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Lightning R-84 large frame

This 21.6 pound Lightning carbon frame (large size) recumbent is listed as used, but only has about 5 sidewalk miles and has not been ridden on the road. All parts are in like-new condition. The wheels and tires are new and unused, as the few miles that have been ridden have been on a different set of wheels and tires. The Lightning Carbon crankset has 160mm cranks, and is one of the lightest available.

This bike has front fork suspension, with rear swing-arm suspension. The Lightning site is at:

Also included are the owner's manual, registration form, and the warranty on the frame is good until December 2010.

This frame was delivered as a frameset from Lightning Cycles in December, 2009, and after assembly was ridden for a few miles on sidewalks, no road miles.

Check the listing on eBay at

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250588963632

‹ Attention Texas Lightning fans! FOR SALE: LIGHTING R-84 ›

R84

Dear Larry:
I notice that you are the proud owner of all three lightning models. Several weeks ago you posted, on e-bay, a P 38 with S&S couplers for sale. I made an offer which was less than your asking price, but you turned me down. I see you now have a R84 for sale and have seen your special paint job on the Phantom. I currently ride a Easy Racer TiRush with S&S but I am interested in a short wheel base. I really like the looks of Lightning's products. I would be interested in your assessment of the pluses and minuses of these three bikes. I am a 70 yr old who does not ride fast but I keep at it. I am very tempted by your R84 but would like to know why you are selling with only 5 miles on it. It might be best to reply to my e mail address at tgaines@cinci.rr.com. I sincerely appreciate your response. Terry Gaines, Cincinnati, OH

  • By Terry Gaines at 03/18/2010 - 20:55
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R84

Terry,

Congratulations for riding at 70. I will send this response to your email, but I wanted to also post a reply here.

I did sell the R-84 on eBay, and my job and money situation were the main reason, not any issues with the bike. The P-38 Voyager did not sell on eBay at my selling price, but several people offered to buy it afterwards, or requested me to post it on eBay again. You give me an opportunity to give a summary of all three Lightning models.

When I first started looking at recumbents, I knew I wanted a short-wheelbase model, although I wish I could have tried many models, including Easy Racer, Volae, Rans, etc. I happened to know Tim Brummer, but before making a new purchase, I bought an old Stealth model on eBay to try out, and rode it for a few months, including the Wine Country Century in Santa Rosa, California. The old Stealth models had a hose-clamp seat clamp, but it was a great bike, and the 2007 Phantom that I bought was even better. I was able to sell the old Stealth for the same price I originally paid. At time, I thought a P-38 was out of my price range. I used the Phantom for commuting, the Lightning pannier bags work great, and had new shortened cranks installed. The new 2010 models look even better.

Just by chance I came across a used P-38 Voyager, and after careful consideration, made the purchase. The P-38 is a big step up, and depending on your component and fork choices, very flexible. So now I had the Phantom with strong wheels and wide tires, and I could setup the P-38 with lighter wheels and tires for club rides and centuries.

Sometime in the middle of 2009, an eBay auction for an R-84 from a Wisconsin bike shop caught my interest, and when I didn't win the auction, ordered a frame from Lightning. It took about six months to deliver, and by that time, my financial situation had changed. I tried to sell the P-38, but when it didn't sell, I decided to sell the R-84 instead.

It was fun to have the R-84 in my possession, even if it was for a short while. It takes more attention for setup and maintenance than the Phantom or P-38, but there are several persons who have taken long tours on the dual suspension R-84.

My real hope was to have the R-84 serve as my club ride. The Phantom with electric motor I use for work, the P-38 serves as my tour bike, but can be easily be used as a light-weight century ride.

I still would consider an R-84 for its light weight and dual suspension. But the Phantom and P-38 are great bikes.

Larry

  • By larry_guevara at 03/18/2010 - 23:39
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