Oh, how we woke up on Christmas morning hoping Santa had left one of these brand shiny new dream machines for us. Sadly, I only ever got a hand-me-down one, but I remember it with such love and happiness! For us Gen X kids, the Raleigh Chopper was the bike that defined the 1970s. With its distinctive banana-shaped saddle, long handlebars, and small wheels, it was the ultimate symbol of cool for kids of the decade.
The Raleigh Chopper was the brainchild of Alan Oakley, a designer at Raleigh, who was inspired by the chopper motorcycles that were popular at the time. He set out to create a bike that would capture the same rebellious spirit, and the result was the Raleigh Chopper.
The Chopper was released in 1969, and it quickly became a hit. Kids everywhere begged their parents for one, and it wasn’t long before the Chopper was the must-have bike of the decade.
One of the things that made the Chopper so popular was its unique design. With its long handlebars and small wheels, it was unlike any other bike on the market. It was also built with a sturdy frame and high-quality components, which made it a durable and reliable ride.
But the Chopper wasn’t just about its looks. It was also a lot of fun to ride. The small wheels and long handlebars made it easy to manoeuvre, and the banana saddle gave it a comfy and stylish ride. Fun at least, as long as you never had to slam on the brakes and slid off the seat to hit your sensitive parts on that middle mounted gear stick! Then you were in a world of hurt…
As the 1970s wore on, the Chopper remained a popular choice for kids everywhere. It was a true icon of the decade, and it’s still remembered fondly by those of us who grew up with it. Even today, the Chopper has a devoted following. There are Chopper clubs and meet-ups all over the world, where fans gather to relive the glory days of the 1970s and ride their beloved bikes.
So, why was the Raleigh Chopper such a 1970s icon? It’s simple: it was the ultimate combination of style and fun, and it captured the rebellious spirit of the decade like no other bike before or since. It’s a bike that will always be remembered as a true classic of the 1970s.
Want to relieve that classic bicycle? Take a look what’s available on eBay.
