Preliminary identification

Raleigh Sports 3-Speed Bicycle, c.1978-1982

Photo reference

4 uploaded photos

Overview

This is the quintessential 'English 3-speed,' a design that defined urban transport for the better part of the 20th century.

Story

Raleigh of Nottingham was once the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world, and this machine was their ambassador to the streets. During the late 1970s, while the TI-Raleigh professional team was conquering the Tour de France, the factory was still producing…

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1887, Raleigh became a titan of British industry, known for their 'All-Steel Bicycle' slogan. They partnered with Sturmey-Archer, the inventors of the internal gear hub, to create a…

Condition & Value

The bike shows honest 'patina,' including surface oxidation on the chrome handlebars and some peeling of the original decals. The tires appear to be modern gumwall replacements, which is a plus for rideability.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD