Excellent !! - just found one today (it was being thrown out by an elderly lady in our local town). I asked if I could have it and bingo ! - it's now in my garage !!. Going to do a full restoration and keep it for one of the grandkids ! . . . chuffed to bits . . .
My last chopper was a black one with funky flames on the chainguard, funky decals. I put a mk1 stem n bars + a mk1 seat n sissy bar. Best of both worlds. Beautiful bike.
I’m 62 got my Mk2 chopper in 1972!! Only difference was fixed handle bars!! And a square Crome bar rear of the seat instead of rounded !! Gear stick same black knob as Mk1 . It was brand new so hadn’t been altered !! Loved it
I loved my Mark 1. The proper Chopper. Orange, the good gear lever and a true icon. Mark 2's didn't do it for me as a kid and as for those Mark 3's, they just looked like a cheap imitation. I wish I had kept mine.
I endorse your tale mr Campervan the mark 1 is The 1 and my favourite ultimate dream bike of all time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and if you haven’t already please subscribe
Learned something new today thanks for that ..I have a silver mk2 ……keep well friend. What kind of value would you put on a export mk1. 5 speed please ….
Hi Paul , Thanks for watching iconic brands, these bikes always have sold really well , even parts . value is all down to condition and who wants one at that point in time. As for a 5 speed Mk1 must be American export ? In top condition Can’t say exactly but hazard a guess at £1500 to £2000
@@IconicBrands123 thankyou for that the guy sold it .it was reasonably priced at £1500.. Really want a mk1 when I find one in my price range ..thanks mate .
Finally got a mk3 today, been eyeing it for years. Contrary to popular opinion, i like the mk3! It's modern, lighter, revamped and yet still a chopper! I'd love a mk1 but can't justify the price tag. I was born in 1990 so i didn't even grow up with them lol but i love the beach cruiser aesthetic
You said that the Mk1 was from May 1971. I had mine in 1969. It was the first Mk1 in green in Wales. Bought from a bike shop in Hereford and immediately taken to my home in Llandrindod Wells in Radnorshire. Wish that I still had it. 😢
Actually it’s my own that is from back then you’re right the bike was originally from late 69 I remember drooling over them thanks for sharing your story
Most people I meet who own this bike say the reason why they own one now is because they didn’t have one as a child, this is what drives the nostalgia market thanks for sharing your memories and please subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already
Hi, nice info on the Choppers thanks. I had a mark 1 in yellow and I beleive it was the 1st in my home town Banbridge Co Down NI. Bought from Jack Topping's cycle shop in Banbridge. Regards Mark.
another reason for the mark one having its frame altered was the fact the chain stay tube always broke , I haven’t come across a frame which as not been welded down by the bottom bracket area . I’m currently working on a mk1 fitting a Bafang g510 mid drive to it , just for fun .
Great to hear from you, hope your interesting project is fun for you which is what iconic Brands is about thanks for watching and your subscription is appreciated
Love the first 2 bikes, but not keen on the mk3 as not from my generation and bikes had moved on by then. There were also many more differences than you mentioned here but great bikes all the same to have and keep and ultimately enjoy.
Thanks for watching UA-cam channel the difference in the frames is fundamental as parts can be changed over … Mark 3 does attach it self to a younger generation I agree .. glad you enjoy the channel
You have a lovely mk. 1. Mine got binned in a clear out after I left home ,but it was a bit rusty so fair enough but still rankles a bit. Thanks for the info.
Had a MK1 for Christmas many moons ago. Never had issue with unintended wheelies yet from day one I was always in 3rd gear. Never got it fixed either. Got strong legs though.:)
Hi thanks for watching iconic Brands 👍 the serial number is stamped on the frame at the rear where the wheel is bolted , sometimes if it’s been resprayed it’s hard to see
@@IconicBrands123 thanks for replying, cant see anything, im guessing you have to take the wheel off? Is it on the inner bit? Sturmey Archer says AW 75, so im guessing 1975?
Hi Adrian, thanks for subscribing to iconic Brands channel hope you’re enjoying watching it, in answer to your question The sissy bar on the mk3 is 15mm diameter whereas the mk1/2 is 12.7mm diameter so they will not directly fit without making an adaptor which some people have done it’s not a straight forward swap over without modifications.
