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BMX General => BMX Chat => Topic started by: BmxBandito on May 28, 2008, 10:19 PM

Title: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 28, 2008, 10:19 PM
Do you think grifters fall under the category of BMXs?
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: jedi on May 28, 2008, 10:20 PM
no but they were the gateway



all hail the grif! :smitten: :smitten:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: HEYWOOD BMX on May 28, 2008, 10:22 PM
 :) No,they were crap!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: RATTY on May 28, 2008, 10:25 PM
:) No,they were crap!
Crap they were but the first "BMX" for many :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 28, 2008, 10:26 PM
:) No,they were crap!

woah woah woah lets not go over board
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: jedi on May 28, 2008, 10:26 PM
they were crap??????


GET HIM! :2gunsfiring_v1: :2gunsfiring_v1: :2gunsfiring_v1:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: lazychubs on May 28, 2008, 10:29 PM
i loved my red grifter
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: moley on May 28, 2008, 10:30 PM
Could you race a Grifter in the OS series?

1. Yes

2. Single gear Only (Disable the other gears)

3.  If you were completely insane!!!!  :crazy2:

4.  All of the above!!!

5. No
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: jedi on May 28, 2008, 10:31 PM
Quote from: HEYWOOD BMX on May 28, 2008, 10:22 pm
 No,they were crap!

KILL THE HERETIC!!!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: macky on May 28, 2008, 10:36 PM

Ahh... surely they wasnt that bad...  ::)

my mate had a great one... he put gold Araya's on it... looked decent!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 28, 2008, 10:42 PM
i had one and it was a tad on the heavy side sorry weighed a ton

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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: HEYWOOD BMX on May 28, 2008, 10:47 PM
 :) GRIFTERS WERE CRAP! Probably were the gateway to BMX here in the UK,but still crap.I used to go through forks on an almost weekly basis. Anyone remember the guy back in the `80s who used to race a Grifter,name eludes me-someone here will know...GRIFTERS WERE CRAP!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: macky on May 28, 2008, 11:00 PM
 ;D

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/bb31/mackymc/bronzegrifter.jpg)

Comfy seats though !!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 28, 2008, 11:02 PM
wow memories with the rear lights with the big batteries needed
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: jedi on May 28, 2008, 11:03 PM
and wheelies that were measured in hours not distance
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 28, 2008, 11:05 PM
and wheelies that were measured in hours not distance

 :LolLolLolLol: :2funny:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: macky on May 28, 2008, 11:09 PM
I used to have one of these when i was a nipper......

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/bb31/mackymc/strika.jpg)

Raleigh Striker
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 28, 2008, 11:11 PM
I used to have one of these when i was a nipper......

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/bb31/mackymc/strika.jpg)

Raleigh Striker



Savage .....
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 28, 2008, 11:13 PM
Another question, does the Raleigh Vektar qualify for BMX? (ignoring the fact that it actually is a time machine aswell)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 28, 2008, 11:13 PM
Raleigh Striker

now that was a great bike for bunny hops
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: HEYWOOD BMX on May 28, 2008, 11:17 PM
 :) Will Raleigh re-issue a proper crap "Grifter" in the near future?
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 28, 2008, 11:20 PM
:) Will Raleigh re-issue a proper crap "Grifter" in the near future?

i wouldn't say they were crap . a great bike back then and if you were lucky to own one was better , times were hard back then for many people

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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: moley on May 28, 2008, 11:26 PM
Could you stick standard BMX forks on a grifter?

My mate only went through 1 pair of forks and then used some BMX ones.

Or at least he did as far as I can remember.

He had his grifter for years while we had gone over to BMX's.

We should set up a Choppers and Grifters Race.

I would pay for that!!!!  :daumenhoch:

Manualling some triples on a chopper!!!

Now that sounds fun!!!

