lighting Phantom User manual

INTRODUCTION
This manual contains information on how to properly adjust
and operate your Lightning bicycle for maximum comfort,
safety, and performance.
The recumbent position and seat require alternate
adjustment methods. The unconventional design and
closeness of the front wheel to your feet require that new
riding skills must be acquired.
Carefully follow the instructions, and after a short
period of time, you will have the new habits needed to
ride your Lightning successfully.
CONTENTS
1.0 THE PHANTOM ASSEMBLY
2.0 ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE RIDING
3.0 LEARNING TO RIDE
3.9 SAFE RIDING
4.0 ACCESSORIES
5.0 MAINTENANCE

FIG. 1-0

1.0 THE PHANTOM ASSEMBLY
A) Remove all items from the box and unwrap. Be careful to
support the handle bars so that the cables are not kinked.
B) Install the steering column onto the tilt steering mechanism.
C) Place the tilt steering mechanism in a vertical position and
engage the locking lever.
WARNING!
Ensure the tilt mechanism locking serrations are aligned
before fully engaging the locking lever. See Fig. 2-2.
Failure to follow this step could cause clamp failure
while you are riding, resulting in a loss of control!
D) Install the rear derailleur.
E) Install the wheels in the dropouts, and check the tire pressure.
F) Connect the seat to the frame using the plastic quick release
clamps. (See Fig. 1-1).
G) Install the seat foam into the seat bottom pocket, with the
thicker foam portion toward the front.
H) Install the pedals.
I) Re-check the headset, brakes, and derailleurs for proper
adjustment and operation.

FIG. 1-1

2.0 ADJUSTMENTS BEFORE RIDING
2.1 CRANK ADJUSTMENT:
On Lightning Bicycles, the cranks are moved to accommodate
differences in leg length. Adjust the cranks as follows:
NOTE:
Do not apply any grease to the bottom bracket extension
tube, otherwise it might rotate under pedaling pressure.
A) Loosen the two Allen head bolts under the crank tube with a
5 mm Allen wrench.
B) Slide the cranks in or out until your legs are slightly bent at their
furthest extension. (See Fig. 2-1). It's better to have the cranks
too close when making the initial adjustment than too far away.
C) Verify the crankarms/chainrings are vertical using the
alignment lines, then tighten the two Allen head bolts.
2.2 HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENT:
A) Slightly loosen the stem clamp using a 5 mm Allen wrench.
B) Adjust the handlebars up or down so that there is
approximately 2 inches (for V-bars) or 1/2 inch ( for drop bars)
of clearance between your knees and the handlebars
(see Fig. 2-1).
C) Verify the handlebars are at right angles to the front wheel,
then tighten the stem clamp.
D) Slide the cable housing on the stem up or down to prevent any
tight cables during turning.
E) At this point you can adjust the handlebars forward or rearward
using the tilt mechanism, then repeat steps A) thru D) above
as needed (see Fig. 2-2).

FIG. 2-1
FIG. 2-2

WARNING!
DO NOT engage the clamp locking lever beyond the
20 degree forward position. If you tilt the handlebars
forward for entry and exit, leave the lever fully released.
Also ensure the tilt mechanism locking serrations are
aligned before fully engaging the locking lever.
Failure to follow these steps could cause clamp failure
while you are riding, resulting in a loss of control!
3.0 RIDING
Find a straight, level road without much car traffic for learning
how to ride. DO NOT attempt any U-turns or other sharp turns
until you have mastered slow speed turning, explained in Step 3.3.
Keep your speed at 10-15 mph, as this will prevent your feet from
hitting the front wheel and is more stable than slower speeds.
Finally, look into the distance, not at the front wheel.
3.1 PEDAL TYPE:
The Phantom comes with platform pedals which make learning
to ride easy. If you install clipless pedals, follow these tips:
A) Don't engage when first learning how to ride.
B) Practice unclipping a few times before riding with clipless
pedals. It is best if you practice this while leaning against a
wall, or while someone is holding you up.
3.2 STARTING:
A) If this is your first experience with a recumbent bicycle, it is
suggested that a friend helps you balance by holding onto the
seat when starting.
B) For starting by yourself, the trick is to have one pedal in the
straight up (power) position, with one foot on this pedal, and
the other foot on the ground. Push hard against the upright
pedal to get moving, then bring your other foot up and catch
the other pedal.

3.3 SLOW SPEED TURNING:
WARNING!
During slow speed turns, the front wheel can be turned far
enough so that your feet will hit it if youare pedaling. Practice
the following carefully, and always pay attention to the front
wheel when making U-turns, turning into a driveway, etc.
A) The easiest solution is to coast through the turn, and keep your
foot on the side you are turning in the up position. For example:
for a right turn, keep your right foot up. (See Fig. 3-1). This
method requires you to have sufficient speed to coast through
the turn.
B) To make turns and apply power, have your feet as in (A) and
make short 1/3 rotation, back and forth pedal strokes. This
method must be used when you are starting out and turning at
the same time, such as a sharp right turn after stopping at a
stop sign.
Both methods take some practice to master, but it will
eventually become second nature. The interference is a problem
only at speeds below 6 mph. Above this, the wheel is not turned
enough to be a problem. Also, optional pedal extenders are
available which make this interference less of a problem.
FIG. 3-1

3.4 HANDLING AND STABILITY:
A Lightning bicycle has fair stability and responsive steering. It
is not necessary to aggressively hold onto the handlebars. A
relaxed grip is best for riding in a straight line. One hand on the
bars is adequate for relaxed cruising. As speed increases, the
stability actually improves if maximum power is not applied to the
pedals.
WARNING!
DO NOT apply excessive force to the handlebars.
There is no reason to pull extremely hard on them, as it will
not make you go any faster. Large forces repeatedly applied
to the handlebars may cause the stem to fail. If you want to
lift your butt off the seat, do it by pushing down on the seat
frame with one hand, NOT by pulling on the handlebars!
3.5 BUMPS:
For going over bumps or railroad tracks, follow these hints:
Lean forward in the seat slightly so your back is not touching. This
prevents the rear wheel impact from being transmitted to your
back. A relaxed grip on the handlebars will allow the bike to move
under you, thus transmitting less force from the bump. For some
"wheel eating" potholes, the only solution is to slow down, or avoid
them if possible. Another good solution is the optional suspension,
which can be added anytime.
3.6 STOPPING:
Before you stop, shift down to a low gear. Being in a low gear
makes it much easier to get started again. In emergencies, or just
for fun if you want, the low center of gravity normally makes it
possible to brake as hard as you want without any fear of flipping
the bike. However, be careful of applying full braking on wet or
sandy roads, as this could cause the tires to slip out.