Nostalgic Raleigh fans have shared their memories as Nottinghamshire company's most famous back is back for a whole new generation. Raleigh Chopper is a remake of the iconic bike from five decades ago that topped Christmas wish-lists for years on end.
And the sentiment seems to continue today - with one reader saying she will buy a lottery ticket and "hope" as the bike is priced at £950. The cult classic will go on sale shortly, in the two original colours, Ultraviolet and Infrared.
With original MK2 Choppers still selling for a fortune at auctions today, Raleigh fans have been demanding a new Chopper from the company for decades. And bringing the bike into 2023 has legally required a few minor tweaks, but the new Chopper is as close to the original as possible.
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Lorraine Brown is among the Raleigh fans, who commented: "My brother got one and I got a Raleigh Stowaway - I always wanted a chopper but as a girl it wasn't appropriate! Maybe now is the time, will buy a lottery ticket and hope!!!"
Shelley Wightman shared a heart emoji and added "but a bit pricey at £950!". Patrick Smith shared a memory from his adventures with a Raleigh bike: "Still have a capped tooth as a result of running behind my mate who stopped on his but I didn't and smashed my teeth/mouth on the hoop on the seat back.."
He tried his luck and added: "Ps.Raleigh any chance of sending me one gratis as compo!". Jane Louise Brewster shared a lovely memory of her own Chopper: "I remember I got a second hand chopper for Christmas when I was a child, the seat had a rip in it so my mum made a furry seat covet for it, I loved mine."
Wayne Samples, who said he is now 56, got his Chopper bike on his ninth birthday. He said: "My dad brought my chopper bike and rode it from Raleigh, 4 miles way to Clifton, Nottingham, for my 9th birthday and still got my Chopper bike still. I am nearly 57."
Angela Boulton commented: "Loved my red Chopper. Cost my dad £30."
She then added: "I'd still ride one today but at a £1000 each there's no chance of that." Jason Orton also commented: "Ahh can remember mine... wish I still had it. The originals are worth a fortune."
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."
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