Lightning Phantom v. Vision Saber 64

[email hidden] (johlde) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I'm trying to decide which of these two bikes to purchase. I've test ridden both and like both.
Any suggestions? I'm mainly looking for a fast bike (speed!) that I can also put a rack on and do
light touring. Fairings aside, is one bike faster than the other? I could not notice any
difference on test rides. Does the 20" front wheel on the Phantom (L/XL frame is my fit) have much
of an impact on performance
v. the 26" front wheel on the Saber 64?

I've been a Lightning partisan for many years- I think you should get the Vision. As long as you're
willing to put up with the 650C wheels, it's a superior bike.

Jeff

I would go with the Vision. I have a Stealth, it's not super fast, just average. Besides Lightning's
customer service stinks. You might also want to check out the Bacchetta Strada.

John

"Jeff Wills" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

[email hidden] (johlde) wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I'm trying to decide which of these two bikes to purchase. I've test ridden both and like both.
Any suggestions? I'm mainly looking for a fast bike (speed!) that I can also put a rack on and
do light touring. Fairings aside, is one bike faster than the other? I could not notice any
difference on test rides. Does the 20" front wheel on the Phantom (L/XL frame is my fit) have
much of an impact on performance
v. the 26" front wheel on the Saber 64?

I've been a Lightning partisan for many years- I think you should get the Vision. As long as
you're willing to put up with the 650C wheels, it's a superior bike.

Jeff

Check this out for a comparison:

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/specs.cgi?Bike1=985286545&Bike2=985901562

Derek

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Johlde
I'm trying to decide which of these two bikes to purchase. I've test ridden both and like both. Any
suggestions? I'm mainly looking for a fast bike (speed!) that I can also put a rack on and do light
touring. Fairings aside, is one bike faster than the other? I could not notice any difference on
test rides. Does the 20" front wheel on the Phantom (L/XL frame is my fit) have much of an impact on
performance
v. the 26" front wheel on the Saber 64?

I have no doubt the Sabre R-64 is the faster bike, and you should be able to put a rack on it, but
keep in mind that Vision intends this one to be the "club racer" of the Vision stable--lightweight,
very aero, but not ideal for being loaded down with lots of racks and packs. IMO the R-64 is the
perfect 'bent for a 30-50 mile Saturday morning club ride. I may buy an R-64 (or even an R-65) one
of these days (like the day I get $2000 back from the IRS... wouldn't that be nice!) but I'd still
keep my heavy-duty R-40 for loaded touring.

Bill Anton 2001 Vision R-40 SWB OSS Lubbock, TX

[email hidden] (johlde) wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I'm trying to decide which of these two bikes to purchase. I've test ridden both and like both.
Any suggestions? I'm mainly looking for a fast bike (speed!) that I can also put a rack on and do
light touring. Fairings aside, is one bike faster than the other? I could not notice any
difference on test rides. Does the 20" front wheel on the Phantom (L/XL frame is my fit) have much
of an impact on performance
v. the 26" front wheel on the Saber 64?

Thanks.

Jason

(Bill Anton) said:

I have no doubt the Sabre R-64 is the faster bike, and you should be able to put a rack on it, but
keep in mind that Vision intends this one to be the "club racer" of the Vision stable--lightweight,
very aero, but not ideal for being loaded down with lots of racks and packs.

It hauls a trailer just fine, though, and I frequently hang my full backpack off the seat in
addition to their poorly designed seat bag.

-- Robert, older 24" Saber