Raleigh Chopper rear wheel, featuring a red line around the sidewall. In 1969 the Raleigh Chopper was launched in the UK market this was a triple launch for Raleigh, with the Chopper branded as THE HoT oNE, alongside the Moulton Mk3 (The Smooth One), and the RSW Mk3 (The Dolly One). The Chopper bike was sold as a "must have" item and signifier of "coolness" for many children at the time. The Mk 2 ("Mark 2") Chopper was an improved version sold from 1972. It had the rarely-purchased option of five-speed derailleur gears, and the gear lever shifter changed from a knob
Ross (bicycle company) held several bicycle-related patents, served as President of the Bicycle Institute of America (BIA) and the Bicycle Manufacturers Association (BMA), and acted as an expert witness in product liability cases. Ross began making bicycles in 1946, and by the late 1960s, Ross manufactured about 1 million bicycles per year. By 1985, it had sold 10 million bicycles. The company, still known as "Chain Bicycle Corporation", marketed bikes under the "Ross" brand, including children's bikes as well as BMX, touring, cruiser, mountain, racing, wheelie, and stationary exercise bicycles. In 1968, Ross joined the muscle bike craze with models such as the