The boss of Raleigh has said he would not rule out bringing back classic bikes such as the Chopper as long as fans want them. Lee Kidger, managing director of the historic Nottinghamshire brand, said "never say never" when asked if he would consider re-releasing some more of its iconic models.
He spoke to Nottinghamshire Live on the day the company launched the 1980s classic Tuff Burner bike, a release he said he was "really excited" about. "We are always looking at new ways to bring out old retro bikes that really engage with our key, core brand fans and I think that's the important bit," he said.
"As long as it engages with them, never say never on other bikes. We probably will have something next year that will wow people." The Raleigh Chopper was first marketed by the company in the 1970s, and became a cultural icon for many who grew up during that period.
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A number of the bikes were brought to Wollaton Hall during filming for Antiques Roadshow, where owner Simon Rhodes said he had paid around £900 for a red model eight years ago. Despite outsourcing manufacturing to areas like the Far East and Hungary, Raleigh still retains its roots in Nottinghamshire.
The historic bikes brand, established in 1887 by Sir Frank Bowden on Raleigh Street, now operates out of a facility in Eastwood, where some manufacturing of bike wheels still takes place. The brand has attempted to reconnect with Nottingham by unveiling plans for an experience centre off Maid Marian Way.
The hub, expected to open within the next month, aims to become a "local point of contact", according to Mr Kidger.
'The future is electric'
The managing director said Raleigh's business had pivoted over the past five or six years towards electric bikes, which the brand estimates to account for the vast majority of its sales. "The electric bike market continues to grow and grow and grow, it's still pretty small compared to our European counterparts. But our view is the future is electric," Mr Kidger said.
"We will continue to be innovative in that market. Previously, it was always the demographic of 50 and above. Now actually, we're seeing a lot more people in their 20s and in their 30s ride electric bikes, because there's an added benefit as to why you ride an electric bike over cars.
"A certain part of the bike market will go towards the electric bike. For Raleigh as a brand, where we want to pitch ourselves is very much mid to high-end in that electric leisure scene."
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