Hi thanks for your message always good to hear from subscribers. Hopefully you are? Your observation is correct however The video focuses on parts that are not interchangeable between Mk1 and mk2 therefore making it clear to identify as to what Raleigh Chopper actually it is as many parts are swapped between them
There is a serial number stamped on the frame near the rear hub if it has not been repainted!! Another way to tell is the rear wheel hub itself if it hasn’t been changed Thanks for watching UA-cam video channel iconic Brands hope you enjoy it
@@IconicBrands123 thanks for the info i will have a look it is the same red but is only a frame i found in the outback so is quite sun damaged but i had one as a kid in the 80s and remember them well as wheelie bikes
@@IconicBrands123 apparently its a 70 chopper it needs work but i think i might put it back together any hints on the best place to get parts i know ebay but is there online shops where i can get parts repop are fine as paint is almost all gone and will need full resto
@@davidnetherway4734 I can recommend the Raleigh Chopper owners clubs via Facebook as a good source of parts and information thanks for watching UA-cam video channel iconic Brands and free subscription to the channel
Hi Ian, Luke chose the Mk3 to sit on so I’m guessing that was his choice he helped me build it up as well. Thanks for watching iconic Brands UA-cam video channel
Hi there The mk3 is no longer produced however if you’re interested in the mk4 version has been released as a new model please see my other videos My advice would be look on eBay U.K. for an international seller or on Raleigh bicycle online in case anymore become available
you forgot about the adjustable handlebars on the mk1 and also the shape of the chrome tube behind the seat and if memory is correct, the disc on the back wheel was changed from chrome steel to aluminum ,
@@john-1964 thanks for sharing your thoughts and you are correct however these parts can be swapped from one bike to another between 1&2 models The differences between the bikes are the ones that cannot changed easily pointed out in the video in order to get a genuine Raleigh Chopper
hi they did a mk1 1/2 that has the narrow handle bars , but had the round gearstick long seat and no rack at the back oh and the top of the sissy (SEAT) was not round it was more square , i bought it brand new in orange it cost £34-95 ,
Yes ! This was the cross over model think it was Raleigh’s way of using up old stock before going fully to the mk2 model, thanks for sharing your knowledge and watching iconic Brands
@@IconicBrands123 yes I believe they are been recreated now so maybe I'll get another, but I know it won't be like the original choppers of the day, also be pretty expensive these days too im sure 👀👍
I had the mk1 and as a kid I loved It did miles on it I never fell off it but came very close a few times. The high speed wobble could be fun. Try two up with your mate carrying a bag of pinched peas in each hand from a farmer’s field then add a steep hill how we never fell of it I will never know 😂 I am never sure if the peas swinging about stabilised it or made it worse because I was hanging on like grim death trying to get it under control 😊. When it was swapped for a Halfords racing bike it was never as much fun riding again faster yep fun nope.
Must be a European thing?? Don't remember seeing these in the states. Nice looking bikes, but of course their no Schwinn crate stingrays now are they? 🧐😉
Thanks for watching iconic Brands!! The video concentrated on what cannot be swapped from one mark to the other to help correctly identify the bicycle.
What could have been a very interesting video which I was genuinely interested in was spoilt by the iratating water noise. Had to switch off in the end as it was getting on my bloody nerves. What a pity!.
@@davidhathaway8271 hi A video has since been released on the same platform including the new mk4 The Sound system on your TV or device can also highlight the higher pitch in some cases
Excellent !! - just found one today (it was being thrown out by an elderly lady in our local town). I asked if I could have it and bingo ! - it's now in my garage !!. Going to do a full restoration and keep it for one of the grandkids ! . . . chuffed to bits . . .
Glad to help pleasure
What model , colour and condition is it?
Owning a Red Mark 2 since 1978. Greetings from Asunción Paraguay.
Greetings from England 🏴 and thank you for watching iconic Brands
My last chopper was a black one with funky flames on the chainguard, funky decals. I put a mk1 stem n bars + a mk1 seat n sissy bar. Best of both worlds. Beautiful bike.
Sounds like a prismatic issue of the chopper
@@IconicBrands123 limited edition? Someone told me 1978 ? 🤷♂️
I had 8 mk1s m mk2s all in various degrees of condition. So many stories. Nice video
I’m 62 got my Mk2 chopper in 1972!! Only difference was fixed handle bars!! And a square Crome bar rear of the seat instead of rounded !! Gear stick same black knob as Mk1 . It was brand new so hadn’t been altered !! Loved it
Thanks a lot for the introduction, good old days and memories. I want to own chopper type nowadays again.
