The Raleigh Chopper is a true British cycling icon!

What Was the Raleigh Chopper?

• Launched: 1969

• Manufacturer: Raleigh (Nottingham, UK)

• Designer: Alan Oakley (inspired by American dragster motorcycles and Schwinn Stingrays)

• Target Market: Kids and teenagers

• Design: A stylish, high-rise handlebar bike with a long banana seat and a distinctive frame

Key Features of the Raleigh Chopper:

Unique Frame Design – The ‘back-heavy’ look made it stand out from traditional bikes
Banana Seat – Long padded seat for extra comfort and coolness
High-rise Handlebars – Ape-hanger style, giving it a mini-motorbike feel
Gear Shifter – Early models had a central-mounted Sturmey-Archer 3-speed ‘stick shift’, just like a car!
Smaller Front Wheel & Bigger Rear Wheel – Gave it a chopper-style stance

Versions Over the Years:

Mk1 Chopper (1969-1972) – Original version with a dangerously high center of gravity!
Mk2 Chopper (1972-1980) – Safer redesign with a shorter seat and moved gear shifter
Chopper Mk3 (2004 Re-release) – Modernized with safer features (no gear shifter, more stable)
Special Editions (Anniversaries, Limited Runs)

Why Was It So Popular?

• It looked cool – Kids felt like they were riding a motorbike!

• It was the ultimate status symbol – If you had a Chopper, you ruled the street

• TV & Pop Culture Exposure – Featured in ads, magazines, and TV shows

Why Did It Disappear?

By the 1980s, BMX bikes (like the Raleigh Burner) became more popular because they were lighter and better for tricks. The Chopper was also a bit unsafe – many kids wiped out because of the back-heavy design.

Collector’s Value Today

Original Mk1 and Mk2 Choppers are hugely collectible. A well-preserved or restored one can sell for £1,000+!

Now you can wear this iconic T shirt, in all sizes from Adult small to 5XL.

And if you'd like a matching mug, make this the ideal gift for a fan! Just use the drop down menu at checkout to add one of our fantastic standard size, dishwasher proof mugs to your order.

This is a top quality Heavy Cotton tee-shirt with hard-wearing, sharp vinyl print which will last and last. Postage is free and we aim to despatch within 48 hours of purchase, although larger sizes may take a little longer. Thanks for looking.

Condition: NEW

Neckline: Crew Neck

Fit: Regular Fit

Sleeve Type: Short Sleeve

Material: Cotton

Garment Care: Machine Washable

Recommendations: Wash at 40 degrees max, avoid tumble drying

Sizes available

Small 34 -36" Chest

Medium 38 -40" Chest

Large 42/44" Chest

XL 46/48" Chest

2XL 50/52" Chest

3XL 54/56" Chest

4XL 58/60" Chest

5XL 62/64" Chest

This is a brand new, top quality Gildan Heavy cotton unisex tee shirt product.

Postage is free, using Royal Mail tracked 48.