TOP GEAR FOR THOSE WHO MISSED OUT IN THE 70S

THE first thing that strikes you about the new Raleigh Chopper is how much easier it is to mount and dismount. For me, way back in the mid-70s, swinging my leg over the high support at the end of the saddle was always a little tricky and could end up with the bike falling over, closely followed by me collapsing in a heap on top of it. Sprawling around on the pavement was not a cool look at the age 14.

However, the new lower back support makes it so much easier to get on board. Alternatively, you can pull the bike up into a wheelie position and then walk forwards onto the saddle before sitting down.

The three-speed gear shifter on the two crossbars seems smoother than the one I used to ride as a teen back in the bike’s heyday.

Pulling away in first gear is effortless and I didn’t even have to stop pedalling to change into second and third. Taking one hand off the handlebar to change gear felt safe as the bike is very stable. And the steering is much sharper. Dodging potholes was easy as it responded well to slight changes of direction. Despite its sturdy frame, it felt light.

Going over humps and bumps also felt better than it used to when I was a kid, as the springs under the saddle properly absorb all the little shocks, making for a much smoother ride.

Going uphill on a Chopper never used to be easy because there were only three gears. But with the new model, inclines were comfortable in first and second gear. I did have to stand up on the pedals, however, to get some extra power.

For me, Raleigh has got the relaunched Chopper just right. It’s not only a dream to ride, they’ve also maintained the look and feel of the original. As a kid back in the 1970s, I never had enough money to buy my own Chopper, so I used to borrow a friend’s. Finally, after half a century or so, I might buy one for myself.