My Life As An Object.

Raleigh Chopper

This example of the iconic Chopper was given to the museum by Raleigh in 1983. Raleigh was founded in 1888 when Frank Bowden bought a small bicycle company on Raleigh Street in Nottingham. The chopper, rescued Raleigh from a slow decline, selling millions worldwide. Released in the US in 1966 was not without its problems, the large 20" rear wheel created a lot of rolling resistance, the frame geometry meant that it was easy to do involuntary wheelies and the frame mounted Sturmer Archer gear knob was positioned in a most inopportune place, should you have an accident and the early editions had handlebars that kids reclined, making it very difficult to steer.