Raleigh Chopper MK1


Picture
The Chopper was launched in the USA in 1968 but was not successful. It went on sale in the UK in 1970 and did better. The bike featured a 3-speed Sturmey Archer gear hub, selected using a frame-mounted car-like gear lever — one of its "cool" features. Other features that appealed to the youth market were the unusual frame, long padded seat with backrest, sprung suspension at the back, high-rise or "Ape Hanger" handlebars, 'bobbed' mudguards and differently sized front (16") and rear (20") wheels. The rear hoop above the seat resembled a motorcycle "Sissy Bar". Even the kickstand was designed to give the stationary bicycle a lean reminiscent of a parked motorcycle. The tyres were wider than usual for the time, with a chunky tread on the rear wheel, featuring a red line around the sidewall. The price was from approximately £32 for a standard Chopper to £55 for the deluxe.

Fastback 100

The Raleigh Chopper sold through Eatons of Canada as a Glider Fastback 100