Rolling Through Time: The Story of Raleigh BMX Bikes

When you think of iconic British cycling brands, few names evoke nostalgia and innovation quite like Raleigh. From the cobbled streets of Nottingham to the dirt tracks of BMX parks worldwide, Raleigh has carved a legacy that spans over a century—and its BMX chapter is one of the most thrilling.

Origins: From Lace to Wheels

Raleigh’s story begins in 1885, when Richard Woodhead and Paul Angois opened a small bicycle workshop on Raleigh Street in Nottingham, England. The brand name “Raleigh” was inspired by the street itself. A few years later, in 1888, Frank Bowden—an entrepreneur who discovered cycling as a remedy for poor health—acquired the company and transformed it into The Raleigh Cycle Company. By 1913, Raleigh had become the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world.

BMX Boom: The Grifter and Beyond

While Raleigh had long been a household name in road and leisure cycling, it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that it made its mark in the BMX scene. The Raleigh Grifter, launched in 1976, was a precursor to BMX bikes—chunky, rugged, and styled for adventure. Though not a true BMX, it captured the imagination of young riders and laid the groundwork for Raleigh’s BMX evolution.

Then came the Raleigh Burner. Introduced in the early 1980s, the Burner was Raleigh’s answer to the growing BMX craze. With its bold colors, mag wheels, and race-ready frame, it became a cultural icon. Kids across the UK dreamed of owning one, and for many, it was their first taste of freedom on two wheels.

Sponsorships and Racing Glory

Raleigh didn’t just build bikes—they built champions. In the world of professional cycling, Raleigh sponsored the legendary TI-Raleigh team. In 1980, Dutch cyclist Joop Zoetemelk won the Tour de France riding for TI-Raleigh-Creda, and the team also clinched the team prize with a record number of stage wins.

In BMX, Raleigh supported numerous grassroots riders and events, helping to grow the sport in the UK. Their bikes were a staple at local races and freestyle competitions, and the brand became synonymous with youthful energy and rebellion.

What Raleigh Is Up to Today

Fast forward to the present, and Raleigh is still going strong. Now part of the Accell Group—a European conglomerate of bike brands—Raleigh continues to innovate while staying true to its British roots. Their headquarters remain in Nottingham, a nod to their enduring heritage.

Today, Raleigh offers a wide range of bikes, including modern BMX models, electric bikes, hybrids, and classic cruisers. While the Burner and Grifter are now collector’s items, Raleigh occasionally releases retro-inspired editions that pay homage to their golden era.

Final Thoughts

Raleigh’s BMX legacy is more than just bikes—it’s about the thrill of the ride, the freedom of youth, and the joy of pushing boundaries. Whether you were popping wheelies on a Burner or racing down trails on a Grifter, Raleigh was there for the ride. And even now, they’re still pedaling forward, blending tradition with innovation.

Raleigh Burner BMX Promotional Commercial circa from1982

Raleigh burner advert 1982

Raleigh Aero Burner BMX Advert 80s UK