, Paul Motolite 700c rear brakes or a 26" rear wheel is needed.

The suspension features 3 inches of travel, and brackets are available for installing a rear rack. 

Finally, because of the vertical suspension travel, there is no "biopacing", meaning no pedaling energy is lost due to suspension compression. 

Weight: 3 lbs


P-38 Accessories

SUSPENDED FRONT FORK

Recommended if the front tire is run at pressures over 100 psi.

A coil spring is located inside the steerer tube with friction damping.  This fork weighs only 1/2 lb. more, and is a direct replacement for, the rigid fork. The F-40 comes standard with this fork.

The wheel pictured in the fork at left is the optional high performance 20x1 wheel, with Grand Prix 120 psi tire and Sun M14A aero rim.

Adds 0.5 lb weight

   
   

OTHER ACCESSORIES

Other common bicycle accessories can be easily added to any of our bicycles:

  • Water bottle cages
  • Battery operated lighting systems
  • Most types of rear racks and bags
  • Most Cyclometers (some may require extra-long sensor cable)