Strikers and Chippers.    Excellent for bunny hopping!!!!  :daumenhoch:

What was a tomahawk?
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: jedi on May 28, 2008, 11:28 PM
it was a small chopper.i had one
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: lazychubs on May 28, 2008, 11:29 PM
nice pict dave mine was the flat post box red or brighter lol
and could wheelie mine for ages even with a front lester mag lol
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: macky on May 28, 2008, 11:31 PM

Veckta

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/bb31/mackymc/vektar1.jpg)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 28, 2008, 11:32 PM
Could you stick standard BMX forks on a grifter?

My mate only went through 1 pair of forks and then used some BMX ones.

Or at least he did as far as I can remember.

He had his grifter for years while we had gone over to BMX's.

We should set up a Choppers and Grifters Race.

I would pay for that!!!!  :daumenhoch:

Manualling some triples on a chopper!!!

Now that sounds fun!!!

Strikers and Chippers.    Excellent for bunny hopping!!!!  :daumenhoch:

What was a tomahawk?


i agree get all the "sort of bmxs but not really" bikes together and have a freestyle race off.

You could have quite a selection

Bomber
Striker
Boxer
Chopper
Chipper
Budgie
Grifter

all of which made by Raleigh ........ ???

also tomahawks were like mini choppers but with a crazy arse saddle and no sissy bar

Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: macky on May 28, 2008, 11:34 PM
Could you stick standard BMX forks on a grifter?

My mate only went through 1 pair of forks and then used some BMX ones.

Or at least he did as far as I can remember.

He had his grifter for years while we had gone over to BMX's.

We should set up a Choppers and Grifters Race.

I would pay for that!!!!  :daumenhoch:

Manualling some triples on a chopper!!!

Now that sounds fun!!!

Strikers and Chippers.    Excellent for bunny hopping!!!!  :daumenhoch:

What was a tomahawk?


haha!! I had loadsa Tomahowks!!

kept bending the forks doin curb endo's!!  ;D

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/bb31/mackymc/tomahawk1.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/bb31/mackymc/goldtomo2.jpg)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: moley on May 28, 2008, 11:38 PM
I think we should get all these old bikes.

The big versions and the small versions......

and that BMX Tandem bike and race the lot of them.

I'd pay a tenner for that spectacle!!!!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 28, 2008, 11:45 PM
DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: meticulous on May 29, 2008, 07:29 AM
i loved the sound of the tyres when you went faster and faster, heck! the sound made you go faster and faster!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Swivel on May 29, 2008, 07:38 AM
Loved my grifter also but weighed a ton and was my 1st bike before BMX. Trying a bunnyhop on one nearly yanked out all my limbs from their sockets  :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: othomas2 on May 29, 2008, 08:33 AM
you can all get that fix here.

http://raleighgrifter.aceboard.com/
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: kdw712 on May 29, 2008, 08:44 AM
grifter into bmx

of course check this out

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v603/kdw712/obmx%202/13.jpg)

sadly i don't have the full article only that

i picked up a grifter off my neighbour he was gonna bin it while clearing up /sorting out all his cars and stuff

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v603/kdw712/grifter/pb-001.jpg)

another project  :D
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 08:49 AM
white wall tires EXCELLENT

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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: moley on May 29, 2008, 09:08 AM
Is the quadangle's twin down tubes based on a grifter?  ;)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: RATTY on May 29, 2008, 09:51 AM
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v283/power70/grifter.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v283/power70/grif3.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/v283/power70/grif2.jpg)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Timmeh on May 29, 2008, 10:37 AM
it was a small chopper.i had one

Is it a 'big one' now? :D :D
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: kdw712 on May 29, 2008, 10:45 AM
ratty you are a gentleman for posting that up     :daumenhoch:  :daumenhoch:

:daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 11:16 AM
i wouldnt mind having ago on a vektar or a grifter on a track, if anyone has one for sale at MK and if its cheap enough i'll buy it and see what its like around the track.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: RATTY on May 29, 2008, 11:18 AM
They handle terribly Zak, and as heavy as radmans wallet :shocked:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 11:20 AM
They handle terribly Zak, and as heavy as radmans wallet :shocked:
:LolLolLolLol: :LolLolLolLol:, still worth ago eh tony  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: RATTY on May 29, 2008, 11:22 AM
Your right mate, worth a go.
I think every new school BMXer should ride a grifter or a burner to feel just what us Old Schoolers had to ride :daumenhoch:  :2funny:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 11:28 AM
Your right mate, worth a go.
I think every new school BMXer should ride a grifter or a burner to feel just what us Old Schoolers had to ride :daumenhoch:  :2funny:
well i think even though people doubt them alot, the burner i raced at MK when i got the gearing perfect and put some decent forks on it, it rode pretty stable and i had alot of victories on it to. but i defo think new school riders should ride something old school to see what we ride and what its like.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: moley on May 29, 2008, 11:29 AM
The Grifter and Chopper forum members should be invited to MK as a demonstration team.

They can put on a display around the track!!!  :daumenhoch:

Now that would be fun to see!!!!  :daumenhoch:

Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 11:36 AM
i agree moley good idea  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: SaMAlex on May 29, 2008, 11:48 AM
A mate of mine had a modded Grifter frame bitd.

-He drilled out the downtube to make it lighter.
-Then he threw the frame in a bonfire to heat treat it!
-Finally, he gave it an ET paint job.

Cool as!  8)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 12:13 PM
wow sound sweet S&MAlex  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 12:17 PM
is there anyway to make a grifter frame lighter??

Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 12:40 PM
is there anyway to make a grifter frame lighter??



Get a drill and a few metal bits and start drilling holes
the you want to see DAYLIGHT thru them components!  :2funny:

AD
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: se-bmxer on May 29, 2008, 12:56 PM
is there anyway to make a grifter frame lighter??



Get a drill and a few metal bits and start drilling holes
the you want to see DAYLIGHT thru them components!  :2funny:

AD

and then you'll need to tie 50 helium balloons on it  :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Bigfrawg on May 29, 2008, 12:56 PM
now your'e talking proper old school! choppers and grifters. i seem to remember having a budgie in metallic purple and then a commando in camo colour ( i'm not sure if that was a poor mans grifter or what?) anybody any pics??
i do remember it weighed about a ton though!!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 01:05 PM
now your'e talking proper old school! choppers and grifters. i seem to remember having a budgie in metallic purple and then a commando in camo colour ( i'm not sure if that was a poor mans grifter or what?) anybody any pics??
i do remember it weighed about a ton though!!

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/e223/callum01/BUDGIEBIKE.jpg)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/e223/callum01/3.jpg)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 01:10 PM
is there anyway to make a grifter frame lighter??



Get a drill and a few metal bits and start drilling holes
the you want to see DAYLIGHT thru them components!  :2funny:

AD

and then you'll need to tie 50 helium balloons on it  :LolLolLolLol:
:LolLolLolLol: :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Tefore on May 29, 2008, 01:15 PM
really not into grifters some things should just be left at the skip.. my opinion.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 01:19 PM
really not into grifters some things should just be left at the skip.. my opinion.
nor am i really terfore but would still love to race or ride one.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: pickle on May 29, 2008, 01:19 PM
really not into grifters some things should just be left at the skip.. my opinion.

amen to that!  
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 01:22 PM
really not into grifters some things should just be left at the skip.. my opinion.

amen to that!  

no way great bikes part of history and never to forget , everyone here likes to have a good chat about them still to this day so there must be something good with em :crazy2:
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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Tefore on May 29, 2008, 01:26 PM
not saying they are not part of history i just think thems plop. nah serious i just dont thing anything with gears should be put into the "bmx"  history.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Sean 2000 on May 29, 2008, 01:28 PM
This is a BMX site man!

Does that answer your question?

Sean.  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 01:32 PM
This is a BMX site man!

Does that answer your question?

Sean.  :daumenhoch:

absolutely true my dear  :2gunsfiring_v1: friend

AD  :angel:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: pickle on May 29, 2008, 01:39 PM
i can honestly say i thought they were pants back then and to think the Burner was a step up!  although i did love my Burner BITD  :daumenhoch:

Grifters were just horrible in my oppinion  :-\
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 01:56 PM
The next follow-up to the Chopper was the Grifter, launched three years later, in June 1976. It resembled a BMX bike but with mudguards and a three-speed hub.

