1996 Lightning M-5

Archived: 1996 Lightning M-5 · Recumbent · Published sizes: Adjustable for rider height:5'6" to 6'2"

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Fillet brazed steel · Fork: Lightning · 4130 chromoly

• Check paint damage, vent holes and accessible internal surfaces for corrosion. Look for dents, bent tubes and cracking around welded or brazed joints.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Group: Shimano 600 Ultegra · Shifters: Grip Shift CX-DT · Front derailleur: Shimano 600 Ultegra, bottom-pull/clamp-on 28.6 mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano 600 Ultegra · Crankset: Shimano 600 Ultegra, 39/53 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-UN51, 116 mm spindle · Rear cogs: 8-speed, 11 - 21 teeth · Chain: KMC SS-90S, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Shimano RX-100 Dual Pivot brakes, Dia-Compe 287 levers

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: Front: 17", Rear: 650c wheels · Rims: Sun Metal M17, 28-hole/36-hole · Front tire: Front: 17 x 1 1/4" Alex Moulton, Rear: 650 x 20c

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Headset: 1" Dia-Compe Aheadset DLC · Handlebar: Buyer's choice · Stem: Buyer's choice · Saddle: Lighting Ergofit aluminum rails · Pedals: Buyer's choice

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.