The iconic Raleigh Chopper was a must have, signifier of coolness for kids in the 70’s.
Features included the motorcycle style frame, padded & sprung high back seat, ape hanger handlebars, bobbed mudguards & asymmetric wheels. The rear hoop sissy bar & side kickstand gave the bike the full ‘parked motorcycle’ treatment. Also featuring a 3 or 5-speed Sturmey Archer gear hub, selected using the super cool frame-mounted console gear lever.
The original Chopper was not without drawbacks however, it was less stable & trickier to ride than a standard bike. Slow & heavy, the red side wall wide tires looked cool but gave loads of rolling resistance, so hard work for the kids on a long ride out.
At speed it allegedly suffered speed wobbles & after several reported accidents, it was attacked in the press as dangerous.
MAX MUMBLES says: 'Chopper speed wobbles? Nope'