The Grifter was originally developed not primarily as a Chopper replacement but to compete with BMX. However, the limited roadster-oriented technology at Nottingham meant that every joint of the Grifter’s frame would have to be brazed. Therefore, it could never compete with the welded frames being introduced in the US. However, as Chopper sales continued to slide, the Grifter was presented as the natural successor. It sold well.

AD  :)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Tefore on May 29, 2008, 02:01 PM
and thems pig damn ugly :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 02:03 PM
and thems pig damn ugly :LolLolLolLol:

were a bit ugly yeah  :yahoo_silent:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Tefore on May 29, 2008, 02:03 PM
 :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: pickle on May 29, 2008, 02:05 PM
which goes to show just how wrong Raliegh got it BITD.....if they'd put a bit more thought and effort in they would've come up with something that weighed less than a super tanker!  why the hell did they continue making and selling them even after they'd released the Burner?  talk about bad management!  they brought out the Burner which had poor quality welding and bad geometry......then fooked it up completely when they brought out the MKII...........no wonder they nearly went under
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Tefore on May 29, 2008, 02:08 PM
must admit im not anti raliegh ive sold all my old school bikes now but still have my mk1 super tuff from bitd thats never up for sale. as pickle said raliegh had loads of chances to make things great and at one time had endless money to invest. must confess i know they weighed a ton but always prefered the mk1 to the mk2

Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 02:19 PM
tefore

i am finding it very difficult to type with your picture in your avatar  :smitten:






Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Tefore on May 29, 2008, 02:21 PM
tefore

i am finding it very difficult to type with your picture in your avatar  :smitten:


you know thats me in the avatar dont you?.. say grifters are plop and i let you touch me boobs







Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 02:22 PM
tefore

i am finding it very difficult to type with your picture in your avatar  :smitten:


you know thats me in the avatar dont you?.. say grifters are plop and i let you touch me boobs



grifters are plop  :2funny:
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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 02:23 PM
and thems pig damn ugly :LolLolLolLol:

were a bit ugly yeah  :yahoo_silent:
:LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 02:24 PM
tefore

i am finding it very difficult to type with your picture in your avatar  :smitten:


you know thats me in the avatar dont you?.. say grifters are plop and i let you touch me boobs



grifters are plop  :2funny:
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:LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 02:32 PM
no seriously Raleigh Grifters ummm what was i saying damn  :-\
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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: jimwise68 on May 29, 2008, 02:36 PM
Grifters rocked. When they came out there was no sign of BMXs, so we had no idea they were bad. But when I got mine on Christmas morning i was well chuffed.
I had a light metallic blue one (MK I). Loved that bike, flap the soft plastic up under the mudguard to make it sound like a motorbike, leave it in "slip" gear when you left it outside the shop so no one could ride it away (swift trick that).

The biggest problem i remember was, when the tyres wore out you could never find the same type of tyre  :crazy2:

I wore my tyres out doing HUUGGEEE skids in a gravel trap at the bottom of our road. They were the days, long hot summers and all that  :smitten:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 02:37 PM
which goes to show just how wrong Raliegh got it BITD.....if they'd put a bit more thought and effort in they would've come up with something that weighed less than a super tanker!  why the hell did they continue making and selling them even after they'd released the Burner?  talk about bad management!  they brought out the Burner which had poor quality welding and bad geometry......then fooked it up completely when they brought out the MKII...........no wonder they nearly went under
got to admit pickle i totally agree with you on everything you said but 'Raleigh' must of done something good because they cornered 50% of the BMX market in '82 to '83 and selling over 1 million burner units... even if the bikes wernt that good the grifter and burner was the gate to young kiddies a Facebook group and they are RAD for just doing that!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 02:41 PM
Grifters rocked. When they came out there was no sign of BMXs, so we had no idea they were bad. But when I got mine on Christmas morning i was well chuffed.
I had a light metallic blue one (MK I). Loved that bike, flap the soft plastic up under the mudguard to make it sound like a motorbike, leave it in "slip" gear when you left it outside the shop so no one could ride it away (swift trick that).

