Kids who grew up in the 1970s & 80s were blessed with a golden age of bicycle production. At the turn of the 1970s Nottingham company Raleigh began producing a number of now collectable and iconic models.
Inspired by American dragster motorbikes, the Raleigh Chopper brought a touch of Easy Rider to the mean streets of 70s British suburbia, becoming an icon of the era. Smaller models for younger children such as the Tomahawk, Chipper and Budgie came soon after, followed by the Chopper MK 2 in 1972.
Other classic models produced during the decade, include the rather bulky Grifter in 1976, this came in a choice of either metallic blue or red, complete with a twist grip gear shift. It’s smaller relations the Boxer & Strika followed as well as the MK 2 Grifter in 1978.
Enter the early 80s and the BMX scene found its way over the Atlantic, once again the Raleigh design team produced the goods, this time in the way of the Raleigh Burner in 1982. A later model the Tuff Burner came complete with yellow skyway mag wheels for extra kudos.
Growing up 1980s there was an abundance of kids out in the streets, trying to perfect ‘bunny hops’ and ‘endo’s’ on their BMX’s, giving their mates a ‘backy’ to the shops or bouncing on a new set of stunt pegs. These bikes also gave us the freedom to explore our local areas & estates, helped us on our paper rounds and took us on many a bike ride and summer adventure.
Our gallery below revisits both decades with some of our favourite bike images.














Follow:
http://www.twitter.com/britcultarchive
http://www.instagram.com/britishculturearchive
http://www.facebook.com/britishculturearchive
Contact:
https://britishculturearchive.co.uk/contact/
2018 © British Culture Archive
The Paul Trevor photo was taken in Toxteth too. These are all amazing, thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Margaret.
LikeLike
Awesome photos!! Always wanted a Chopper!! I had a Commando 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pull those bars Back
LikeLike
Can’t believe that I know two people in those photos. Martin Jarrett is Black guy on the Chopper with the white kid behind. Taken in King Edwards park, kensal rise, London. The other BMX jump with the tower block in background is Dennis from Latimer Road, London. He is jumping out of the legendary PC half pipe in Meanwhile gardens skate park. The tower block in Trellic Tower. Wow. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What are the chances. Great stuff Sid and thanks for the additional information.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on andyzootie.
LikeLike
My non de plume when I write to the local paper says it all – Never Had a Chopper.
I was 12 in 1972, living in New Zealand.
LikeLike
Hi guys can anyone point me in the right direction please; I need front mudguard n gears for my Mk3. Was told by my buddy Norman J This shit is real prices gone through the roof for part’s n for Choppers; -(
LikeLike