Raleigh Chopper enquiry Mk1 Mk2 & Mk3

[negaultra7]

Hi there im just wondering if anybody on here can explain to me the differences in Raleigh Chopper Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3's apart from values, im looking to restore a Mk1 so any info would be good

thanks Neil

 

[Midlife]

Mk I came with the testicle removing gear lever........ That had to go

Shaun

 

[originalshinkicker]

MK1 had straight rear stays down to the drop out whereas MK2 had curved stays - I think MK1 frames would snap here so the design changed
MK1 had black gear knob, MK2 had red lever
MK1, i believe, had wider bars and the bar angle could be changed at the stem, MK2 had a fixed stem and more narrow bars

There are probably a whole load of other differences, but like I say, I'm not a chopper expert

MK3 are rubbish - normal saddles combined with a back rest, V-brakes and gripshift

 

[Excel]

the 1969 Mk.1 Chopper by far is the most popular to collect and the rear frame design was altered I think in the early 1970's to prevent the bike involuntary tipping backwards when the rider pulled a wheelie (although how kids managed to do this when the bike weighed the same as a ocean liners anchor I don't know!) the 1972 Mk.2 is well documented on plenty of Chopper forums and more plentiful and easier to acquire but briefly the Mk.3 is a modern version resurrected in 2004 built of alloy tubing and originally set for a total production build of only 2004 overall with the first 1000 models numbered individually going to various charities and celebrities, prior to the Mk.3 production modern day Jobsworths from 'elf 'n' Safety banned the centre shifter and banana saddle stating that the old design was too dangerous it was also equipped with derailleurs rather than the good ol' Sturmey hub gear.....the rarest of all though is the 1972 Chopper Sprint GT that featured factory fitted drop handlebars!!

Griff

 

[Spokesmann]

When i gt a moment I get some words together. I have a mint 1977 Mk2 as well as a mint Mk3 in purple.

The first edtion of the Mk3 was in red and purple.

 

[Pionir]

Re:

Any Chopper thread is incomplete without this http://raleigh-chopper-ventoux.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[Nob]

Your Mk2 is a beaut

 

[Nob]

 

[johnywelsh]

Re: chopper frame numbers?

Can anyone date my chopper, i have tried google but just getting confused lol the frame number starts with 166

 

[Spokesmann]

Re: chopper frame numbers?

Can anyone date my chopper, i have tried google but just getting confused lol the frame number starts with 166

if it has the original wheels, the hub on SA hub on the rear wheel should have a date stamp on its shell.