How Much Did Chopper Bikes Cost When They First Came Out?

During the 1970s, the iconic Chopper bike was available for purchase at the price of £32. When adjusted for inflation, this would be roughly equivalent to £350 today. However, these bikes have since become sought-after collector’s items, and original Chopper bikes can now fetch prices as high as £3,000. To put this into perspective, in 2014, a rare MK2 Raleigh Chopper dating back to 1980, which had the unique history of being gifted to US President Ronald Reagan, was auctioned off for an astounding $35,000 US (£27,943), setting a record for Chopper bike sales. As of June 2, 2023, these prices may have continued to evolve in the collectors’ market.

What was the price of a Raleigh Chopper bike in 1973? To provide a clearer picture of the cost of this iconic bicycle, let’s take a look at historical prices for various models during the 1970s. In 1973, the second-generation Chopper, known as the Mk2, was available for £33.75, with a recommended retail price (RRP) of £37.50. Adjusted for inflation, this would be approximately £290 in today’s money. Moving ahead to 1975, the Chopper’s price was £37.95, which would be equivalent to about £230 today. In 1976, the Mk2 model had a price of £62.95, reduced from an earlier price of £67.95, or around £330 in today’s currency. Additionally, the 1976 Five-Speed Chopper in pink cost £66.95, equivalent to roughly £350 today. These figures provide insights into the historical pricing of Raleigh Chopper bikes during the 1970s.