Lightning Bicycles

During this unequaled product development program, Lightning race teams have logged thousands of competition miles worldwide, posted and set numerous , including:

Only Lightning, among recumbent manufacturers HAS SET MULTIPLE WORLD RECORDS and races predominantly with the EXACT SAME BIKES WE SELL. The end result is a much higher level of performance, safety, comfort and durability than comparably priced brands.

For 23 years, Lightning has maintained an active racing team for one reason; so that Lightning owners have the best bike possible. Top-level competition and elite riders put demands on bikes which cannot otherwise be duplicates. This ultimate testing ground allows us to rapidly test and implement significant improvements for all our models.

Braking is fantastic, as nearly idiot-proof as it can be on a bike. Also, rough road performance is great for a recumbent. - Bicycle Guide, May `86.

The ideal weight distribution, combined with a medium wheelbase and direct steering, delivers superb handling, response, and ride comfort. This great handling, along with the unmatched braking performance, makes it possible to avoid almost all unsafe situations.

Braking distance is about 1/2 that of upright bicycles, and the possibility of going over the handlebars is eliminated. This is a result of the low center of gravity, and the 45% front / 55% rear weight distribution of the Lightning design. Additionally, the seat height and your eye level is similar to that of an average sedan. This fact, plus the upright head position, gives good visibility in traffic, and permits car drivers direct eye contact so they notice you more readily; as a result, safety is maximized.

My back keeps getting better with the Lightning. I haven't been to the Chiropractor this year, but my back feels better than it has in the last 30 years. - T. Johnson, Illinois.

I have been a bike rider for 24 years and have concluded standard bikes have one basic flaw: they just are not comfortable. I haven't ridden my upright bike since I received my Lightning. - Ed S. Arizona.

I've become convinced that the recumbent is the bike of the future. It is comfortable to ride for long periods, and it wont produce numb hands or crotch- Dr. David Smith, MD, Bicycling.

The Patented Lightning ergonomic seat design places the rider in a naturally relaxed position, and gives full support for an incredibly comfortable ride. First, the seat bottom is at least three times larger than the seat on any upright bike; this means the pressure applied to your rear is only 1/3 that of an upright bike. Next, the shoulder high seat back supports you like no other bike can, eliminating almost all stress on your back. Additionally, the natural upright position means that almost no weight is placed on the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands, reducing or eliminating pain and soreness in these areas. And finally, the nylon mesh and cantilever of the seat absorb road shock, further helping to increase comfort.

When you've selected a model, be sure to look over the page and then consider which you'll want with your bike. Then, give us a call or send us an , and we can refer you to a dealer near you who can fully take care of you.
 

Important Information

Thunderbolt
What happened to the Thunderbolt? Well, it is no longer in production, we did not sell enough of them to make a profit. However, we still have accessories and replacement parts for the Thunderbolt.

The Lightning
Lightning performance with hand power!

The Lightning
At only 19 pounds, the carbon fiber will take you anywhere you want to go in comfort and blazing speed! This is the ultimate high-tech, lightweight recumbent for the ultimate enthusiast.

The Lightning
For racers and high-performance enthusiasts, the record breaking fully-faired F-40 can't be beat. In fact it holds some 12 world speed records.

The Lightning
The legendary P-38 is still our flagship and the second-lightest recumbent made (only our R-84 is lighter). A stiff, strong patented space frame design, plus the patented ergofit seat make the P-38 one of the finest recumbents you can own for touring, racing and recreational riding.

Lightning
The lightest integral crankset and bottom bracket assembly available!