1970/71..............THE SAGA CONTINUES.......

1970.....The year Raleigh finally unleash the mark one in the UK . Playgrounds were buzzing with excitement , The coolest bike in the world was the Raleigh Chopper and priced at £32.90 , it wasn't the cheapest bike on the market.

Teething problems with the original frames were sorted out and resulted in the frame shortened and lowered ( previous bikes known as tall frame versions exclusive to 1969 and the USA . see previous page ) The seatpost lowered , headset lowered , barrel gearknob on 3 speed UK models and the most visible addition.... springs and cups suspension . The USA also got a 'girly' Chopper ( no cross bars ) with handlebar mounted gearshifter on three speed models . First model again coaster brake version.

CST....Single speed...DL500 USA ONLY

1970... Orange

1971... Pumpkin

CST....Single spd Girls...DL500L USA ONLY

1970... Blue

1971... Blue

The AW featured Front and rear caliper brakes.

AW.... Three speed....DL510

1970...Orange Black Yellow Red

1971... Apple Blue

Model shown '71 DL510 (AW)...USA Apple colour...(Note low sissybar later found on UK Sprint...)

AW.... Three spd Girls...DL510L

1970... Blue Yellow

1971... White Blue

Click above to see immaculate Girly Chopper in white . Many thanks to Rob Lawrence.

The next model in line featured as before Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub and coaster brake with the redesigned barrel shaped shifter and front caliper.

TCW.... Three Speed....DL520

1970...Green Orange Blue

1971...Apple Pumpkin Green

TCW....Three spd Girls....DL520L

1970...Orange

1971...White Blue

Model shown '70 DL520 USA Green..Ladies '70 DL520L Orange..

Next in line Derailleur Five speed again a USA only model ( The UK had to wait a few more years before a 5 speed was launched ) with Huret Five speed gears,T bar shifter and standard High back rest for 1970.

Derailleur Five speed........DL550

1970...Green Black Yellow Orange

1971...Apple Pumpkin Black Blue

Model shown '71 DL550 USA Blue....'70 DL550 HBR.Orange....Both 5 speed.

And last model the 'Holy grail' Ten speed (USA ONLY) with Huret gearing and extra shifter known as a tensioner. A High back rest was standard issue.

Derailleur Ten speed.....DL560

1970...Orange

1971...Pumpkin

A Stunning example of what most enthusiasts call 'the holy grail' The Ten speed with HBR...

Different colour schemes were used on USA Mark one models...(See Below)

Red (known as Carmine Red)... Green ( Metallic ) ... Apple ( Lime green )... Blue ( Metallic ) White (Girls colour) Black.

Carmine Red ( rare colour for UK )Met.Green

A

Apple 3 speed TCW , Blue Girls DL510L , White Girls 510L , Black 3 speed DL510 ( all USA colours & spec )

Note : low sissy bar on USA models , also used on the sprint.

Raleigh colours for the UK

Targa Mustard , Brilliant Orange , Golden Yellow , Horizon Blue , Flamboyant Green (UK Sprint & USA Mk1)

Click Yoda to go to Chopper History Part 3...A New Hope....