BikeFitting Bike Fitting

Your Lightning: A Custom Fit

Taking the measurements

For correct frame sizing, up to four measurements are needed: 

Note for bikes equipped with optional Tilt Steering: 
Since this option adds 2 inches to the total stem height, a smaller size stem should be used so that the handlebars do not end up too high. If you order a bike from the factory with the tilt steering option, we will automatically install the appropriate shorter stem. But for later upgrades or repair work, be sure to obtain the appropriate size stem. For example, a Large/XL Thunderbolt with tilt steering should have a medium stem. An even shorter small stem is available, and should be used for Small/Medium Tbolts or Phantoms with Tilt Steering. 

Thunderbolt

The Thunderbolt is available in the following frame sizes:

Frame Size Rider Height Ex-Seam Rider Weight Limit
Small/Medium 5' - 5' 10" 37 - 42" 250 lbs.
Large/XL 5' 8" - 6' 6" 42 - 48" 250 lbs.


Phantom

On the Phantom, two seat sizes are available for each frame size. This gives a better fit, resulting in more power, especially when climbing hills.

1. Use the Height to determine the Seat Size
    Note: Riders having a relatively short torso, who are also toward the lower end of the 
    height range for a particular seat size, should order the next smaller seat size. 

2. Use the EXseam dimension to determine the Frame Size

Seat Size
Rider Height
Frame Size
Ex-Seam (in.)
Rider Weight Limit
Small 4'9" to 5'3" Small/Medium 35 - 41" 220 lbs.
Medium 5'2" to 5'9"
Large 5'7" to 6'2" Large/XL 41 - 49" 250* lbs.
X-Large 6'0" to 6'8"

* 300 lbs. with Heavy Duty Seat/Frame

 

P-38, F-40 and R-84

These models are available in three or four frame, seat, and stem sizes. The seat and stem interchange with different size frames for a custom fit. 

Note: Only the P-38 is available in a small size. The small P-38 seat is not interchangeable, and can only be used with the small P-38 frame. 

1. Use the Height to determine the Seat Size. 
2. Use the EXseam dimension to determine the Frame Size
3. Use the Inseam dimension to determine the Stem Size

Note: If V handlebars are used instead of the drop bars, the next larger stem size than the one determined by the chart below should be used. 

Frame, Seat and  Stem Size
Rider Height
Ex-Seam (in.) Inseam (in.) Rider Weight Limit
Small 4'9" to 5'3" 35 - 38* 23 - 27 160 lbs.
Medium 5'2" to 5'8" 37.5 - 41 26 - 30 200 lbs.
Large 5'7" to 6'1" 41 - 44.5 29 - 33 220 lbs.
X-Large 6'0" to 6'6" 44 - 47.5 32 - 36 250 lbs.

* Note: For the small P-38, in order to prevent crank interference, a 16x1 tire/rim OR 155 mm cranks are used for riders with an ex-seam less than 36.5". 

Extended Bottom Bracket Fitting

An Extended bottom bracket is available for slim riders with a short torso and long legs. 
This results in a lighter bike, since the next smaller frame size can be used. This option is not recommended for strong or heavy riders, as frame flex increases with the smaller sizes. Follow the directions above to determine the correct seat, frame, and stem size when the Extended bottom bracket is used. 

Frame and Seat Size Height Ex-seam Inseam Stem Size
Small 4'9"- 5'3" 37 - 41" 25 - 30" Medium
Medium 5' 2" - 5' 8" 40 - 44 28 - 33 Large
Large 5' 7" - 6' 1" 43 - 47.5 31 - 36 X-Large
X-Large 6' 0" - 6' 8" 46 - 50.5 34 - 39 XXL


P-38 FORKS 

The following forks are available for the P-38. When forks are ordered separately, please indicate the size, type, and brake mount. 

Size Type Brake Mount Use
16" Rigid or Suspension V Brake or Caliper Small Frame, 16x1 or 1-3/8 tire
16 x 1-3/8 Rigid or Suspension V Brake Medium Frame, 16 x 1-3/8 tire
20 x 1 Rigid or Suspension Caliper 
(dual pivot)
Med/Large/XL Frame, 20 x 1 tire
20" Rigid or Suspension V Brake Large/XL Frame, 20 x 1.25 tire


If you have any questions about all of this, give us a call! 

 

Copyright 2001 Lightning Cycle Dynamics