Buying a Lightning Frameset

If you're an experienced bicycle mechanic, you may want to start with a Lightning frameset and add the components of your choice to build the bike of your dreams. Be sure to read the following information carefully; not all components on the market will work on Lightning frames. Many builders prefer to buy the specialized components such as brake levers from us, and then add the components that don't require modification.

What's in a Lightning Frameset?

A Lightning frameset includes:

• Frame, Fork & Fork Insert
• Seat
• Stem and clamp
• Handlebars
• Chain Idlers and chain guide
• Bottom Bracket Extension

(See special notes on the R-84, and F-40 below)

What components can I add?

Brakes

Front Brake: ONLY certain brakes will work, due to brake cable interference with the chain. Please contact us for detailed information. V-Brake mounts are an option on the P-38.

Brake Levers: Touring or Mountain type levers are best choices for optimal hand position. We use Tektro levers, modified to fit the curve of the Lightning drop handlebar. You can order these modified brake levers from us or get them from one of our dealers. We also include instructions for modifying the levers yourself if you wish to do this.

Derailleurs

Rear Derailleur: A long-cage rear derailleur is normally needed for the chain to clear the frame.

Shifters

Handlebars are available in either a drop or V style. Drop style is standard, for use with bar-end (sometimes called barcon) shifters. V-style is normally used with Grip Shift and rapid fire shifters. Some riders have also used wide road handlebars with dual control integrated brake levers/shifters.

Wheels

See the individual spec sheets for information on the exact wheel size used on each Lightning model.

Note on 20" wheels: there are multiple wheel sizes all referred to as 20". We use the 406mm (actually about 18 1/2") wheel.

Wheels can be ordered on our Order Form.

Frame Specs

• All threading is English
• P-38 rear dropouts can be made 130 or 135mm, please specify. R-84 rear dropout spacing is 130mm.

Frameset Pricing

See the model pages for each bike for color choices, sizes and options.

Special Notes

R-84

The Lightning R-84 frameset also includes the headset.

F-40 Chassis

There isn't really an F-40 "frameset." The F-40 chassis is a complete, rideable bike, except that it doesn't include pedals. It also has a rear wheel cover. Components are exactly what is listed on the spec sheet for F-40. The Chassis is basically the F-40 without the fairing assembly.

The F-40 uses the same frameset as the P-38, with the suspended fork including V-brake braze-on's, plus rear disc brake and front fairing mount braze-ons. So, if you wanted to build up an F-40 from the ground up, you could order a P-38 frameset with the suspended fork and special F-40 fairing braze-ons, then order the F-40 fairing assembly separately. Any questions, please call or write.