RALEIGH CHOPPER NEW 2004 MODEL IN STOCK

BRITAIN’S favourite bicycle — the Chopper — is making a return after 25 years.

The Seventies’ icon was the first proper bike for a generation of youngsters — and is now set to be snapped up by a new army of Chopper-holics.

Bosses at Nottingham-based Raleigh will officially announce the relaunch in the next few days.

They have been secretly preparing the comeback for months and have built thousands at a secret location abroad.

And to mark the relaunch, there will be a limited edition of the first 2,004 Choppers, each with their production number on a plaque.these will not be for sale a stated in the press this week

The new choppers will sell for £199.99 and will be red . later in the year there will also be a purple colour option also at £199.99

From 1969 to 1979 Raleigh made 1.5million of them.

England and Manchester City goalie David James — who yesterday transferred from West Ham — is a fan.

He has five, including a £1,000 Silver Jubilee Chopper presented to him by The Sun.

He said: “I’m delighted Choppers are making a comeback.

“It’s a classic bike. Now a whole new generation will get to enjoy them.”

Other celebrity fans include Blur singer Damon Albarn.

No date has been fixed for the relaunch but bosses hope bikes will be available to view — and order — by April.[we have been told that we should see deliverys the first week in april 2004

The original design by Alan Oakley — then Raleigh’s chief designer — is largely the same.

Peddle bike ... Choppers were sold as sexy in 1970

The new version will only be available in its original Infra Red. It also has red-lined tyres, the distinctive “ape-hanger” handlebars, an elongated seat, a back rest and chrome seat hoop.

The only main change is the distinctive gearshift, which has moved from the crossbar to the handlebars to comply with modern safety standards.

Bosses decided to relaunch the bike to tap the demand for rehashed nostalgia products, such as the VW Beetle.

Loz Cox, Chopper product manager at Raleigh, said: “The new Chopper has been restyled. The biggest changes are the lightweight alloy frame — the original was steel — and the position of the gear lever.

“It has taken us nine months to redesign the new Chopper and we know it’s going to prove as popular as it did in the Seventies.”

The Chopper is still a big hit — there is even the worldwide Raleigh Chopper Owners Club. Member Edward Pratt, 17, has 35 worth £10,000.

It was launched in America in 1968 but hit the UK after the 1969 film Easy Rider came out, featuring Chopper-like Harley-Davidson motorbikes.

A 1970 promotional campaign featured Tutte Stenagaard, the Danish wife of actor Tony Curtis.

place your orders now for april 2004 delivery 0

Published Monday 19 January 2004

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