Introduced in the 1970s, the Raleigh Chopper Mark I became one of the coolest and most iconic bikes of its generation. Featuring a unique design, the bike was a radical departure from a traditional bike. It came with 3 speed gear lever, wide tyres, long saddle and distinctive frame design. In many ways it resembled a motorbike and has become one of the most sought after bikes. Its phenomenal success helped rescue Raleigh cycles which had been struggling in face of poor demand and higher competition. In the 1980s, the advent of the BMX and later mountain bike meant the Raleigh Chopper ceased production. But, recently, on a wave of 70s nostalgia, the Raleigh Chopper has been re-introduced.
Raleigh Chopper Mk I
Gold Plated Raleigh Chopper Mark I photo Marcus
Recently, Raleigh have reintroduced a new MkIII version which has retained its same looks whilst being more safety conscious. New developments in Mk III Raleigh Chopper.
A sign of the times – safety warning.
Gear stick moved from downtube to gear shifters in the handlebars.
With its wide tyres and tendency to wobble at speed, the Raleigh Chopper is not a bike for covering long distances. It is a bike for people who want to ride up and down the street and look cool.
I snapped this new Raleigh Chopper whilst in Grantchester recently.
Raleigh Chopper Bikes for Sale
- Childrens bikes at Evans cycles
- Raleigh Chopper owners clubs
I used to ride a Honda 90 but then I discovered the Chopper. What a way to get fit; although I do miss the 7.2 bhp of the Honda. I like to make sauce and the Chopper makes an ideal means of transporting boxes of tomatoes. I can also squeeze in a few bottles of vingar, some onions and the other secret ingredients that make up my sauce. Talking of sauce, the iconoclastic and faintly warholian styling of Raleigh’s finest has quite a bit of sauce about it; it’s almost as though the designers of the late 1960s added some secret ingredients of their own at tea break!
I have a chopper which I think may be a rather strange bicycle. Mine has no saddle. I ride everywhere, including the welfare office and I can most often be seen around Les Marais in St Clement. I ride with my backside up in the air, much to the revulsion of following motorists. Dressed in purple gear, I usually wear a filty dirty woollen balaclava. My chopper is to be praised for its longevity. I must do about 120 miles a week, although I must get that saddle fixed soon otherwise I will be singing falsetto in the local choir!