This may be of use:
Values
The Chopper Mk 1 is worth a little more than the Mk2. The Mk1 is rare and more desirable. If you want a good, usable Chopper, look for a Mk2 in presentable, but not perfect condition. You should be able to find one for around £400. Perfect examples of both models are worth more than double this price.
Chopper Mk1
- Restoration project £100 to £300
- Good presentable and useable condition £500 to £800
- Excellent condition £800 to £1000
- Restored to factory condition or better £1000+
Buy
Raleigh Chopper Mk1s
on
eBay.
Chopper Mk2
- Restoration project £50 to £200
- Good presentable and useable condition £300 to £500
- Restored to factory condition or better £800 to £1000+
Buy
Raleigh Chopper Mk2s
on eBay.
Chopper Mk3 (2004 reproduction model)
- Good £50 to £100
- Mint £200
Buy
Raleigh Chopper Mk3s
on eBay.
Rare and special Choppers
Raleigh Chopper Mk1 10 Speed 1969-1970
In the USA, Raleigh sold the Chopper as a 5 speed or 10 speed bike, as well as the standard Sturmey Archer 3 speed.
The 10 speed is the most highly prized of all Raleigh Choppers.
If you want one today, a perfect example will cost in the region of £2000.
GT Sprint 1972-73
The GT Sprint was a Chopper with drop handle bars. It was available in two colours: flamboyant green (left) or fire bronze.
The Sprint had different tyres, a 'racing saddle' and a modified frame, but only 3 speeds. It was not a big seller and thus is a rarity today.
Of course that makes the Sprint all the more desirable and a top notch one will now cost from around £1000 to £1500.
Raleigh Chopper 5 speed 1973-1976
The Raleigh Chopper 5 speed had a new gear change based on the classic racing bike derailleur, but with the Chopper style gear shift. Strangely, it was only available in pink, a colour guaranteed not to appeal to boys in the 1970s. So like the Sprint, it did not sell well and was quietly dropped in 1976.
It is, of course, highly collectable today. Expect to pay around £1000 for a good one.
Silver Jubilee Special Edition 1976-1977
To celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, Raleigh released this silver special edition chopper.
It was actually launched in 1976 to be in the shops in time for Christmas. In spite of the new wheels (yes, those alloy wheels are genuine) it was not a great seller and is also a rare bike today. You will need to spend around £1500 for one of these.
Who designed the Raleigh Chopper?
