![]() ![]() ![]() This was the MKI and was designed by… well, good question. The Chopper launched in the UK six months later after a disappointing start to sales in the US. “The bike was originally produced to go up against the beach cruisers and dragster-style bikes such as the Schwinn Stingray, which were very popular at the time. “It was two years in development with the patent registered in the US in 1967, eventually launching in the US market in 1969. “The Chopper has an interesting early history,” says Raleigh’s managing director, Lee Kidger. The Chopper bike was sold as a "must have" item and signifier of "coolness" for many children at the time.The Chopper helped cement Raleigh as one of the leading bike brands of the 1970s. In 1969 the Raleigh Chopper was launched in the UK market this was a triple launch for Raleigh and Mk1 ran until 1973 with the Chopper branded as THE HoT oNE, alongside the Moulton Mk3 (The Smooth One), and the RSW Mk3 (The Dolly One). Tyres were wider than usual for the time, with a chunky tread on the rear wheel, featuring a red line around the sidewall. Even the kickstand was designed to give the stationary bicycle a lean reminiscent of a parked motorcycle. The rear hoop above the seat resembled a dragster anti roll bar " sissy bar". Other features that appealed to the youth market were the unusual frame, long padded high-back seat, sprung seat at the back, high-rise ( ape hanger) handlebars, 'bobbed' mudguards (fenders) and differently sized wheels: 16 in (41 cm) front and 20 in (51 cm) rear. The bike featured a choice of a single-speed coaster hub, or a 3-speed or 5-speed Sturmey Archer gear hub, selected using a frame-mounted console gear lever. The Chopper was introduced at American trade shows in January 1969 but it was not until April 1969 that Raleigh Choppers were available for the public to purchase. Mk1 1967 to 1973 The Chopper's patent was applied for in the US in 1967. MK3 - Special & Limited editions, The Hot One limited edition in Red 1000 made, The Black limited edition in Black 1000 made, World Cup 2002 edition in White 1000 made, Beano edition in Multi colour 500 made, Armed forces edition in White 500 made, Ben Sherman edition in White 500 made.MK3 - Standard available in Black, Purple, Red, Silver, Pink, Yellow. ![]() MK2 - SE with cast alloy mags to commemorate 750,000 choppers.MK2 - Pink 5 Speed (Derailleur), Mk2 Lime Green 5 Speed (Derailleur).MK2 - standard 3 speed models available in Infra Red, Ultra Violet, Fizzy Lemon, Quick Silver, Space Blue, and Jet Black (Prismatic decal model).Sprint GT - available in either Bronze or Flamboyant Green.MK1 - available only as a 3 speed model, Brilliant Orange, Golden Yellow, Flamboyant Green, Targa Mustard (HBR model), and Horizon Blue.The design was influenced by dragsters, "chopped" motorcycles, beach buggies, and even chariots, as can be seen on the centre page of the 1969 Raleigh US catalogue.The bicycle has featured in many movies and TV series including the Goonies, MK1 models produced from 1967 to 1973, MK2 models produced from 1973 to 1985 and MK3 models produced from 1996 to 2005 Its unique design became a cultural icon and is fondly remembered by many who grew up in that period. The Raleigh Chopper is a children's / young adults bicycle, a wheelie bike, manufactured and marketed from the 1960s to 2005 by the Raleigh Bicycle Company of Nottingham, England. ![]()
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