About the Raleigh Chopper
The Raleigh Chopper was a children's push bicycle that was manufactured and marketed in the 1970's in the UK by the Raleigh Cycle Company of Nottingham.
It had a unique "chopper" design that soon became a cultural icon, and is now one that is fondly remembered by many boys and girls that grew up in that period.
It was based on the look and style of motorcycle choppers and custom cars from the 1960's and 70's, some people even think its design has style traits of dragsters and hot rods too.
What is not commonly known is that the Raleigh Chopper was actually released for sale in the late 1960's, at this time it had a 16 in (41 cm) front and 20 in (51 cm) rear wheel. Often referred to as a MK1 this bike had tyres that were wider than usual for the time, having a chunky tread pattern on the rear wheel and also featuring a red line around the tyres sidewall. Some other features that appealed to the youth market at this time were the choppers unusual frame, its long padded highback seat, and it's high-rise "chopper style" handlebars. Even the kickstand fitted to the Raleigh Chopper Mk1 was designed to give the stationary bicycle a lean reminiscent of a parked motorcycle.
The "new" MK 2 Raleigh Chopper:
The Mark 2 Chopper was an improved version that was supplied and sold from 1972. This push bike had the rarely purchased option of five-speed dérailleur gears, and the gear lever shifter changed from being a knob on the centre bar console to a T-bar style gear shifter. A small rear rack was added to the bike at this time also.
Did Raleigh manufacture and sell a drop-handlebar version of the Chopper?
Without a doubt - yes they did! And more so it is now one of the much wanted "classic" Raleigh Chopper bikes that collectors aspire to buy and own. In fact the drop-handled bar version of the Raleigh Chopper now commands quite high prices on the used pushbike market place when compared to other push bikes and cycles that were sold in the 1970's.
For reference this particular model was called "The Sprint".
How did the Raleigh Chopper ride?
With the "original chopper" it was all about looks, and you looking cool on your push bike. This collectable cycle is fondly remembered, although it was not without its problems.
Who can remember riding their chopper and falling off? especially rearwards?
This bicycle was less stable than a conventional bike, and and times was really trickier to ride. It was slow and heavy, and took time to get used to. With its wide and chunky tread pattern of fitted tyres creating a high level of rolling resistance, the now classic Raleigh Chopper was not suitable for long distances. At moderate road (or pavement) speeds it suffered wobbles too.
In its day and after several reported accidents, it was strongly attacked in the UK newspapers as a dangerous toy. The long seat on the bike lent itself to regularly giving lifts to others, and accidents were not uncommon. This bike could easily perform involuntary wheelies readily, which again were a frequent cause of accidents. The central position of the gear lever could also contribute to injuries that were sustained in a crash or fall.
Below is an image of the MK1 version of the Raleigh Chopper push-bike.... Note the period yellow and black paintwork, banana seat, ape-hanger style handlebars, and the gear-knob lever for the gear selector!
The MK1 is the "chopper" from Raleigh that started the craze off with this bike in the late 1960's and early 1970's....
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Buying a Used Raleigh Chopper: A Classic Ride Worth the Hunt
Introduction:
The Raleigh Chopper is more than just a bicycle—it's a cultural icon, a symbol of 1970s childhood freedom, and a head-turner that continues to stir nostalgia in collectors and cyclists alike.
First introduced in 1969 by the Raleigh Bicycle Company of Nottingham, the Chopper’s distinctive design—with its high-rise handlebars, elongated seat, and banana-shaped saddle—was inspired by the era’s American muscle bikes and motorcycles.
While production originally ceased in the early 1980s, its legacy lives on, especially in the booming market for used vintage bikes.
Buying a used Raleigh Chopper can be both a thrilling and challenging experience.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know—from the bike’s history and versions to what to look for when buying, pricing insights, restoration tips, and where to hunt for that dream ride.
A Brief History of the Raleigh Chopper
The Origins
Developed in the late 1960s and officially launched in 1969, the Raleigh Chopper was created by designer Alan Oakley, who reportedly sketched the bike’s original design on the back of an envelope during a trip to the United States.
Its radical look was aimed at tapping into the youth market and offering a more “grown-up” feel compared to traditional bicycles.
Model Generations
There were three main versions of the Raleigh Chopper during its original production run:
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Mark 1 (1969–1972) – Known for its curved crossbar and smaller frame proportions. The early MK1s had a few design quirks, such as a sissy bar without a backrest and a shorter gear lever.
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Mark 2 (1972–1980) – A refined version with a redesigned frame, a more robust rear section, better brakes, and safety improvements. It came with a padded backrest, an updated gear lever, and more vibrant color options.
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Mark 3 (2004–2009) – A retro re-release with slight modernizations like 5-speed indexed gearing, alloy rims, and subtle frame tweaks, but it retained the classic aesthetic.