The biggest problem i remember was, when the tyres wore out you could never find the same type of tyre  :crazy2:

I wore my tyres out doing HUUGGEEE skids in a gravel trap at the bottom of our road. They were the days, long hot summers and all that  :smitten:


EXCELLENT

you said it all in one sentence class

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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 02:43 PM
Grifters rocked. When they came out there was no sign of BMXs, so we had no idea they were bad. But when I got mine on Christmas morning i was well chuffed.
I had a light metallic blue one (MK I). Loved that bike, flap the soft plastic up under the mudguard to make it sound like a motorbike, leave it in "slip" gear when you left it outside the shop so no one could ride it away (swift trick that).

The biggest problem i remember was, when the tyres wore out you could never find the same type of tyre  :crazy2:

I wore my tyres out doing HUUGGEEE skids in a gravel trap at the bottom of our road. They were the days, long hot summers and all that  :smitten:


EXCELLENT

you said it all in one sentence class

AD
:daumenhoch: :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: ripper on May 29, 2008, 02:51 PM
The Grifter was an ace of it's time.

My pre BMX day memories were those of curling the rubber part of the mudguard onto the tyre so it sounded like a motorbike as you blasted around the estate. 

Soon after the Sturmey Archer toggle chain would snap, these were notorioisly weaker than a tarts ankle braclet, which left no option but to use a spoke coupled with a bit of twisting allowing you to select the gear of choice, so not to be permanently stuck in 3rd.

As the bike aged it was then compulsory to rip chunks out of the foam saddle to expose a very dangerous metal plate which served only to lacerate the inside of your legs when your mom made you wear shorts.

Let's face it they were very heavy and they did look really crap but they did give many of us bike handling skills to take forward on to our first BMX, which for many of us was an even heavier and even more crappy looking bike called a Burner.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: pickle on May 29, 2008, 02:57 PM
which goes to show just how wrong Raliegh got it BITD.....if they'd put a bit more thought and effort in they would've come up with something that weighed less than a super tanker!  why the hell did they continue making and selling them even after they'd released the Burner?  talk about bad management!  they brought out the Burner which had poor quality welding and bad geometry......then fooked it up completely when they brought out the MKII...........no wonder they nearly went under
got to admit pickle i totally agree with you on everything you said but 'Raleigh' must of done something good because they cornered 50% of the BMX market in '82 to '83 and selling over 1 million burner units... even if the bikes wernt that good the grifter and burner was the gate to young kiddies a Facebook group and they are RAD for just doing that!

I Think THE only reason they cornered 50% of the market (as you say) back in 82/83 was because none of the small bike shops were selling the more expensive exotic stuff, all most people had were Halfrauds or main Reliegh dealers in their towns, or like me.....your mum and dad had fook all money and got a Burner out of the catalogue.  i had a MKI Burner GS BITD and i loved it to bits!  i would love one now just for old times sake.....but i think if you had the kind of LBS around that we do now i think Raliegh really would've struggled to sell their Burner range.  i mean they made the Aero pro, which is a lovely bike....so they must've known their other offerings were just a pile of old tripe?  

i'm not a Burner basher, as it was all i had BITD.....i just think Raliegh were so rubbish at getting what the kids of my generation really wanted, rather than what was cheap to mass produce.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: OrgasmDonor on May 29, 2008, 02:59 PM
have agree that grifters rocked when they came out, perfect for pretending to be evel knievel, nothing else like em til then :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 29, 2008, 03:01 PM
I started on a grifter before i moved to a burner, and i got to say, because the grifters were so heavy muscles developed, and then when i eventually did move to a burner they felt light as fuk, allowing me to do much hard tricks, so they do have there uses!

 :)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: ripper on May 29, 2008, 03:04 PM
There was those kids who's parents got it wrong and purchased a Grifter when the rest of us had moved on to Burners, a bit like those who purchased a Betamax when we were all on VHS!
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 29, 2008, 03:06 PM
Quote
There was those kids who's parents got it wrong and purchased a Grifter when the rest of us had moved on to Burners, a bit like those who purchased a Betamax when we were all on VHS!



