Sunday, January 7, 2018

Lightning P-38 Recumbent

P-38 at Punggol end 
Recumbent bicycles are not readily available in Singapore and while I do have a few friends who own them, its not so easy to try riding one.  I was looking for a comfy version, something like what uncle KC had
Uncle KC and his KingsCycle Bent 

With google and Face book, it was easy and fascinating to read up on the design, development of the recumbents aka "Bents". So cool to see many people tinkered and made their own bents. I wish I got the time and garage space to do it. 
Here's the local SG bent community if u are looking for folks to cycle together.   Just for sharing, here are some link I read up on. 
Reading up, I noted one of the brand that had a long illustrated history is Lightning Dynamics cycle which you can read more in the company link.  
They reminded me of Alex Moulton, Bike Friday or the earlier days of Brompton company. I felt it was a company that was wholeheartedly into the recumbent product. Not too good at marketing. Just look at the retro website...  BUT if u look beyond, THEY have been around for a long time.  They seem to be folks who are out to make a good product and they KNOW recumbents. 
I really like the position of "sofa couch, nothing too dramatic or low slung(ferrari like). Just something comfortable to ride around and for long distances.  Anyway, I had too much bikes and it was just in the back of my mind.  I didn't really do much nor look around. Maybe a few emails to secure a 2nd hand overseas and that didn't worked out... mainly due to the shipping aspect.  It helped when it wasn't available or that u can visit a Bent shop in Singapore... haha... so I thought.   
Until we went for our year end holiday to Tokyo and Osaka. Frankly, 2017 was a really busy year with Momo at P4 and I changed job to Design in toilet/ bath space. So did not have much time to ride with LCSG this year sadly. We kind of booked the tickets , accommodation and just wing it using Trip advisor + Siri.  
At Kyoto, after visiting the deers and temples, we got some extra time and went to visit Loro Kyoto which wasn't too far away from we were. 

I researched earlier and they have a range of bends at hand around Asian. This is the place to go... I felt would be good to "check it out".  And hahah yes, after a while of test fit...  I got the P-38! 
It was too bulky to "bring back" myself and Yagi san help to arrange the shipping to Singapore. Thank you very much for your help Yagi San! 
The bike was hanging on the wall! That's Yagi san of Loro Kyoto 
After 16 days, it finally arrived to our sunny island on a friday evening. I spent about 2 hours unwrapping the meticulous packed bike and installing it. Referring to the photos, it wasn't too difficult and the next day early morning did some test ride around my neighbourhood park.  It took me about 5 min to be able to ride it wobbly around. It's a very different feeling and muscle group. I think I need more time to get used to it.  
Still, happy like a bird and looking to more rides with this bike! 
Here's how it came in and some photos of riding around the PCN. 
That's how it came to SG

Every part was neatly packed and wrapped with bubble wrap. The fork also had the anti crush support. Nice. 

The front fork 

Main body with steering column 

After 2 hours... its ready to ride! 





19 comments:

  1. A work of art and made in Japan = masterpiece. So happy for you. Wishing you many kms, and hope we can tour with you on the P38 which incidentally is the code name for the famous American Lockheed P38 WW2 fighter The Mustang.

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  2. I like your flag mount very much! I have three bikes that could use a mount like that. Is it available at retail mail order somewhere or is it something you put together yourself?

    Great bike, my P-38 looks almost exactly the same, white color, same brakes etc.

    I hope you’ll post more about your recumbent.
    John H from USA

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    1. Hi John, sorry I miss ur comment. Its something I cobbled up with things I have around at my home. Its just a 1/4 carbon rod from a broken kite with some bright color triangle flag.
      Then I Zip tied to the side frame

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