Welcome to the community for owners and enthusiasts of vintage chopper bikes!
Whether you grew up in the 70s and 80s or only discovered the unique cult status of these iconic two-wheelers much later: you’ve come to the right place.
An unexpected discovery
My own story with the chopper only began relatively recently. While many reminisce about their youth, I barely knew these bikes back then and wasn't interested in them at all.
Until the corona period arrived. In a time of slowing down, my eye was truly drawn to the unique design of the vintage chopper for the first time. The towering handlebars, the deep seat on the elongated saddle (the buddy seat), and of course, that iconic gear lever on the frame tube.
The pure craftsmanship, the mechanical nostalgia, and the smile you get from passersby when you go for a ride; It was very contagious, especially due to the large communities in England, the fact that the Raleigh Chopper is a recognized design/culture icon, and that it is absolutely not just a children's bike.
By now, the shed is filled with a few beautiful, carefully restored Raleigh Choppers, and the hunger for the history of these unique cult bikes is greater than ever. This proves once again: the passion for choppers knows no age or year of manufacture!
The 'Missing Link' of Dutch Cycling Styles
Did you know that until today there was no active Dutch community fully dedicated to the vintage chopper? That is unique, because our country is the missing link in cycling culture. On the one hand, you have the passionate Custom Cruiser & Lowrider scene that loves extreme and custom design, and on the other hand, the enthusiasts of *true* classic bikes (think of associations like *De Oude Fiets*), where the focus lies on transport bikes and history from before 1950. The vintage chopper bike is the perfect missing link between these two worlds. It has the rebelliousness, the brutal looks, and the custom feel of a lowrider, but at the same time carries the pure history, nostalgia, and restoration craftsmanship of a classic. We are now filling that gap for good.
More than just RaleighAlthough the British Raleigh Chopper is the most recognizable face to many, this community is there for all iconic choppers and high-riser bikes from that golden age. We celebrate the unique designs of all the European brands that took to the bike paths back then:
- >The robust German Kalkhoff Chopper
- The rare and sought-after Hercules models
- Our own Dutch pride: the Sparta Easyboy
- The famous Schwinn Sting-Ray & Krates
- Your own custom-built choppers in the classic style of the 70s
- And of course, many other classics from various brands.
Why this platform?
Vintage chopper bikes have become rare. Restoring them, finding original Sturmey Archer parts, or simply straightening a sissy bar is a specialized skill. Often, the knowledge is scattered across dusty sheds and personal archives. With this platform—which goes hand in hand with our active Facebook group—we are finally bringing that knowledge and passion together centrally. This is the place where we:
- Proudly share our collections: Show your Kalkhoff, Hercules, Raleigh, Sparta, etc. to like-minded people.
- Share knowledge: From restoration tips and paint numbers to adjusting the gear lever. Organize Rides & Events: Because these bikes shouldn't just sit in a shed; they need to gleam in the sun during touring rides, fairs, and group rides!
Help build the ultimate Chopper database!
This platform is built for and by enthusiasts. Do you have a unique chopper in your shed, are you working on a challenging restoration project, or do you own old brochures and documentation? Log in directly via your Facebook account, add your bike to the member directory, and help keep the history of these iconic bikes alive.
Ride hard, ride low!
Eric Holtkamp
Founder & Raleigh Chopper Collector