A History of Raleigh

Raleigh Chopper

The Raleigh Bicycle Company, established in 1887 in Nottingham, England, by Sir Frank Bowden, has a storied history as one of the world’s oldest and most renowned bicycle manufacturers. Bowden, who had experienced significant health improvements through cycling, purchased a small bicycle workshop on Raleigh Street, Nottingham, and transformed it into a leading bicycle producer.

Throughout the 20th century, Raleigh became synonymous with British cycling, producing iconic models such as the Raleigh Chopper, Burner, and Grifter. The company also achieved significant milestones in professional cycling, including Joop Zoetemelk’s 1980 Tour de France victory riding for the TI-Raleigh-Creda team.

In 2012, Raleigh was acquired by the Netherlands-based Accell Group, a leading European bicycle company.

In 2024, Raleigh continued its tradition of innovation and quality with the release of several notable models:

Raleigh Chopper MK-IV: A modern reimagining of the classic 1970s model, the MK-IV retains the iconic design elements while complying with contemporary safety standards. Available in Ultra-Violet and Infra-Red, the initial release sold out within hours.

Raleigh Modum: A compact cargo e-bike designed for urban utility, featuring a Bosch Powertube 500Wh motor, ideal for light shopping or commuting with additional gear.

Raleigh Tamland Two: Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this gravel bike remains relevant with minor updates, offering versatility for various terrains.

Raleigh Getaway: An e-bike designed for city riding, featuring pedal-assist technology, painted fenders, and a rear carrier rack, combining style and practicality.

Raleigh Redux 24: A 24-inch bike designed for kids ready to venture beyond the neighbourhood, featuring mountain bike styling, a lightweight Aluminum frame, and mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power.

Regarding production numbers, specific data on the total number of bikes manufactured by Raleigh in 2023 is not readily available. However, financial records indicate that Raleigh reported a turnover of £57.7 million in 2023, up from £55.7 million in 2022. Despite this increase in sales, the company faced a pre-tax loss of £30.1 million in 2023, following a loss of £6.8 million in 2022.

Sir Frank Bowden founded Raleigh in 1887 after purchasing an interest in a small bicycle company on Raleigh Street, Nottingham.