Raleigh says its 2023 Chopper bike “sold out in minutes” when it was released in June.
But any die-hard Chopper fans who missed out first time round will be pleased to know Raleigh is making a second batch available on 25 July.
Raleigh says this second release will be the final drop of the re-imagined Chopper bike.
‘Heartfelt stories’
Raleigh says the announcement of the new Raleigh Chopper led to an outpouring of “heartfelt stories and memories from previous owners” of the bike.
The new Chopper closely resembles one of the most popular models of the bike, the Raleigh Chopper MK2.
That model became known for the gear shifter located on the top tube of the bike. Raleigh says it worked closely with internal hub gear manufacturer Sturmey-Archer to replicate this feature on the 2023 Chopper.
Raleigh’s managing director Lee Kidger explained to BikeRadar that the new Chopper was designed to be as close to the original MK2 Chopper as possible. Such is the resemblance, he said enthusiasts often mistook the new version for the original.
Kidger also said he hoped releasing the new Chopper would inspire people to cycle more and that Raleigh’s electric bikes would provide a practical solution to facilitate this behaviour change.
The Chopper’s return led to widespread media coverage, with Kidger appearing on the BBC Breakfast TV show in the UK to explain why the brand had brought back the bike, which became a 1970s icon.
When will the second drop of Raleigh Choppers be available?
Raleigh says the second drop of the 2023 Chopper bike will be available on its website from 12pm (BST) on 25 July.
Potential customers will be put in a queuing system and the server will randomly allocate a position to everyone on the website.
Raleigh says this means waiting on the site earlier than midday does not guarantee a better position.
Purchases will be restricted to one Chopper of each available colour, Ultra Violet and Infrared. The Chopper costs £950.
A range of spares compatible with most Chopper models will also be available, according to Raleigh.
Raleigh did not divulge how many bikes will be available.
