Lightning Options and Accessories

Tim's Tech Tips: Insider tech information from Lightning designer Tim Brummer

Chain take up and quick change kit! Make any Phantom, P-38 or Thunderbolt multi-rider! See below.

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


For All Bikes

PEDALS Clipless pedals offer the best performance and work very well in the recumbent position. Older style quill pedals with toe clips and straps cam also be used. .	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 fremeset, you can also 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

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. Capacity 700 cubic in.

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.

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 SIZE KIT This amazing kit makes your Stealth, P-38 or Thunderbolt 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.

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

	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.

	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", so no pedaling energy is lost due to suspension compression.
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.