Lightning F-40

The World’s Fastest Production Bicycle — made in the USA.

“Is it a rocket? Is it a car? No, it’s a push bike clad in aerodynamic fairing. Malcolm Lamming, of Angmering, West Sussex, uses his unusual bike for his 64-mile round-trip into and out of work at Portsmouth each day. Mr Lamming, 42, an engineering manager, flies past becalmed traffic on the US-made Lightning F-40, which he bought in Germany. The machine cost £4,000 and has a top cruising speed of 35 mph.” The London Times

Read this owner’s F-40 Testimonial!

The Lightning F-40 is the fastest production bike ever to hit the street! Among its many world records is the ultimate road test — the Race Across America. The four-man relay completed the 3,000 mile (4,800 km) course in five days, one hour — an average speed of 25 mph (40 kph) a record that still stands, decades later. Read the story of this amazing race and record here: HPV RAAM Story. The two F-40s used to set this record are also still ridden regularly.

The result of years of research, the patented F-40 has all of the performance advantages of a fully-faired custom racer, but is also practical enough for everyday riding, commuting and touring. It’s the ideal all-around performance bike. The spandex fairing means excellent ventilation, stability in crosswinds and results in an overall weight of only 33 pounds! The fairing is also great protection from cold or rainy weather.

This F-40 owner rode with the pros.

Here are two F-40s descending. The conventional bikes being passed are in fact also moving, they just look like they are standing still.

The F-40’s cruising speed is 50 percent faster than a standard bicycle and 6-10 mph faster than an unfaired Lightning. So if you can cruise at 18 now, say hello to 28 mph! Scores of cyclists worldwide now use the F-40 for sport and century rides, touring, and daily commuting.

“At the International Human Power Speed Championships in Eureka, California in August 1994 I rode my Lightning F-40 in the 200 meter sprint in 10.73 seconds. That is 67.1 km/h or 41.69 mph.” Zach Kaplan

“I received the parts to upgrade my P-38 to an F-40 yesterday. I spent years trying to justify the expense. Today I started out on a 20 mile ride through an area that I ride very frequently. I wanted a ride that I was familiar with the area. I completed 30 miles 20 minutes off my fastest time on the P-38. Expense of the F-40 conversion JUSTIFIED.” Huey Hutchinson, San Antonio, TX

The F-40 is based on the P-38, so you can buy a P-38 bike and later add the F-40 body and fairing. If you decide to upgrade a P-38 to an F-40, note that we highly recommend also installing the rear disc brake and front suspension. Once installed the entire fairing can be removed for open air riding, or for transporting the bike in just 5-10 minutes.

Andreas Weigel racing his Lightning F-40 at Interlaken

What’s it like to ride?

The Lightning F-40 is the easiest to ride fully-faired bicycle in the world. Once you’ve mastered the P-38, riding an F-40 is a simple adjustment. To start and stop, just slip your foot through one of the side slits in the spandex fairing to balance the bike. To get in out, just unzip the curved zipper. If you like the wind in your face, leave the windshield at home, or snap it on for the ultimate in aerodynamic performance.

WARNING: Due to the extreme level of performance achieved by the F-40, it is recommended for experienced riders only.

Obviously, aerodynamics are important on flat and down-hill sections, but aerodynamics can play an important role on moderate hills and rollers. Check out Gerry Pease’s analysis of the balance between aerodynamics and weight.

Many records have been set on the F-40; see our Racing Section, and the many stories about F-40 racers who’ve piloted the bike to victory!

NEW for 2019:

Dual hydraulic disc brakes

20″ Aero Carbon front rim with Schwalbe Marathon Racer tire

Peter Heish with his Lightning F-40 in front of Mt. Shasta.

Key Features of the F-40

Fastest production bicycle made

Proven P-38 frame, seat and mechanics

Only 33 pounds for the entire bike with fairing

Fiberglass nosecone attaches to welded on bracket for security

Spandex fairing provides ventilation, ease of cleaning and inexpensive repair or replacement in case of damage

Extra long, curved zipper for easy entry/exit or additional ventilation for climbing

Foot slits on both sides allow fully enclosed fairing with easy stopping/starting

Fiberglass rear wheel cover and Aerospoke carbon front wheel reduce drag compared to spoked wheels

Transparent headlight window for safe night riding

Red F-40 with middle section unzipped and long racing windshield

The Lightning F-40 in the Race Across America

F-40s line up for a big ride

Rear rack platform detail, allows luggage to be carried behind seat

Lightning’s Cyber Test Rides: See our collection of video clips showing Lightning bikes in action.

How to mount your Lightning F-40

Lightning F-40 Specifications

Specification Description Sizes M, L, XL Rider Height 5′2″ to 6′6″ Weight 32 to 34 pounds Height 50″ Length 78 to 86″ Width 22″ Seat Height 18 to 20″ Seat back angle 50 to 65 degrees Wheelbase 42 to 45.5″ Frame 4130 Chromoly aircraft steel tubing, nickel silver brazed, with custom investment cast seat lugs, and forged dropouts Fork S-1 Chromoly, coil spring suspended, 1.5″ travel Braze-ons Water bottle (2), pump peg (for Zefal HP pump), drop-out eyelets, cable guides, Headlight battery Finish Two-stage electrostatic baked-on urethane powder Frame Colors Azure Blue, Royal Blue, Red, Black, or Yellow. See the Accessories page for custom colors; see the full color chart here; see below for fairing colors. Stem and Bars Custom oversize aluminum stem, heliarc welded to 22.2 mm (7/8-inch) drop handlebars Seat Patent-pending Ergofit bend with TIG welded and heat treated aluminum frame. Nylon mesh back with fitted foam cushion. Chain Idlers Machined Delrin with precision sealed bearing Bottom Bracket Shimano Crankset Shimano Sora; 30×44×56 Cassette Shimano LX, 11 to 36, 10 speed NEW Front derailleur Shimano Sora Rear derailleur Shimano Deore NEW Shifters Shimano Dura-Ace Bar End Gear range 22 to 137 inches Brakes Shimano hydraulic disc Brake levers Tektro / Hayes Hubs Shimano XT Front rim Aerospoke carbon 20″ Front tire Schwalbe Marathon Racer, 20″, 100 psi Rear rim Sun CR18 700c, 36 spoke (1) Rear tire Schwalbe Marathon, 700 × 28c, 105 psi Chain KMC DX10 SC Headset Shimano 105 Pedals Clipless (optional) Fairing Fiberglass nose, Lexan windshield, Spandex middle and rear with aluminum support frameset. Fairing colors Blue, Red, Yellow

F-40 options

F-40 chassis only, no fairing $4,700 Upgrades/Options:

Rear luggage platform and rack add $100 Long racing windshield, quick-release pivoting mount add $250 Color:

Indicate the color you want: __________

Accessory prices and ordering information

See also our Accessories page.

California residents add sales tax of 8.25%

The F-40 is custom built to order. To place an order, contact your closest Lightning dealer, or the factory. E-mail us if you have additional questions about this amazing bicycle.