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

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.