Lightning Bolt vs. Pelican

[Jason Mansey]

I've read the Pelican might come into production again. Wondering what folks think of the geo charts in comparison to the LB.

I typically like a 56 or 57cm (tt) road bike, I once sized up on a Ritchey Road Logic and it felt like I was riding a boat.. I presume these bikes ride better in larger sizes due to the low trail.The biggest differences are reach and wheelbase due to much shorter stays on the LB.

What I'm really wondering is if 5mm is TT means anything when reach is actually shorter... I've always gravitated towards bikes with shorts stays, should this continue to be a priority in 650b land?

The LB has a 5mm longer effective tt but -11mm reach. 

LB -24mm wheelbase

https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geometries=6208363bac53a0001dc24364,5c916253f0a24d00174eb45b,

[Cary Weitzman]

On 2025-08-17 12:06 p.m., Jason Mansey wrote:

The LB has a 5mm longer effective tt but -11mm reach. 

Seat tube angle. Something to be aware of depending on how much saddle setback you need. I have a first-gen canti-bolt, also with a 72 degree seat tube, and need a generous amount of setback (currently a Dajia post with 24mm) to get my B-17 where I want it to be, The Pelican would move my knee-over-pedal position farther forward than I prefer. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of.

Regarding chainstay length, My LB is a pleasure to ride and feels crisp and responsive, but my fastest bike (sorry, the bike on which I am the fastest) is my full carbon gravel bike with 650b x 49 slicks, 43.5cm chainstays.

Cary
PTBO.ON.CA

[P W]

What’s the intel on the Pelican? Who’s supposed to be producing it?

P. W.

~

(917) 514-2207

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On Aug 17, 2025, at 9:06 AM, Jason Mansey <jason....@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Josh Zielinski]

Thanks for inquiring, I also want to know more about this!

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/650b/F74D2463-10FA-4D09-978A-61605F359EAC%40gmail.com.

[lena...@gmail.com]

The steering axis of the LB is 6mm closer than the Pelican. This is not a massive difference. Agree with Cary that the slack STA is something to be aware of.

The bb height difference with the default tires stands out to me. Do you prefer the more planted feel and steering of bikes with lower bbs?

My LB is a joy to ride and behold. Encourages me to get out more.

Lena

[Jason Mansey]

Good question,

Don't think I really have a preference. I'm currently riding a 622-35c frame w/ 80mm of BB drop. Definitely feels planted.

But I've always spent a lot of time riding cx and track bike with high BB's and never really thought about it..

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[Tom Goodmann]

Also interested in rumors of a new run of BDPs!

Tom

Almost in transit from Atlanta-->Decorah, IA

[Justin, Oakland]

If there were a new run of Pelicans (color me excited) I would expect updates across the board and wouldn't go by the old geo as gospel.