Why Buy a Used Raleigh Chopper?
Nostalgia
Many buyers are drawn to the Chopper because they had one as a child—or desperately wanted one.
Owning a Chopper today is like recapturing a piece of your youth or introducing your children to your own childhood passion.
Investment Value
The Raleigh Chopper has become a collectible. Prices for rare, well-maintained, or early models can reach into the thousands, especially when sold with original parts and documentation.
Even rougher examples are often snapped up quickly for restoration projects.
Unique Style
The Raleigh Chopper is instantly recognizable. Whether you're riding it in a local parade or displaying it in a man cave or garage, its retro charm makes it a talking point wherever it goes.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Chopper
1. Model and Authenticity
First, determine which generation of Chopper you're considering. Mark 1s are the most collectible and hardest to find, while Mark 2s are more common.
Mark 3s are more accessible and practical for casual riders but less valued by purists.
Tips:
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Check the frame number (usually found under the bottom bracket or near the rear dropouts).
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Confirm the original paint and decal scheme, which often indicates the model year.
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Avoid “Frankenstein” bikes unless you're comfortable with mix-and-match parts.
2. Frame Condition
Rust, cracks, or dents in the frame can be serious problems. Minor surface rust or paint scratches are usually fixable, but extensive structural damage might require professional repairs—or render the bike unrideable.
Check for:
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Corrosion around weld joints.
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Damage around the head tube or seat tube.
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Re-welded or repaired areas that might reduce collectability.
3. Gears and Brakes
Original Raleigh Choppers were equipped with 3-speed Sturmey-Archer hub gears operated via a centrally mounted gear stick.
Ensure the gear system is present, functional, and hasn’t been replaced by a modern derailleur.
Brakes were typically caliper style and can wear out over time. Check cables, levers, and pads.
4. Original Parts
Collectors value bikes with the original saddle, sissy bar, gear lever, chainguard, grips, tires, and wheels.
While replacements are available, they may reduce the value or authenticity of the bike.
Rare items to look for:
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Original “Raleigh” branded tires.
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Reflector-topped gear sticks.
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Original rear mudguards.
Original pedals
Where to Buy a Used Raleigh Chopper
Online Marketplaces
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eBay – A treasure trove for used bikes. Be prepared to ask questions and request detailed photos.
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Facebook Marketplace – Great for finding local sellers, often with better prices and room for negotiation.
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Gumtree – Similar to Facebook but more commonly used for UK-based deals.
Specialist Forums and Groups
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Raleigh Chopper Owners Club – A community of passionate collectors where bikes are bought, sold, and discussed.
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Vintage bike forums – Good for connecting with knowledgeable enthusiasts and finding rare parts.
Local Bike Shops and Auctions
Some specialist bike shops restore and sell vintage bikes, and classic bike auctions occasionally feature Raleigh Choppers.
Prices may be higher, but the vetting process adds reassurance.
Average Prices (2025 Market Trends)
Prices can vary dramatically depending on condition, rarity, and originality:
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Project Bikes (non-runners, missing parts): £150–£400
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Good Condition Mark 2s: £500–£900
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Fully Restored Mark 1s: £1,000–£2,500
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Mint or NOS (New Old Stock): £3,000+
Tips for Restoring a Chopper
If you're planning to buy a fixer-upper, here are some key tips:
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Start with a solid frame – Replacing minor parts is manageable, but frame work can be costly and time-consuming.
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Source parts early – Join forums and set alerts on online marketplaces for rare components.
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Invest in decals – Authentic decals add serious aesthetic and resale value.
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Keep it original (if possible) – Repainting or customizing a rare model can reduce its value unless it’s already heavily modified.
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Document the process – A photo record of the restoration can boost resale interest and help connect with other enthusiasts.
Riding a Chopper Today
Let’s be honest: Raleigh Choppers were never built for performance. They're heavy, the geometry is quirky, and the gear system takes getting used to.
But that’s not the point.
Riding a Chopper is about joy, nostalgia, and getting smiles from passersby.
Whether you take it for a short cruise or proudly display it at vintage bike rallies, it’s all about the experience.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Rushed purchases – Always ask for detailed photos and information before handing over your cash.
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Fake or converted models – Some bikes may be modified from standard Raleigh models to look like a Chopper.
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Overpaying for incomplete bikes – A cheap deal isn’t a deal if you have to spend triple the value in parts.
Conclusion / Summary
Buying a used Raleigh Chopper is more than a purchase—it’s an adventure.
Whether you're reconnecting with a beloved childhood memory, diving into the world of vintage bike restoration, or simply collecting a slice of pop culture, a Chopper bike offers a unique and rewarding experience.
With a bit of patience, research, and mechanical know-how, you can find your perfect Raleigh Chopper and relive the golden days of wheelies, skids, and effortless cool.
