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Published: October 30, 2006
Bicycles used to be a toy for children, but in today's progressive society bicycles have been revamped, becoming more than just a fun activity for children. Of the vast assortment of bicycles available on the market, the Chopper bicycle is a classic. Chopper bicycles are also known as lowrider bicycles, due primarily to their structure.
In the family of chopper bicycles and lowrider bicycles, the most popular are the west coast chopper bicycles. Today it is easy to find or order a custom chopper bicycle to your specifications.
The history of chopper bicycles began surprisingly with Harley motorcycles. The Harley design inspired the first chopper bicycle. The name Chopper originated from the process of stripping or chopping a Harley down to its barest elements, reducing the weight and making it easier to ride. This process was very popular on the west coast, where the first lowrider bicycle emerged. The birth of the chopper bicycles was met with enthusiasm all over the United States. West coast chopper bicycles have always enjoyed the reputation of producing innovative custom chopper bicycles. The original west coast chopper bicycles had some distinct features such as apehanger handlebars which are tall and U shaped, long banana seats, and a sissy bar which allows the rider something to lean against while biking.
West coast chopper bicycles were the first lowrider bicycles created, but the first chopper bicycle that officially hit the market was the Stingray. The Stingray was built in Chicago by the Schwinn Corporation. It was wildly popular the second it hit the market and sold out of every store. Other companies like Raleigh were quick to follow with their own versions of the lowrider bicycle, thus establishing the chopper bicycles as a vital piece of American culture. Custom chopper bicycles were not being produced at this time, but in the west coast, people were constantly creating their own to improve on what was being sold.
In the early 80's, lowrider bicycles lost a little of the momentum they'd enjoyed since their introduction in the 60's. West coast chopper bicycles were still being made, but they weren't selling as furiously as before. However, they were not going to remain in hibernation for very long. Bicycle enthusiasts in the late 80's began to revamp the style of the older models, redesigning them for fans of BMX, or dirt biking. Lowrider bicycles were back in business, and soon people began scrambling not only for the classic chopper bicycles, but for the new models as well.
Nowadays it is easy to order a custom chopper bicycle, and many BMX fans prefer this. A custom chopper bicycle has the benefit of fitting its owner perfectly, which is important in a sport like BMX.
Chopper bicycles have been popular for a short time, but the lowrider bicycle is an established piece of American culture. West coast chopper bicycles continue to be extremely innovative and fresh with their custom chopper bicycles for the avid BMX fans. It doesn't seem likely that this phenomenon will fade anytime soon.
Lowrider Bicycle Magazine. PRIMEDIA publication. 2006. http://www.lowriderbike.com/bike_features/03lrbsum _lowrider_bicycle_history/. October 27, 2006.
Bicycles Guide- Lowrider bicycles. MgrCentral Pty Ltd. 2001-2006. http://bicycles-guide.com/. October 27, 2006.
Related Articles
The history of chopper bicycles began surprisingly with Harley motorcycles. The Harley design inspired the first chopper bicycle. The name Chopper originated from the process of stripping or chopping a Harley down to its barest elements, reducing the weight and making it easier to ride. This process was very popular on the west coast, where the first lowrider bicycle emerged. The birth of the chopper bicycles was met with enthusiasm all over the United States. West coast chopper bicycles have always enjoyed the reputation of producing innovative custom chopper bicycles. The original west coast chopper bicycles had some distinct features such as apehanger handlebars which are tall and U shaped, long banana seats, and a sissy bar which allows the rider something to lean against while biking.
West coast chopper bicycles were the first lowrider bicycles created, but the first chopper bicycle that officially hit the market was the Stingray. The Stingray was built in Chicago by the Schwinn Corporation. It was wildly popular the second it hit the market and sold out of every store. Other companies like Raleigh were quick to follow with their own versions of the lowrider bicycle, thus establishing the chopper bicycles as a vital piece of American culture. Custom chopper bicycles were not being produced at this time, but in the west coast, people were constantly creating their own to improve on what was being sold.
In the early 80's, lowrider bicycles lost a little of the momentum they'd enjoyed since their introduction in the 60's. West coast chopper bicycles were still being made, but they weren't selling as furiously as before. However, they were not going to remain in hibernation for very long. Bicycle enthusiasts in the late 80's began to revamp the style of the older models, redesigning them for fans of BMX, or dirt biking. Lowrider bicycles were back in business, and soon people began scrambling not only for the classic chopper bicycles, but for the new models as well.
Nowadays it is easy to order a custom chopper bicycle, and many BMX fans prefer this. A custom chopper bicycle has the benefit of fitting its owner perfectly, which is important in a sport like BMX.
Chopper bicycles have been popular for a short time, but the lowrider bicycle is an established piece of American culture. West coast chopper bicycles continue to be extremely innovative and fresh with their custom chopper bicycles for the avid BMX fans. It doesn't seem likely that this phenomenon will fade anytime soon.
Lowrider Bicycle Magazine. PRIMEDIA publication. 2006. http://www.lowriderbike.com/bike_features/03lrbsum _lowrider_bicycle_history/. October 27, 2006.
Bicycles Guide- Lowrider bicycles. MgrCentral Pty Ltd. 2001-2006. http://bicycles-guide.com/. October 27, 2006.
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