The Mk1, when riding down a steep hill, the front wheel wobbled like hell.
I loved my Mark 1. The proper Chopper. Orange, the good gear lever and a true icon. Mark 2's didn't do it for me as a kid and as for those Mark 3's, they just looked like a cheap imitation.
I wish I had kept mine.
I endorse your tale mr Campervan the mark 1 is The 1 and my favourite ultimate dream bike of all time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and if you haven’t already please subscribe
Very informative. Finally learned I was riding a Mk 2 all those decades ago. Always wondered.
Thanks always happy to hear from viewers and it was helpful
From this I worked out I had an Orange Mark !. Got it aged 12 in 1971. Happy days.
Great 😊 thanks for letting me know and have solved the mystery!!
I had a green MK1 in the '70s in St. Louis, MO. It ended up on the curb. Never would have thought...
Sadly many ended up on the curbs thus making the Mk1 a rare bicycle still, thanks for watching and your subscription is appreciated
@@IconicBrands123 Cheers on ya, mate. Subbed.
Learned something new today thanks for that ..I have a silver mk2 ……keep well friend.
What kind of value would you put on a export mk1. 5 speed please ….
Hi Paul , Thanks for watching iconic brands, these bikes always have sold really well , even parts . value is all down to condition and who wants one at that point in time. As for a 5 speed Mk1 must be American export ? In top condition Can’t say exactly but hazard a guess at £1500 to £2000
@@IconicBrands123 thankyou for that the guy sold it .it was reasonably priced at £1500..
Really want a mk1 when I find one in my price range ..thanks mate .
Great vid..Had a red Mk2 for Xmas 1976 and loved it, until I saw my mates Puch "Free Spirit" 10 speed racer..
Thanks for the feedback! I also had a puch bicycle back then however always preferred the Raleigh’s
Brilliant. Such a revelation!! Very interesting!!
That’s good 😊 thanks for sharing your thoughts that you have learned from the video
Those bikes are beautiful
Finally got a mk3 today, been eyeing it for years. Contrary to popular opinion, i like the mk3! It's modern, lighter, revamped and yet still a chopper!
I'd love a mk1 but can't justify the price tag. I was born in 1990 so i didn't even grow up with them lol but i love the beach cruiser aesthetic
Also the mk 1 handle bars could be pulled back.
You said that the Mk1 was from May 1971.
I had mine in 1969. It was the first Mk1 in green in Wales.
Bought from a bike shop in Hereford and immediately taken to my home in Llandrindod Wells in Radnorshire.
Wish that I still had it. 😢
Actually it’s my own that is from back then you’re right the bike was originally from late 69 I remember drooling over them thanks for sharing your story
I only had a chipper, how i wanted a chopper, if i shut my eyes I can recall the wonder of those bikes!
Most people I meet who own this bike say the reason why they own one now is because they didn’t have one as a child, this is what drives the nostalgia market thanks for sharing your memories and please subscribe to the channel if you haven’t already
Hi, nice info on the Choppers thanks. I had a mark 1 in yellow and I beleive it was the 1st in my home town Banbridge Co Down NI. Bought from Jack Topping's cycle shop in Banbridge. Regards Mark.
Thanks for the feedback glad you learned from iconic Brands UA-cam video channel
another reason for the mark one having its frame altered was the fact the chain stay tube always broke , I haven’t come across a frame which as not been welded down by the bottom bracket area . I’m currently working on a mk1 fitting a Bafang g510 mid drive to it , just for fun .
Great to hear from you, hope your interesting project is fun for you which is what iconic Brands is about thanks for watching and your subscription is appreciated
MK1,IS MY FAVOURITE..LONGER SEAT .
My favourite is the mk1 it was THE original one ☝️
Love the first 2 bikes, but not keen on the mk3 as not from my generation and bikes had moved on by then. There were also many more differences than you mentioned here but great bikes all the same to have and keep and ultimately enjoy.
Thanks for watching UA-cam channel the difference in the frames is fundamental as parts can be changed over … Mark 3 does attach it self to a younger generation I agree .. glad you enjoy the channel
Wots the Difference in the Prices. Am looking to buy a mark 1 if I can
About £1250 should get you a decent Mk1
You have a lovely mk. 1. Mine got binned in a clear out after I left home ,but it was a bit rusty so fair enough but still rankles a bit. Thanks for the info.
