The Lightning P-38 with belt drive
Gates has been making their Carbon Drive system for a number of years, but in the past limited belt selection prevented their use on recumbent bicycles.
But now Gates is making a large number of belt sizes, and the committed engineers at Lightning Cycle Dynamics went back to the drawing boards and designed a new P-38 type frame with ability to accept the belts as the world’s first commercial belt drive recumbent!
Coupling belts with a smooth shifting, precision-machined, internally-geared Rohloff 14-speed hub results in a super quiet, maintenance-free recumbent ride.
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL |
| Rider height range | 4′9″ to 6′8″ |
| Rider weight limit | 160 lbs. (S), 200 lbs. (M), 220 lbs. (L), 250 lbs. (XL) |
| Colors | Azure Blue, Metallic Blue, Metallic Green, Crimson Red, Starlight Red, Traffic Purple, Starlight Silver, Polished Aluminum, Titanium, Pearl Yellow, Pearl White, Jet Black,. See the full color chart. |
| Weight | 28–31 lbs. |
| Wheelbase | 41 to 47 inches |
| Overall length | 60 to 76 inches |
| BB height | 24 to 26 inches |
| Seat height | 18 to 20 inches Ergomesh; 17 to 19 inches Midracer Ergospeed carbon |
| Seat angle | 50 to 65 degrees Ergomesh; 35 to 40 degrees Midracer Ergospeed carbon |
| Ergomesh seat | Patent-pending Ergofit bend, 7005 Aluminum frame. Nylon mesh back with fitted foam cushion. |
| Rigid fork | Full carbon fiber |
| Braze-ons | Water bottle (2), pump peg (for Zefal HP pump), drop-out eyelets, cable guides |
| Frame | Nickel Silver brazed Multigauge CrMo, 7005 Aluminum B-B Extension |
| Stem | LCD Customlite Aluminum |
| Handlebars | Aluminum, Customlite LCD V type Bars |
| Gear range | 16 to 83″ or 19 to 100” |
| Brakes | Shimano XT hydraulic disc |
| Brake levers | Shimano hydraulic |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano XT |
| Crankset | Shimano XT, tube spindle, 42 or 50 front sprocket |
| Headset | Origin 8 threadless |
| Hubs | Shimano XT front, Rohloff 14 speed internal rear |
| Shifters | Rohloff Twist Shift |
| Front rim 16" | Sun CR18, 349 mm (16×1⅜), 28 stainless spokes, Small |
| Front tire 16" | Schwalbe Marathon 37-349 (16×1⅜), 100 psi |
| Front rim 20″ | Sun Alloy CR18 406mm, 36 stainless spokes, M, L and XL |
| Front tire 20″ | Schwalbe Marathon 38-406 (20×1.5) 100 psi |
| Rear rim 700c | Sun Alloy CR18 700C, 36 stainless spokes, M, L, and XL |
| Rear tire 700c | Schwalbe Marathon 700×28, 105 psi |
| Rear rim 26″ | Sun CR18 26×1.5, 36 stainless spokes, Small |
| Rear tire 26″ | Schwalbe Marathon 38-559, 100psi |
| Nominal X-Seam | Seat bolt to crank center | Front belt (teeth) | Rear belt (teeth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Frame | |||
| 39.7 to 38.5 | 29.4 to 30.0 | 151 | 132 |
| 38.5 to 39.1 | 30.0 to 30.6 | 158 | 128 |
| 38.9 to 39.5 | 30.4 to 31.0 | 158 | 130 |
| 39.4 to 40.0 | 30.9 to 31.5 | 158 | 132 |
| 40.2 to 40.8 | 31.7 to 32.3 | 166 | 128 |
| 40.6 to 41.2 | 32.7 to 32.7 | 168 | 128 |
| Large Frame | |||
| 41.1 to 41.7 | 32.6 to 33.2 | 168 | 130 |
| 41.5 to 42.1 | 33.0 to 33.6 | 168 | 132 |
| 41.9 to 42.5 | 33.4 to 34.0 | 174 | 128 |
| 42.3 to 42.9 | 33.8 to 34.4 | 174 | 130 |
| 42.8 to 43.4 | 34.3 to 34.9 | 174 | 132 |
| 43.4 to 44.04 | 34.9 to 35.5 | 174 | 132 |
| XL Frame | |||
| 44.2 to 44.84 | 35.7 to 36.3 | 158 | 158 |
| 45.0 to 45.6 | 36.5 to 37.1 | 158 | 158 |
| 45.6 to 46.1 | 37.1 to 37.7 | 168 | 151 |
| 46.1 to 46.74 | 37.6 to 38.2 | 166 | 158 |
| 46.7 to 47.3 | 38.2 to 38.8 | 166 | 158 |
| 47.1 to 47.7 | 38.6 to 39.2 | 168 | 158 |
Attention
- Because the X-seam dimension can change based on seat angle, crankarm length, and shoe thickness, nominal X-seam means average or median of these factors.
- Seat bolt to crank center distance is a much more accurate method of determining the belts needed. This can be obtained by sitting on and correctly adjusting an existing P-38 frame.
- Nominal gearing is 20 rear, 24 middle, and 42 or 50 front. If using a 50 front the number of belt teeth in the above chart needs to be increased by a total of 4 teeth.
- To achieve these dimensions, the gearing needs to be 22 middle and 39 or 46 front.
Accessory prices and ordering information
See also our Accessories page.
| Handlebar bag | Buy now! |
| Slip on seat bag | Buy now! |
| Hydration bladder | Buy now! |
| Chainring disc only | Call |
| Chainring disc and chain guard tube | Call |
| Cycle computer | Buy now! |
| Fenders | Buy now! |
| Kickstand, for Phantom and P-38 | Buy now! |
| Mirror | Buy now! |
| Rear rack | Buy now! |
| Panniers | Buy now! |
| Pedal extenders | Buy now! |
| Quick Adjust Kit/Chain Tensioner | Buy now! |
| Shorts | Buy now! |
| T-Shirts | Buy now! |
| Zzipper Fairing | Buy now! |
| View cart |
California residents add sales tax of 8.25%
Notes
- PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
- Cancelled orders and returns for unique/custom products may be subject to a 10% restocking charge. Also, a full refund will not be given if returned merchandise is not in new condition.