The Lightning R-84
World’s Lightest Recumbent
NEW Upgraded drivetrains!
Made in the USA
- World’s most advanced bicycle.
- Affordable component group for those wanting superior R-84 performance and comfort.
- Lightweight front gearing and 11 to 40 rear cassette provide a wide gear range.
- Average riders can climb grades up to 12%.
- Super fast effortless shifting with Di2 electric shift components
- Internal cable routing and Di2 battery joins the already slippery R-84 frame and seat for lowest wind resistance possible!
- Super stiff yet light bladder-molded Unibox mega oversize R-84 frame, not wimpy round tubes.
- Super rigid integrated seat attachment increases power transfer.
- Exclusive patented Swing Stay rear suspension integrated with the frame for unmatched ride comfort.
- Shimano press fit bottom bracket saves weight.
Read the Lightning R-84 review from Recumbent & Tandem Rider magazine.
Read more about Lightning Midracers here.
The Lowdown on High Performance
Lightning strikes again with the super light suspended R-84. The sub-3-pound frame is aerospace-grade carbon fiber, titanium, and oversized aluminum. The seat is positioned a bit lower than the P-38 and Phantom II for even more aerodynamic advantage.
Can this light bike climb hills? Better than any other recumbent. Take a look at the video on our Cyber Test Page. Because of its lightweight design and aero components, the R-84 will even outperform the F-40 in very hilly areas or on rides that are mostly climbing.
John Howard, Twice Olympic team rider, Ironman winner
This bike accelerates and climbs great!
“Love my bike. Plan to ride it for decades. First 100 mile ride was on the R-84. Thanks for a great product that I know will take me places and on the R. I’ll see things that I will remember for life. I’m planing tours and rides for the bike. It just seems to click off the miles effortlessly.
Frank Raineri
As much as it cost … and I’m a stingy person … it’s worth every penny.
An F-40 fairing can be added to create the most technically advanced high performance bike available!
Can this light bike climb hills? Better than any other recumbent. Take a look at the video on our Cyber Test Page. Because of its lightweight design and aero components, the R-84 will even outperform the F-40 in very hilly areas or on rides that are mostly climbing. If the course is 50% near-flat terrain, the F-40 will be faster; in very steep hills (over 5% average grade), the R-84 will have the advantage.
John Howard, Twice Olympic team rider, Ironman winner
This bike accelerates and climbs great!
Lightning R-84 Velocity
Lightning R-84 XT Di2
Lightning R-84 specifications
| R-84 Velocity | R-84 XT Di2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight* | 19 to 21 pounds | 20 to 22 pounds |
| Rider weight limit | Lightweight: 160 pounds; Standard: 210 pounds; Heavy Duty: 250 pounds | |
| Height | 40 inches | |
| Length | 63 to 75 inches | |
| Width | 20 inches | |
| Seat height | 18 inches with mesh seat; 17 inches carbon Midracer seat | |
| Seat back angle | 50-58 degrees (mesh seat); 35-40 degrees (carbon Midracer seat) | |
| Wheelbase | 42 to 47 inches | |
| Frame | Molded carbon fiber Unibox, oversize aluminum bottom bracket assembly and seat stay | |
| Fork | Lightning carbon | |
| Rear suspension | Swing-stay spring/elastomer mechanism, 1 inch of travel | |
| Braze-ons | Water bottle (1), aluminum cable guides | |
| Finish | Catalyzed urethane | |
| Frame color | Clear coated natural carbon | |
| Stem and bars | Custom oversize aluminum stem, 22.2 mm (⅞-inch) drop handlebars | |
| Ergomesh seat | Patented Ergofit bend with 7005 TIG welded, oversize aluminum frame and nylon mesh webbing. | |
| Midracer carbon seat | Hand laid up woven carbon fabric/epoxy resin seat, with integrated aluminum bar frame attachment fittings. Ventilated plastic honeycomb type seat pad with fitted aerodynamic cover. | |
| Chain idlers | Machined Delrin with precision sealed bearing, aluminum bolts | |
| Gear Range | 23 to 123 inches (compact chainrings) | |
| 26 to 130 inches (standard chainrings) | ||
| Bottom bracket | Lightning Carbon integrated, ABEC5 sealed bearings | |
| Crankset | Lightning Carbon integrated 160 to 180 mm arms, with 30×50 or 34×50 | Lightning carbon integrated 160 to 180 mm arms, with 34×50 or 39×53 BOR E-Shift chainrings |
| Cassette | Shimano XT 10-speed, 11 to 36 | Shimano XT 11-speed, 11 to 40 |
| Front der. | Shimano XT | XT Di2 |
| Rear der. | Shimano XT | XT Di2 |
| Chain | KMC X-10 | KMC X-11 |
| Shifters | Microshift Bar end, 10-speed | Shimano Di2 Climbing |
| Brakes | Shimano XT hydraulic disc | Shimano XT hydraulic disc |
| Brake levers | Shimano XT hydraulic | Shimano XT hydraulic |
| Hubs | Velocity | |
| Front rim | Velocity A23 20″, 24 spokes | |
| Front tire | Schwalbe One 28-406, 120 psi | |
| Rear rim 700C | Velocity A23 OC | |
| Rear rim 650B | Velocity A23 OC | |
| Rear tire | Schwalbe Durano, 120 psi | Schwalbe Durano, 120 psi |
| Headset | Origin 8 threadless (carbon fork), or Chris King (suspension fork) | |
| Options | Seat bag, mirror (see Accessories page for prices) | |
* Weights with mesh seat; carbon seat adds one pound.
R-84 Velocity prices and ordering information
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 |
R-84 XT Di2 prices and ordering information
| Di2 Ultegra, Velocity wheels | $8,850 | |
| Di2 XTR, HED wheels | $12,200 | |
| S-2 suspension fork upgrade | add | $450 |
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%
Framesets
For details on framesets, check the frameset page.
The R-84 is custom built to order and available with either the lightweight Ergomesh seat or carbon Midracer seat.
To place an order, contact your closest Lightning dealer, or the factory.