 :LolLolLolLol:  True
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 03:14 PM
Quote
There was those kids who's parents got it wrong and purchased a Grifter when the rest of us had moved on to Burners, a bit like those who purchased a Betamax when we were all on VHS!



 :LolLolLolLol:  True

 :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: jimwise68 on May 29, 2008, 03:15 PM
But Betamax is far superior quality to VHS, just that it had bad marketing.

All TV companies used Betamax as the pic quality was better.  :angel:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: macky on May 29, 2008, 03:19 PM

For everyone who had a Grifter BITD...  and then moved onto Bmx...

The weight reduction must have felt Amazing...   
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 03:20 PM
But Betamax is far superior quality to VHS, just that it had bad marketing.

All TV companies used Betamax as the pic quality was better.  :angel:

you know something your correct as i always said that a Betamax was better pic quality , than we had that big great big VHF tape ummm interesting  :tickedoff:

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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 29, 2008, 03:23 PM

For everyone who had a Grifter BITD...  and then moved onto Bmx...

The weight reduction must have felt Amazing...   



 ;D it sure did
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: adam01 on May 29, 2008, 03:24 PM

For everyone who had a Grifter BITD...  and then moved onto Bmx...

The weight reduction must have felt Amazing...   



 ;D it sure did

made no difference to me i was a strong fella  :P

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Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 29, 2008, 03:35 PM

For everyone who had a Grifter BITD...  and then moved onto Bmx...

The weight reduction must have felt Amazing...   



 ;D it sure did

made no difference to me i was a strong fella  :P

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 :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: dialledbikes on May 29, 2008, 04:06 PM
I had a Grifter for a few years before BMX bikes hit these shores.

It was alright for what it was (i.e. not a BMX bike, but still good for chucking about and scrambling), but compared to all of the BMX bikes I've had, it was a bit poo.

Even the £99 Moto One which was my first ever BMX bike was 1000 times better than a Grifter.

Still have fond memories of riding my Grifter though.
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 04:19 PM
Quote
There was those kids who's parents got it wrong and purchased a Grifter when the rest of us had moved on to Burners, a bit like those who purchased a Betamax when we were all on VHS!



 :LolLolLolLol:  True

 :daumenhoch:
:LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 04:21 PM
which goes to show just how wrong Raliegh got it BITD.....if they'd put a bit more thought and effort in they would've come up with something that weighed less than a super tanker!  why the hell did they continue making and selling them even after they'd released the Burner?  talk about bad management!  they brought out the Burner which had poor quality welding and bad geometry......then fooked it up completely when they brought out the MKII...........no wonder they nearly went under
got to admit pickle i totally agree with you on everything you said but 'Raleigh' must of done something good because they cornered 50% of the BMX market in '82 to '83 and selling over 1 million burner units... even if the bikes wernt that good the grifter and burner was the gate to young kiddies a Facebook group and they are RAD for just doing that!

I Think THE only reason they cornered 50% of the market (as you say) back in 82/83 was because none of the small bike shops were selling the more expensive exotic stuff, all most people had were Halfrauds or main Reliegh dealers in their towns, or like me.....your mum and dad had fook all money and got a Burner out of the catalogue.  i had a MKI Burner GS BITD and i loved it to bits!  i would love one now just for old times sake.....but i think if you had the kind of LBS around that we do now i think Raliegh really would've struggled to sell their Burner range.  i mean they made the Aero pro, which is a lovely bike....so they must've known their other offerings were just a pile of old tripe?  

i'm not a Burner basher, as it was all i had BITD.....i just think Raliegh were so rubbish at getting what the kids of my generation really wanted, rather than what was cheap to mass produce.
Once Again Pickle I Totally Agree With You Mate  :daumenhoch: :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Brandy Truffle on May 29, 2008, 05:40 PM
Grifters rocked. When they came out there was no sign of BMXs......

