Talk:Raleigh Chopper

Coolness

To quote from the article: "Nevertheless the Chopper was always the cool bike to own, and those who didn't have one were often envious of those who did." This is probably subjective. This may have been the case in the late 70s, but in my experience in the early 80s (in the UK at any rate), the Chopper was pretty much a laughing stock, especially when the likes of the Grifter and BMXes arrived on the scene. --Sonance 13:15, 13 April 2006 (UTC)

It's not subjective, but it does relate purely to the period roughly between 1972 and 1975. It is also true that, at that time, those who didn't have one were often envious of those who did. Hence the scare stories about it being a "dangerous toy" - perfect ammo for defending why you don't have one! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.179.117.193 (talk • contribs) 13:41, 1 November 2006

I agree with the above regarding the years they were "cool" probably 1971/72-75...although even as late as 75 was probably pushing it and I find it incredible that they were still making them in the late 70s as if you'd bought a new chopper in my secondary school at the end of the 70s people would have laughed their heads off... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.152.33.177 (talk) 14:31, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

The Chopper was the trend setter for what universally became known as the Banana Bike https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheelie_bike. It was the prototype for every bicycle company in the west. I had a red Ross Apollo. The "coolest" IS VERY subjective. I know that every guy was proud of his banana bike and the wheelies he could "pop" w/ it.User:JCHeverly 15:08, 27 September 2013 (UTC)

Small Choppers

"A smaller version aimed at younger children, the Tomahawk, was also popular."
There was a range of cycles from Raleigh, not just the Tomahawk, which had a similar style to the Chopper but were available for smaller riders. The range, starting with greatest first, was thus:
CHOPPER
CHIPPER
TOMAHAWK
CHIPPY
BUDGIE

Images of these can be found on the Raleigh Chopper Owners' Club: Raleigh Chopper Owners' Club

LewisR 22:20, 13 September 2007 (UTC)

I've removed the Tomahawk statement referred to above, as it is covered by the full list of Chopper derivatives listed in the article. The Chipper was the most popular derivative in any case. Centrepull (talk) 09:46, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Gearshift

Probably worth making the point that the Raleigh Chopper's frame mounted gearshift wasn't totally unique - I possessed a Puch Highriser with a 5 speed frame-mounted shift. It is true to say, however, that, Raleigh seem to have got there first... Paul-b4 09:01, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

The 5 Speed version wasn't a "Derailer" it was an internal gear 5 speed hub. The Shifter had 2 levers on it. One side was high and low and the other was 1, 2 & 3. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.246.67.80 (talk) 02:09, 6 April 2009 (UTC)

To be clear, the Mk1 5-speed used Sturmey-Archer hub gears. The Mk2 5-speed used a derailleur. One had bigger shift lever, with a smaller one next to it, and the other split the T-bar shift into two vertical halves. They were so rare that if you had one, a constant stream of disbelieving kids used to stop you to look at the gears!

As no-one here is claiming the top-tube mounted gear shift was unique, there's no point in mentioning that it was not. Centrepull (talk) 09:56, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

Trivia

Moving unsourced trivia to talk:

The singer Lily Allen can be seen riding a chopper in the video for her song "LDN" and on the cover of her album Alright, Still.

Toddst1 (talk) 20:19, 29 November 2007 (UTC)

Several Incorrect Claims...

Hello,

First time i've dropped by this article, but i'd like to clarify a few things.

My Grandfather, John Gordon, was the designer/draughtsman/inventor, whatever, of the Chopper. No websites state this, and this is because he died in 1978 from a heart attack - he was due to move to America at the time for i believe something related to the Chopper.

As an involved part, I would rather not edit the article to show this, as not only would it be a COI, I also do not have any hard sources that this is the case, apart from my dad's knowledge and memories of riding test models, making colour schemes and more!

Thanks,

BG7even 13:38, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

If you could offer some kind of proof or citation it would be very interesting, as there has been a lot of controversy on the point of exactly who was responsible for the Chopper design, and several disputed claims. I'm not referring to your grandfater, but I do wonder why so many people claim to have invented and designed it. Although an icon and very popular, the Chopper was a terrible bicycle design. Centrepull (talk) 10:12, 22 June 2009 (UTC)

More background details.... My father worked at Raleigh at this time and acquired one of the chopper prototypes for me to try out around 1967(?). I still have a photo of the bike but unfortunately after much use and abuse the bike itself is now buried on my grandfathers farm! It had a square section cross-tube with a double-tubed handlebar stem and the long chopper style seat (in grey). There were no gears but square profile grey plastic mudgaurds. The frame was metallic red and carried the name "Red Admiral" It was also referred to as "the boomerang bike" due to it's unusual shaped mudgaurds. The bike was not widely available although I do remember seeing one for sale in a Nottingham department store. The question of who "invented" the Chopper is rather murky, as with any organisation there would have been a number of people on the design team, all who may have a valid claim for it to be their idea. Ian (1/7/2010) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.171.148.35 (talk) 17:31, 1 July 2010 (UTC)

Wheelies???

The main fun in having a Chopper for a guy was the ability to "pop" a wheelie. I remember after I learned how to ride a bike, all the guys would get together for wheelie popping contests. Bets of candy were placed, with winner going home with a pocketful of sugar.User:JCHeverly 15:03, 27 September 2013 (UTC)