The Lightning F-40
The World's Fastest Production Bicycle
Record Setting Performance
The Lightning F-40 is the fastest production bike ever to hit
the street! Among its many world records is the ultimate road
test--the Race Across America. The four-man relay completed the
3000 mile (4800 km) course in five days, one hour- an average
speed of 25 mph (40 kph) a record that still stands, years later.
The two F-40s used to set this record are also still ridden
regularly.
The result of years of research, the patented F-40 has all of the
performance advantages of a fully-faired custom racer, but is
also practical enough for everyday riding, commuting and touring.
It's the ideal all-around performance bike. The spandex fairing
means excellent ventilation, stability in crosswinds and results
in an overall weight of only 33 lbs.! The fairing is also great
protection from cold or rainy weather.
The F-40's cruising speed is 50% faster than a standard bicycle
and 6-10 mph faster than an unfaired Lightning. So if you can
cruise at 18 now, say hello to 28mph! Scores of cyclists
worldwide now use the F-40 for sport and century rides, touring
and daily commuting.
The F-40 is based on the P-38, so you can buy a P-38 bike and
later add the F-40 body and fairing. If you decide to upgrade a
P-38 to an F-40, note that we highly recommend also installing
the rear disc brake and front suspension. Once installed the
entire fairing can be removed for open air riding, or for
transporting the bike in just 5-10 minutes.
What's it like to ride?
The Lightning F-40 is the easiest to ride fully-faired bicycle in the world. Once you've mastered the P-38, riding an F-40 is a simple adjustment. To start and stop, just slip your foot through one of the side slits in the spandex fairing to balance the bike. To get in out, just unzip the curved zipper. If you like the wind in your face, leave the windshield at home, or snap it on for the ultimate in aerodynamic performance.
WARNING: Due to the extreme level of performance achieved by the F-40, it is recommended for experienced riders only.
Want to see the F-40 in action? Check out the video clip on our Cyber Test Ride page. Many records have been set on the F-40; see our Racing Section, and the many stories about F-40 racers who've piloted the bike to victory!
Key Features of the F-40
- Fastest production bicycle made
- Proven P-38 frame, seat and mechanics
- Only 33 lbs. for the entire bike with fairing
- Fiberglass nosecone attaches to welded on bracket for security
- Spandex fairing provides ventilation, ease of cleaning and inexpensive repair or replacement in case of damage
- Extra long, curved zipper for easy entry/exit or additional ventilation for climbing
- Foot slits on both sides allow fully enclosed fairing with easy stopping/starting
- Fiberglass rear wheel cover and HED Jet deep carbon rim reduce drag compared to spoked wheels
- Transparent headlight window for safe night riding
F40 Photo Gallery
(click on any of these pictures for a larger image)
Red F-40 with middle section unzipped
F-40's line up for a big ride
The Lightning F40 in the Race Across America
Lightning F-40 Specifications
| Model | F-40 |
| Sizes | M, L, XL |
| Rider Height | 5' 2" - 6' 6" |
| Weight | 32 - 34 lbs. |
| Height | 50" |
| Length | 78 - 86" |
| Width | 22" |
| Seat Height | 18 - 20" |
| Seat Back Angle | 50 - 65 degrees |
| Wheelbase | 42 - 45.5" |
| Frame | 4130 Chromoly aircraft steel tubing, nickel silver brazed, with custom investment cast seat lugs, and forged dropouts |
| Fork | S-1 Chromoly, coil spring suspended, 1.5" travel |
| Braze-on’s | Water bottle (2), pump peg (for Zefal HP pump), drop-out eyelets, cable guides |
| Finish | Two-stage electrostatic baked-on Urethane powder |
| Frame
Colors See Full Color Chart |
Azure Blue, Royal Blue, Red or Black, Yellow (see options page for custom colors; see below for fairing colors) |
| Stem and Bars | Custom Oversize Aluminum Stem, Heliarc welded to 22.2 mm (7/8 inch) drop handlebars |
| Seat | Patented Ergofit bend with TIG welded and heat treated Aluminum frame. Nylon mesh back with fitted foam cushion. |
| Chain Idlers | Machined Delrin with precision sealed bearing |
| Crankset | Shimano Ultegra, 28 x 46 x 54, 170 - 175 mm |
| Cassette | 11-32, 9 speed |
| Pedals | Clipless (optional) |
| Front Der. | Shimano 105 |
| Rear Der. | Shimano Deore LX |
| Shifters | Shimano Dura Ace Bar End |
| Gear Range | 23 - 133 in. |
| Brakes | Avid SD-7 Front; Hayes Hydraulic Disc Rear |
| Brake Levers | Tektro / Hayes |
| Hubs | HED front, Shimano XT rear |
| Front Rim | HED Jet 17" 16 spoke |
| Front Tire | Moulton 32-369, 100 psi |
| Rear Rim | Sun CR18 700c, 36 spoke (1) |
| Rear Tire | Panaracer T-Serve, 700 x 28c, 105 psi |
| Chain | KMC Z9000 |
| Headset | Shimano 105 |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano 105 Cartridge |
| Fairing | Fiberglass nose, lexan windshield, Spandex middle and rear with aluminum support frameset. |
| Fairing Colors | Blue, Red, Yellow |
Pricing
| Description | MSRP |
|---|---|
| F-40 | $ 5,800 |
| Upgrades | |
| Rear luggage platform and rack, add | $ 100 |
| Long racing windshield,
quick release pivoting mount, add |
$ 200 |
| Nightsun light system, includes tail light, add | $ 320 |
| Chassis | MSRP |
| F-40 Chassis, HED front wheel, no fairing | $ 4,000 |
| Note: The
F-40 uses the P-38 frame; see special
note on the
Frameset page for more information |
|
Lightning's Cyber Test
Ride: see downloadable video
clips of Lightning bikes in action
on the road, on tour and in races.
The F-40 is custom built to order. To place an order, contact your closest Lightning dealer, or the factory. E-mail us if you have additional questions about this amazing bicycle.