.....The biggest problem i remember was, when the tyres wore out you could never find the same type of tyre  :crazy2:


Indeed.   When my tyres worn out my old man changed them for Carlisle Aggressor as they had the same big "flat" type tread area..it's only now i find out that near 30yrs later Stu Thomsen was ripping up the BMX tracks of the U.S. with one on his front... My Grifter has long gone but one of the spare tyres still resides at the old mans!

Regards the Grifter, what about Gary Morgan RACING in BMX series BITD on converted Grifters....and WINNING...lol..
Someone posted more photos elsewhere too.. but until then,heres a reminder of the influence those Tanks had on us boys in the early days..  ;D

Andy Funmonsters post with Cav Strutts converted Grifter etc..

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=5318.0

heres BOF's post withpics of Grifters racing BITD

http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=50286.0
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: bof on May 29, 2008, 07:07 PM
Like brandy truffle said . :daumenhoch: keith mcginly and gaz morgan on there grifters :uglystupid2:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h10/fish116/wigan01.jpg)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Tefore on May 29, 2008, 07:09 PM
i still have a betamax.lol
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 10:44 PM
Like brandy truffle said . :daumenhoch: keith mcginly and gaz morgan on there grifters :uglystupid2:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h10/fish116/wigan01.jpg)
:shocked: :shocked: :shocked:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Sparky24 on May 29, 2008, 10:55 PM
i thought they were a right load of old conkers!!! :yahoo_silent: :yahoo_silent: and thats that.  :)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BmxBandito on May 29, 2008, 11:19 PM
Like brandy truffle said . :daumenhoch: keith mcginly and gaz morgan on there grifters :uglystupid2:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h10/fish116/wigan01.jpg)


quite savage  8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: magna13 on May 29, 2008, 11:53 PM
Like brandy truffle said . :daumenhoch: keith mcginly and gaz morgan on there grifters :uglystupid2:
(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/h10/fish116/wigan01.jpg)


quite savage  8) 8) 8) 8)
they are excellent pics
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Mandiebmxmorgan on August 01, 2013, 09:47 PM
Anyone got one for sale? Grifter
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: skippyg on August 01, 2013, 09:56 PM
they are always some on ebay for sale  :daumenhoch:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BMX1973 on August 02, 2013, 08:28 PM

I like Grifters and Choppers  :smitten:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Dubstar on August 02, 2013, 10:03 PM
 :LolLolLolLol: I remember my next door neighbour had a grifter when I had my Huffy, We had a makeshift track with a few jumps too. My Dad was watching from our house (about 3-400 yards away) I went off first (did a MASSIVE jump lol.) and Andy followed on his Grifter, he lifted the front wheel, then just as the back was about to come off the ground - the front wheel fell out of the forks and he went a bit further before landing with his forks in the clay going over the bars and the wheel going off on its own.  :LolLolLolLol:
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: Bigbadsam on August 02, 2013, 11:21 PM
I had a Grifter as a kid, and i fookin loved it. i rode it every day and still hold the record for a 3 brick ramp jump.......13 people !

after this i got a red n white Huffy then my DB silverstreak.

heres me impressing my 2 cousins and my neighbor vivien (who i nailed further down the line)

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab184/bigbadbeardysam/GRIFTER.jpg) (http://s862.photobucket.com/user/bigbadbeardysam/media/GRIFTER.jpg.html)

and heres the one i have  now. still a very comfy ride and a propper head turner  :daumenhoch:

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/ab184/bigbadbeardysam/BMXPARTSTOOLBOX006.jpg) (http://s862.photobucket.com/user/bigbadbeardysam/media/BMXPARTSTOOLBOX006.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: fischflo on August 02, 2013, 11:30 PM
...aah, i dunno, got a soft spot for this bike :)  those pics are class
Title: Re: Raleigh Grifters
Post by: BADDH on August 02, 2013, 11:35 PM
I used to have one of these when i was a nipper......

(http://www.radbmx.co.uk/archive/albums/bb31/mackymc/strika.jpg)

Raleigh Striker



I had a green one with pedal back brake, It ended up under a ford Grnada with me still on it ..... :LolLolLolLol:  then my mum bought me a new one is silver.  :4_17_5:
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