Kids who grew up in the seventies and eighties were blessed with a golden age of bicycle production. At the turn of the seventies Nottingham company Raleigh began producing a number of now collectable and iconic models.
Inspired by the American dragster motorbikes, the Raleigh Chopper brought a touch of Easy Rider to the streets of British suburbia, becoming an icon of the era. Smaller models for younger children such as the Tomahawk, Chipper and Budgie came soon after.
Other classic models were produced during the decade, including the rather bulky and heavy Raleigh 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 later followed.
Enter the eighties and the BMX scene found its way over the Atlantic, once again the Raleigh design team came up with the goods. This time it was the Raleigh Burner that turned heads when it was released in 1982. The ‘Tuff Burner’ came complete with yellow skyway mag wheels.
Growing up during these times there was always an abundance of kids playing out in the streets, making makeshift ramps using bricks and a plank of wood or trying to perfect bunny hops.
It was a great time to be young and these bikes gave us the freedom to explore our local areas & estates, helped us on our paper rounds and took us on many adventures.
Our gallery below revisits both decades with some of our favourite bike images.
Gallery
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The Paul Trevor photo was taken in Toxteth too. These are all amazing, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Margaret.
Awesome photos!! Always wanted a Chopper!! I had a Commando 🙁
Pull those bars Back
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.
What are the chances. Great stuff Sid and thanks for the additional information.
Reblogged this on andyzootie.
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.
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; -(