@@ridbanner1407 glad to help thanks for watching
Great video and content and I had four as a kid and now I know they were mk2
Nice to know it has helped someone im Glad to hear thank you 😊
Thanks for the info.....i never knew the differences.....cheers ..👍
Glad to help out!
Loved these bikes when they first came out. But I have to say not an easy bike to ride
Nothing has changed!!
My big brother had a yellow mark 1. Beautiful😀
Mk1 is a great Work of art !
Had a MK1 for Christmas many moons ago. Never had issue with unintended wheelies yet from day one I was always in 3rd gear. Never got it fixed either. Got strong legs though.:)
Strong legs essential !!
@@IconicBrands123 I was stabbed a few times by the bars. That’s a point I forgot but was my first bike so just assumed being impaled was normal. :)
@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk at least it wasn’t the gear knob as well!! 😳
Very interesting, ive just got my old mk2 out of the shed but i cant find a serial number on it, any idea where to look?
Hi thanks for watching iconic Brands 👍 the serial number is stamped on the frame at the rear where the wheel is bolted , sometimes if it’s been resprayed it’s hard to see
@@IconicBrands123 thanks for replying, cant see anything, im guessing you have to take the wheel off? Is it on the inner bit? Sturmey Archer says AW 75, so im guessing 1975?
@@nicholastaylor6455 yes 1975 stamp is normally on the outside of rear wheel flange
@@IconicBrands123 thanks, i'll have a look there
Sometimes rarely stamped on the bottom of the crank housing good luck and thanks for your subscription
hi russ can you use mk 3 parts on a mk2 rear rack sissy bar etc?
Hi Adrian, thanks for subscribing to iconic Brands channel hope you’re enjoying watching it, in answer to your question The sissy bar on the mk3 is 15mm diameter whereas the mk1/2 is 12.7mm diameter so they will not directly fit without making an adaptor which some people have done it’s not a straight forward swap over without modifications.
What about the difference in the Handlebars adjustable to go back and forth loosen and tighten top of the stem .......
Hi thanks for your message always good to hear from subscribers. Hopefully you are? Your observation is correct however The video focuses on parts that are not interchangeable between Mk1 and mk2 therefore making it clear to identify as to what Raleigh Chopper actually it is as many parts are swapped between them
Thanks I have a mk2 that I'm fixing up that I could not tell if it was mk1 or mk2
Glad to help and thanks for the feedback
so i have a mk1 thanks i was wondering is there any way to tell the year please
There is a serial number stamped on the frame near the rear hub if it has not been repainted!! Another way to tell is the rear wheel hub itself if it hasn’t been changed Thanks for watching UA-cam video channel iconic Brands hope you enjoy it
@@IconicBrands123 thanks for the info i will have a look it is the same red but is only a frame i found in the outback so is quite sun damaged but i had one as a kid in the 80s and remember them well as wheelie bikes
@@IconicBrands123 apparently its a 70 chopper it needs work but i think i might put it back together any hints on the best place to get parts i know ebay but is there online shops where i can get parts repop are fine as paint is almost all gone and will need full resto
@@davidnetherway4734 I can recommend the Raleigh Chopper owners clubs via Facebook as a good source of parts and information thanks for watching UA-cam video channel iconic Brands and free subscription to the channel
Just out of curiosity Which one does Luke prefer ?
Hi Ian, Luke chose the Mk3 to sit on so I’m guessing that was his choice he helped me build it up as well. Thanks for watching iconic Brands UA-cam video channel
Had loads back in the day mark 1 and 2 made a Frankenstein one with grifter forks nd front wheel
Is MK3 still produced September 2024? Can you post link of how and where to be able to purchase ? Posting from USA Los Angeles. 😎
Hi there The mk3 is no longer produced however if you’re interested in the mk4 version has been released as a new model please see my other videos
My advice would be look on eBay U.K. for an international seller or on Raleigh bicycle online in case anymore become available
@@IconicBrands123 what was the price new?
Mk3 retails second hand at £250 or mk4 ? Brand new was £950
I had the MK1 you could also alter and adjust the handle bars on the MK1 the MK2 had fixed handle bars.
