Small Lightning P-38 looking to trade up a size

I don't know if there is anyone that has a Lightning P-38 that needs to trade down a size . . but I could use to go up a size or two. I have a 39.5-40" X-seam, I'm 5'7" and I do fit on the small, but it is a little small. I shouldn't fit but I do, I think that it has an extended boom. I think a medium or large would work much better for me.

Anyway, I figured I'd test the waters. I really don't want to sell it outright, but I guess I would if the price is right. I'm in the Detroit area (about an hour north/east) and would not be too excited in shipping. I will drive 4-5 hours though.

A little about my P-38. It was originally bought on 3-20-2000, I believe from the Hostle Shoppe. I do have all of the paperwork except for the receipt. I bought it last year from the original owner, I gave it a through cleaning, touched up all of the paint chips, replaced all of the decals, polished and waxed the paint, replaced one of the idler pulleys, new Primo Comet tires (front 16X1 3/8, rear 26X1.5) and tubes, replaced the handlebar tape with a foam grip, new Greenfield kickstand and had the LBS give it a complete tuneup. The bike is garage kept, I regularly use Bike Lust on it and keep it lubed. The seat frame and the handlebars/riser need to be repowder-coated (something I'll do if I keep it), the seat sling is in very good shape with no tire wear mark, it is a little faded but in very good shape.

Over all, I would say that my bike is in excellent condition. It is not "like new", looks great and is mechanically perfect.

 

P-38 sizing



There is not much difference in a small and medium. An inch maybe. One of
the mediums here came with a 16" front wheel. It had less heel strike
than the 20" wheel that I changed it to. Lightning Dynamics has a nice fork
for a 20" wheel.

 

Buddy, I do think that the extra inch or two would make a difference . . but I do love my bike as is, just a little more room would be nice. You suggest a 20" front wheel? What does that really do for you, I assume a little smoother ride. I did check out the Lightning Bikes web sight for a 20" fork and didn't see one. If you could go into a little more detail, I'd appreciate it.

Isn't there also a difference in the wheel base between the S,M,L & XL?

BTW: I'm also thinking about upgrading the brakes from the "dated" and clunky looking Odyssey brakes to the AVID Single Digit 7 brakes front and rear . . . . for what it's worth.

 

John,
I called Lompoc Ca and talked to Tim. It's been years now and memory
is not too good. I did get a nice fork Ultegra brake set and Cane Creek headset. Installed Velocity wheels. At the same time, I converted this
bike to a 26" wheel. The company provides a nice machined block and
another nice Ultegra brake set. Turned out nice and very comfortable. I have
gotten bigger and the P-38 cramps style. They are just naturally small and
compact. Very strong steel and weigh 24 lbs. Someone will correct me, but
I think the only difference in size is the length of the boom and front wheel.
The 16" wheel lets short legs reach the ground better.

My other P-38 I converted to disc brake on rear. Poweron Cyclery has a
jig to weld a disc brake flange on the P-38. That lets one use any size
rear wheel. That bike also has a high back seat. Very nice short wheel
base bikes. Let me know if I missed something. I'm no P-38 expert. There
is a P-38 group that has been quite active. AD can likely find it.

Enjoy and have fun.

 

Just curious....but does Lightning make only one size boom or are they all different. If they are different sizes, why not just get a longer boom?

 

Crank tube length

Jim,

You can see from the above diagram that the boom length is limited by
the crank tube length. That is 7-10 inches. of Crank tube length.
I just noticed that term. I'd been calling it boom length.

 

Thanks for the information guys!!!

I do fit on my P-38 with the proper leg extension. I was thinking that the larger frames were different sizes as the weight limits for the P-38 increase with the size of the frame. I figured if I could get an inch or two between me and the handlebars it would be a little more comfortable. After hearing what you guys are saying . . . I think looks like I'll be keeping this one, get the risers and seat frame powder-coated black, the new brakes and ride my wonderful Lightning P-38.

Thanks again all !!!!

 

The experts

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