Classic & Vintage - Thrift Store Raleigh

I spotted a ladies Raleigh 3-speed in a thrift store today. I don't know much about these. It was in pretty good shape. It said "Sport" on one of the downtubes. It had a Sturmey Archer internal hub, fenders and a little ditty bag attached to the seat. How do I know if this is something I could clean up and turn for a profit? It also had a cool double-legged kickstand like some motorcycles have.

The Sport model was prolific, inexpensive and heavy. It was a nice 3-speed, but not particularly valuable. I wouldn't count on getting much more than about $50.00 for one unless it is in exceptional condition.

I've found turning around the old style ladies model bikes with low top tubes is not very good. Since it's a Raleigh, it probably can be sold for a respectable figure but I would not compare it to the usual top tube (men's version) to guage the price you can obtain.
When I was young (a long, long time ago on a planet far far away) my former girlfreind had that model Raleigh. I liked it so much I bought a Raleigh road bike. Her Sport was very reliable.

It depends, highest prices tend to go on ebay with good detailed photos, some for insane prices. I have been watching ebay for the last few of months since buying my '74 Raleigh Sports, I paid $150 for it, which may have been too much, but it is in very good condition ( a few very small specks of surface rust and a couple of small paint chips otherwise near mint). In my observation of ebay bicycles auctions (and most all ebay auctions) timing and luck are important, pick a listing/ending time when the most people can take part, I think sunday evenings work well, if your auction ends at 4 am or even during the work day, you stand little chance to getting into a bidding frenzy. The Raleigh sports model had a very long production life, and there is a certain level of increased value relative to condition with the older models, on a more general note you can expect rideable mens bikes in ok to good shape selling for $75-100, those in great shape, but not mint seem to be selling for $150-350 with most ending in the $150-200 range, there have also been some new in the box 1970's Raleigh Sports selling on ebay for $500-600.

p.s. these prices are for mens models, womens tend to be much less

I think Isaac-1 is on target with his auction price assessments, and I'd add that 23" men's frames fetch more than 21" frames. On Boston-area Craig's List, 70s Raleigh Sports go for $50-$150 depending on condition. eBay can fetch a higher price but it all depends on the quality of what you have and the quality of the listing.

Neal

The Sport model was prolific, inexpensive and heavy.

Hey! One day I'll fit that description.:(

But I love my Raleigh Sports....I agree on $50 or less for a fair to good condition women's model.