The mark 2 handlebars were fixed for safety reasons along with several other modifications thanks for your input please subscribe to the channel
you forgot about the adjustable handlebars on the mk1 and also the shape of the chrome tube behind the seat and if memory is correct, the disc on the back wheel was changed from chrome steel to aluminum ,
@@john-1964 thanks for sharing your thoughts and you are correct however these parts can be swapped from one bike to another between 1&2 models
The differences between the bikes are the ones that cannot changed easily pointed out in the video in order to get a genuine Raleigh Chopper
hi they did a mk1 1/2 that has the narrow handle bars , but had the round gearstick long seat and no rack at the back oh and the top of the sissy (SEAT) was not round it was more square , i bought it brand new in orange it cost £34-95 ,
Yes ! This was the cross over model think it was Raleigh’s way of using up old stock before going fully to the mk2 model, thanks for sharing your knowledge and watching iconic Brands
Absolutely correct 👍
Could anyone help me with the details of a restoration service to bring a mk2 up to show standard please. Many thanks!
There was someone on Ebay U.K. doing exactly what I did a complete restoration best check and see if they are still available for your bike good luck
Many thanks!
I had the mark one but it was white and had narrower bars, only seen here in South Africa i believe ✌, absolutely loved my chopper
That’s great to hear thanks for sharing never heard of that before especially mk1 in White
@@IconicBrands123 yes I believe they are been recreated now so maybe I'll get another, but I know it won't be like the original choppers of the day, also be pretty expensive these days too im sure 👀👍
@@frednel4326 yes they are please subscribe free to my channel for more information about the new Raleigh Chopper happy to help 😊
I have a 1999 model with all the paperwork mk3 brilliant bike had it from new
Hi They are !! Thanks for watching
Which 1 do you prefer? I have a MK2 the same as yours.
Mark 1 is the bike I wanted back then
Thanks it’s a great classic colour bicycle
@@IconicBrands123 wonder if you can help me, I want to know how much oil and what type to put in the hub?
@@ps-ty4mw hub oil similar to 3:1 from Halfords or a bike shop fill to top
@@IconicBrands123 cheers 👍
I had the mk1 and as a kid I loved It did miles on it I never fell off it but came very close a few times. The high speed wobble could be fun. Try two up with your mate carrying a bag of pinched peas in each hand from a farmer’s field then add a steep hill how we never fell of it I will never know 😂 I am never sure if the peas swinging about stabilised it or made it worse because I was hanging on like grim death trying to get it under control 😊. When it was swapped for a Halfords racing bike it was never as much fun riding again faster yep fun nope.
Great story thanks for sharing your experience and a survivor!!!
A new education in bikes.
Beautiful garden.
Beautiful bikes.
The Mark 1 is nasty.
Hahahahaha thanks, some people want the sort after mark one because of its misgivings
Must be a European thing?? Don't remember seeing these in the states. Nice looking bikes, but of course their no Schwinn crate stingrays now are they? 🧐😉
Nostalgia is what drives the market thanks for watching iconic Brands
Does the mark 2 have a longer wheelbase?
No it’s not longer on the mk2 if compared with earlier versions
kerennnn
Don't forget the mk 1 which I had did have the curved rear bar behind the seat and the later was squared off. Foot video btw!
Thanks for watching, iconic Brands true as shown
Horrible bike the Mark 3. I would stick to the Mark 1, we never had that type of accidents you mentioned in the days.
The mk 3 was poorly constructed with cheap materials
No Serie se encuentra a veces abajo del cuadro , en el eje de los pedales ,
Acabo de encontrar una mark 1 en México y estoy por restaurarla
Fantastic work Amigo
MK1 heavy
By today’s standards very!!!!
Great informative video. Thank you. Now, lets shoot the dog! 😂
Hahahahahaha apologies
Mk1 had adjustable handlebars as well 👍🏻
Thanks for watching iconic Brands!! The video concentrated on what cannot be swapped from one mark to the other to help correctly identify the bicycle.
Between the dogs barking and the damn fountain gurgling this video was both informative and obnoxious.
It may not be pinewood studios or the BBC documentary department however , I’m glad you found this iconic Brands video interesting and helpful
What could have been a very interesting video which I was genuinely interested in was spoilt by the iratating water noise.
Had to switch off in the end as it was getting on my bloody nerves.
What a pity!.
@@davidhathaway8271 hi A video has since been released on the same platform including the new mk4
The Sound system on your TV or device can also highlight the higher pitch in some cases
@@IconicBrands123 Ok thanks for your information.
Sorry to moan I will look at it again.
Many thanks.
Damn man.. invest in a Mic and film away from running water and barking dogs. Almost unwatchable smh
The video was remade including the mk4 version please check it out regards
Thanks. 👍👍👍🚲
I'm 52. I had the Tomahawk. Fondest memories.