Lightning Phantom Recumbent Bicycle

The 2006 Phantom
The
Lightning Phantoms are in stock!
The Phantom is a real performance bike at a pretty affordable price. It
combines the overall geometry and seat of the P-38 with Chromoly mono-tube
construction. The Phantom's TIG welds are unusual on a steel bike but on
thin wall tubing they offer lower metal-fatigue, a slight advantage. It is
a fast bike that's versatile, lightweight, comfortable and still
affordable. The head tube angle on the Phantom is a degree or two more
laid back than the P-38, so the Phantom is more stable on fast descents
though not quite as nimble. The Phantom climbs a bit better than most SWBs
in its price range. I slightly prefer the RANS seat for comfort and
because it makes it easier to reach the ground than the Lightning (or
Haluzak) seat. The lacing on the Phantom seat needs to be re-tightened
once or twice after the first 25 to 50 miles and less frequently after
that. It is pretty easy to do.

My best time in the Alfred Century-Century was 6:30 on a less expensive
(but similar weight) RANS Rocket. Then I rode the course in 6:10 on a
Phantom. Those aren't bad times for a guy in his 40s who rides under 1000
miles a year (I plan to ride more this year, as usual.) I've ridden that
ride since in under 6:00 on a steel Reynolds Wishbone low racer, but I was
more comfy and had more fun on the Lightning.

Mike Easling and his Phantom on his trans-am ride

Mike Easling's Phantom in West Virginia
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