Raleigh announces iconic 1970s Chopper will return as a limited edition

It represented joy, fun and freedom in the 70s – now Raleigh’s most famous bike is back for a whole new generation, not to mention those who remember it the first time around. The Nottinghamshire company’s Raleigh Chopper is a remake of the iconic bike from five decades ago that topped Christmas wish-lists for years on end.

It was the definition of cool, a bike full of character, which had never been seen before – or since. The cult classic will go on sale shortly, in the two original colours, Ultraviolet and Infrared and a price tag of £950.

With original MK2 Choppers still selling for a fortune at auctions today, Raleigh brand fans have been demanding a new Chopper from the company for decades. Now after four years of meticulous research and product development, Raleigh is ready to deliver.

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Bringing the bike into 2023 has legally required a few minor tweaks, but the new Chopper is as close to the original as possible. You’ll still find the one-piece saddle, mid-frame gear shifter, and a slightly lowered sissy bar.

Raleigh has enjoyed success from heritage remakes in recent years, thanks to its painstaking attention to detail. This project was no different, with 3D modelling of original MK2 bikes to produce computer-aided designs for the new frame. Many hours were spent agonising over the details that make this new bike special, the decals, the CNC head tube, working sprung one piece saddle, one-piece handlebar and stem, as well as the (UK-made) working 3 speed shifter unit.

Lee Kidger, managing director at Raleigh, said ‘’’The Raleigh Chopper is the most iconic bike Raleigh has ever made, arguably the most iconic bike in British history. Selling millions of units worldwide during the 70s, the Chopper cemented its place in British culture and to this day evokes a feeling of nostalgia for the era.

“This new model is as close as we could get to the original Mk2 released in 1972, while still meeting today’s required standards. The Chopper is still seen by the Raleigh team as the jewel in the brand’s crown. A legacy to be admired, protected, and never forgotten.”

The original bikes cost around £35. A fully restored Raleigh Chopper MK2 is currently up for sale on eBay for £2,200 and some pristine bikes have sold for much more. The new bikes have been designed by a team at Raleigh’s HQ in Eastwood and manufactured in the Far East. Mr Kidger said: ” We started looking at this in 2018, the pandemic definitely slowed it down.

“We sold millions in the 1970s. Iconic is a term that’s bandied around quite a lot but I think it can be used well for this bike. Everybody has a story about it. It epitomised joy, fun and a sense of freedom. Ultimately we want to bring that back for people in the 21st century. This is very much for our brand fans who had it in the 70s but we believe what will happen is the younger customers will see how impactful this bike is to everybody that buys one.

“We want people to see it, ride it and start to enjoy it. There are a lot of retro revivals happening from the 70s and 80s. We know it stands the test of time.”

Last year the company launched the 1980s classic Tuff Burner bike and at the time Mr Kidger said “never say never’ when asked about the return of the iconic Chopper. The bike will be for sale online at raleigh.co.uk/gb/en from June 20 at 12noon. A range of compatible spares will be available, with most being back compatible with the different Chopper models.

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