Sunday, June 6, 2010

Raleigh Chopper clone bicycle ???






I think this chopper is not belong to Raleigh chopper,since it using the Shimano GT3shifter instead of a 3-speed Sturmey Archer gear hub that synonym with Raleigh Chopper bicycle.
Anybody have info about this bike please help me since I cannot identify the maker of this chopper since no trademark exist at the bicycle (only chassis number available).


Chopper bicycle info


A chopper bicycle is a bicycle that is designed to get attention and provide a smooth comfortable ride. While the term "chopper" is generally used to describe a motorcycle or bicycle that has had some of its original parts replaced with custom parts, today's definition has grown to include custom motorcycles and bicycles that are low to the ground, usually with extended forks creating a long front end.

There are various cycling groups and clubs around the world that feature chopper bicycle riders such as the Freakbike Militia. Such groups encourage all chopper bicycle riders to join them on rides celebrating different events and holidays.

Because the frame of a chopper bicycle and a chopper motorcycle can be strikingly similar, and of a high enough quality/durability, it is relatively common to have an empty space, or 'engine bay', in the frame, in which a motor can be inserted into the frame at a later date, among other tweaks and conversions. Depending on the quality of strength of the frame, and the engines size and output, this can result in blurring between the classifications of bicycle, moped, and/ or motorcycle. Legal laws and statutes may vary in your local state or territory.

The history of the bicycle….!

Today the bike represents one of the most important means of transportation with approximately 1.5 billion bicycles in circulation. European countries themselves represent 50% of the totally kilometres cycled world wide each year.

The bicycle was first introduced in Germany by Baron Karl von Drais called laufmaschine or “running machine” in 1817 and then patented in Paris 1818. At the time, riders sat astride a wooden frame supported by a fork and pushed the vehicle along with his/her feet while steering the front wheel.

In 1861, inventors took bicycle design in a new direction by adding a mechanical crank drive with pedals and producing the velocipede. By 1869 the bikes featured, tubular steel frame and wire spoke wheels with solid rubber tires.

After the war of 1870, the bikes had a very large front wheel with a small one at the rear. These bicycles were difficult to ride due their very high seat and poor weight distribution. It was only in 1884 that wheel diameters were reduced and setting the seat further back weight distribution and comfort. To solve the problem of obtain sufficient speed chain drive was introduced, thereby connecting the frame-mounted pedals to the rear wheel. These models were known as the safety bicycles. By the end of 1890 the bike refinements resemble today’s bikes with the exception of speed shifters.

This innovative transportation method became so popular in Europe that the first tour de France took place in 1903. Soon after the invention of speed shifters, cyclists started using them for competitive cycling.

By the turn of the century, cycling clubs flourished on both sides of the Atlantic, and touring and racing became widely popular. The bike popularity is still growing today because of new innovations that renders cycling enjoyable as well as useful.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

is it for sale? i would love to buy then..

Anonymous said...

hi i have somthing like this it is called a lucky leaf with a 3 gear cog and there is 1 on ebay called cincoa no stand like the mk2 has 1 and the handel bars look like a mk1 so i think we have the best off both

baharuddinaziz said...

Thks for the info pal..maybe this one is highly collectible compare to Raleigh Chopper. Because this is the first time I found this type of model in Malaysia compare to many Raleigh chopper that still exist in Malaysia. I think this one is made from Spain.

rgds

Mac said...

It is a santosa chopper..made in taiwan

Anonymous said...

I m also just got one frm my uncle house. It has a logo on it.written sprinter chopper on it. But it didnt have d interchangeable gear. Like ur wan

Anonymous said...

It's a raleigh chopper replica in the 70s/80s made in Taiwan. Of course the raleigh chopper mk1/mk2 are of better quality than this one. However, its worth to collect and keep.

Anonymous said...

Hi I have a one like that chopper it made in Taiwan and it name is sheugau.

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