![]() ![]() The most noticeable change is to the bike’s sissy bar. The gear shifter has a slightly altered internal mechanism, while still retaining the original function. The chainset now features a square taper bottom bracket instead of a cotter pin bottom bracket, and the headbadge is no longer riveted to the frame. Similarly, we’ve fitted the bike with modern brakes, but replicated the classic design (so you can’t see a difference). The rear reflector, for example, matches the size and pattern of the original, but doesn't contain any metal. The rear carrier has also been strengthened to meet these rules.Īlthough every part of the bike has been expertly matched to the original, some of these elements are slightly different to improve rider safety. There’s a couple of other components that needed to be thicker to pass today’s standards, including the welded stem and the fork tubing. The dropouts and cleats are also slightly thicker to pass modern testing standards. Although the geometry is the same, the welding technique is slightly different due to modern assembly processes, and tig welding has been used on some of the joins to make the bike stronger. Luckily, by following the original technical drawings, we were able to make sure these changes stayed true to the classic design. ![]() Which means that, for a classic like the Chopper, we’ve had to make a few small tweaks to fit modern standards. Manufacturing processes are better, and safety standards are higher. It’s been over half a century since the launch of that very first Chopper – and, naturally, things have changed a bit since then. We’re also using the same numbering logic for the serial numbers – so they’ll fit in right alongside the original models. ![]() Other replicated elements include the light bracket (which can fit one original light), the seat strap, the R nuts and the kickstand.Īs for finishing touches, the reissued Chopper comes in Infra Red and Ultra Violet – the same iconic colourways that featured in the original MK2 launch. ![]() To make sure we matched the original, we created a bespoke design for the spoke protector, and the rear hub is a modern-day equivalent of the original Sturmey-Archer. The tyres are based on the mould used in the original Chopper production, and the rims are still that classic chrome-plated steel. And that’s exactly the same design you’ll find here. Thanks to our studies of the old Chopper (along with outside counsel from some expert fans), these updated handlebars are a close match to the original, with handlebar grips and brake levers that are close to replicas.Īnother iconic feature of the Chopper is its wheels – particularly that mullet setup. Those iconic U-shaped handlebars – one of the defining features of the Chopper – haven’t gone anywhere either. The same goes for the pedals, mudguards and chainguard, all of which were designed using the original technical drawings to create exact replicas of the original parts. First off, let’s take a look at all the elements that replicate the original MK2 Chopper design.įor the bike’s frame, we used original measurements to make sure the geometry of the tubing is as close as possible to the OG bike. ![]()
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