What customers say about our bikes...
"I was
indicating 22 mph using the same amount of effort that would only
give me 15-17 mph on my Vision" - Bob Krzewinski
P-38 / F-40
I just purchased a used 1998 P-38. My first turn of the wheel
was yesterday in the Seattle to Portland two day ride. A two
hundred mile test ride. My bike is an XL with the suspension
front fork, and is an absolute delight to ride.
Kip Milam
Chehalis, WA
________________
This summer I took a four day tour in Switzerland, and I
climbed a 2400m (8000 foot) high pass, named Nuffenen, the
highest in Switzerland. The difference of altitude was 2000m
(6500 feet), and for the last 9 km, the slope was 12%! I even
passed two upright bikers in the last part! The downhill
run after the pass was fabulous. In was 40 km long with sometimes
a speed of 80 km/h
(waaahuuu!). The P-38 was very stable and I feel secure on
it.
Gerard Kloos
__________________
My daily commute, either an 8 mile ride from Mill Valley to
Sausalito, or a
19 mile ride into downtown San Francisco, has been absolutely a
delight.
Two thumbs up.
Ken Lisaka
___________________
Thunderbolt
"This is truly a comfortable ride with very little effort to maintain a cruising speed. I find it very difficult to find a reason to ride my uprights. I'm really pleased with this bike." - Jim Murphy, Cincinnati, OH
Phantom
Dear Lightning:
I bought a Lightning Phantom about three months ago, and
wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying it.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and can no longer ride a conventional
bicycle. I attempted to ride my Trek carbon fiber 2300 pro in a
century earlier this year. I ended up in tears after just a few
miles, and had to cut the ride short.
The Phantom is now my primary transportation, to and from work
3-4 times per week, anywhere from 20-30 miles round trip
depending on the route. I have it custom outfitted with
components including a seat bag.
I go shopping on my Phantom. I ride through forests, and all over
the county. It is a joy to ride, and it is fast. The seat is
comfortable.
This is what bike riding is meant to be.
Please pass along my thanks to a great team.
Melanie C.
Columbus, Ohio
(purchased from Bike One in Gahanna, Ohio)
Climbing
We've been explaining the benefits of the Lightning design for
years, about how the frame geometry, weight distribution, rider
position, and stiffness all work together to produce the best
performing recumbent bicycle made today. Here, we've collected
some quotes from the people who know best, the riders and racers
who have made Lightning their bicycle of choice.
____________________
Knows how to climb. All Lightning's ascend nicely. The only
recumbent that I dared take up Smith Grade.
Jim Langley, former BICYCLING Magazine technical editor.
__________________
On grades up to 6%, I climb faster on my Lightning than on my
road bike. Also, the road bike doesn't have an noticable
advantage unless the grade is greater than 10%.
Peter Penseyres
4 times RAAM winner
____________________
The Lightning is much faster in rolling hills than my road bike.
(He also pretty much repeated what Pete said above)
Bob Fourney
3 times RAAM winner
_______________________
This bike (Lightning R-84), accelerates and climbs great!
John Howard
Twice Olympic team rider, Ironman winner
________________________
I just purchased a used 1998 P-38. It definitely climbs better
than my Tour Easy.
Kip Milam
Chehalis, WA
________________
Just completed a 19 day tour of Switzerland on the Lightning. I
cranked up five major Alpine passes in three days.
Johan Ritzler
Germany
________________
"Halfway up Valle Crucis and Beech Climb in Virginia, I once
passed two upright riders spinning their way up the almost
vertical climb to the top."
Ceb Blankenship
_____________________
This summer I made a four days tour in Switzerland, and I climb a
2400m (8000 foot) high pass, name Nuffenen, the highest in
Switzerland. The difference of altitude was 2000m (6500 feet),
and for the last 9 km, the slope was 12%! I even pass two upright
bikers in the last part! The downhill run after the pass was
fabulous. In was 40 km long with sometimes a speed of 80 km/h
(waaahuuu!). The P-38 was very stable and I feel secure on it.
Gerard Kloos
__________________________________
I have done some comparison climbs on a local 18% grade, .8 miles
long. On my R-84, it took just under 8 minutes.
On my 25 pound mountain bike, with bar ends and 100 psi road
tires, it took about 9 minutes, and my heart rate was slightly
higher on the mountain bike.
Then I took the Thunderbolt up; the times were about the same as
with the mountain bike. I have done this test a number of times,
with similar results.
_______________________
Great Western Bike Rally hill
climb recumbent times:
Tim Brummer (age 45), 1:19, Lightning R-84
Zach Kaplan (age 28), 1:28, Ross Festina
Tim Brummer (age 44), 1:36, Lightning Thunderbolt (35 pounds with
kickstand, chain disc, chain tubes, water bottle, and seat bag)
Ron Bobb (age 53) 1:52, Aluminum Gold Rush