In 1968 Karen’s consultancy firm, Ogle Design, were approached by Raleigh with the intent to design a bike that would rival the popular 1963 Schwinn Sting-Ray. However, a designer named Tom Karen has insisted that it was, in fact, he who came up with the Chopper. ![]() On the plane home, he drew a rough outline of what would later become the Raleigh Chopper.Īlan Oakley’s initial design for the Raleigh Chopper - 1967 Oakley visited America in 1967 looking for inspiration and found it in the form of “Chopped” motorcycles, such as the Harley Davidson which were very popular at the time. Alan Oakley worked as Raleigh’s chief designer in the 60s and sketched the first Chopper concept design on the back of an envelope. The Chopper stands out due to its unique design, but who designed it is in dispute. This article looks back at what made the chopper bike so popular. Raleigh Chopper MK1 - Photo by Thethotone at English Wikipedia CCOġ980s they would cease production, but all these years on and it is still widely recognised, sought after, and often hailed above all other bikes. These included BSA, Hercules, Humber, Malvern Star, Phillips, Robin Hood, Rudge and Speedwell Fireballs. In some countries Raleigh chose to sell Choppers with alternative brands. Raleigh sold the Chopper to many countries worldwide. Noel Edmunds feturing in a TV advert for the Raliegh Chopper 50 years on and it is still widely recognised, sought after, and often hailed above all other bikes. It proved to be extremely popular as Raleigh sold over 1.5 million of them, however, come the 1980s they would cease production. MK2 - SE with cast alloy mags to commemorate 750,000 choppers.MK2 - Pink 5 Speed (Derailleur), Mk2 Lime Green 5 Speed (Derailleur).MK2 - standard 3 speed models available in Infra Red, Ultra Violet, Fizzy Lemon, Quick Silver, Space Blue, and Jet Black (Prismatic decal model).Sprint GT - available in either Bronze or Flamboyant Green.MK1 - available only as a 3 speed model, Brilliant Orange, Golden Yellow, Flamboyant Green, Targa Mustard (HBR model) and Horizon Blue.Along with Members of the Raleigh Chopper Club UK, Mick & Jake Bonnici take part in this short documentary piece. Credited along with Alan Oakley for the design of the Iconic Raleigh Chopper. He was managing director and chief designer of Ogle Design from 1962 until 1999. Features Tom Karen a British industrial designer of Czech descent. One millionth Raleigh Chopper on BBC1 The One Show. This positioning was just a way for it to stand out and appear cool for kids who loved the novel way of gear changing. One notable element was a 3-speed Sturmey-Archers gear hub with a frame mounted console gear level placed worryingly between your legs. As well as the different sized wheels, the Raleigh chopper had many other features that made it stand out from other popular bicycles. ![]() In April of 1969, the MK 1 edition of the Raleigh Chopper went on sale for £34 which is the equivalent of just under £550 by today's standards. In April of 1969, the MK 1 edition of the Raleigh Chopper went on sale The design was influenced by dragsters, "chopped" motorcycles, beach buggys and even chariots, as can be seen on the centre page of the 1969 Raleigh US catalogue.Ī Soundtrack to the Seventies The song is Raleigh Chopper Its unique design became a cultural icon and is fondly remembered by many who grew up in that period. Manufactured and marketed in the 1970s by the Raleigh Bicycle Company of Nottingham, England. With its high backrest and distinctively curved handlebars, it was a must-have for any child of the 70s. The Raleigh Chopper could quite possibly be the most iconic bicycle ever designed. ![]() Innovation is at the Heart of the Midlands, including the creation of the Raleigh chopper bike! Raleigh Chopper - an iconic bike for those of a certain age
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