How much did a Raleigh Chopper cost in the 1970s?
People have asked how much a Raleigh Chopper bike cost in the 1970s. These are the prices that Halfords sold the Chopper for.
| Year | Price | In today's money |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | £34 19s (*) | £385 |
| 1971 | £33.50 | £348 |
| 1971 - with extra high backrest | £35.50 | £370 |
| 1972 - Mk1 | £33.82 (reduced from £35.99) | £318 |
| 1972 - Mk2 | £35.99 | £340 |
| 1973 - Chopper Sprint | £25.95 | £225 |
| 1973 - Mk2 | £33.75 (RRP £37.50) | £290 |
| 1975 | £37.95 | £230 |
| 1976 - Mk2 | £62.95 (reduced from £67.95) | £330 |
| 1976 - Five Speed in pink | £66.95 | £350 |
| 1977 | £67.95 | £310 |
| 1978 | £69.95 | £295 |
| 2003 - Mk3 | £199.99 | £280 |
(*) 'Toys for a traditional Christmas' Moira Keenan, published in The Times 11 November 1970. Other prices are from Halfords advertisments in various national newspapers.
At the beginning of the 1970s the Raleigh Chopper sold for a premium over a more conventional children's bike. In 1971, Halfords sold their own brand 'Halfords Pathfinder' with an 18" frame and 24" wheels for £22.10 (or £225 in today's money).
The Chopper Sprint was not popular. It was a bargain in the 1970s. Today it is a rarity.
As the 1970s went on, the real terms value of the Chopper went down. In 1976 Raleigh lauched a new model for the same age group, the Grifter. The Grifter had a more 'off road' look to it. Although it came ahead of the 1980s BMX craze.
In 1980 Halfords did not include the Chopper in their adverts. They pushed the Raleigh Grifter instead.
Comments
My perants got me a m1in yellow loved it one of the best bikes I ever owned it was easy to pull wheels on them