The Raleigh International is being sold by list member Len Grossman, South Orange, NJ. I found this out a few hours later. Congratulations (so far) to Len Grossman!
I have followed these bikes for 4 years, and I think the previous high price for a used bike had been about $625. That was probably a coffee 1970 bike. These bikes frequently change hands for $400. An original 1971 24.5" green bike in similar condition changed hands from bikelist members Todd Kuzma to Paul Raley at $535 about a year ago - I was the second highest bidder on that bike !!
As an owner of several of these bikes, my reason for commenting is that it appears that commodity prices might be going up (in one year I read that raleigh made almost 10,000 of these bikes), and to take notice of this. Upon reflection, I agree that the bike is in exceptional condition. I guess this reinforces the notion that "like new, original" bikes can go for 2x "average condition" bikes - i guess the same can be said of coin collecting.
An interesting fact about these bikes is that they are very hard to restore correctly - I have spent the past few months designing 4 decals for some 1973-6 bikes - decals in the right colors and fonts are unavailable from sssink.com.
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA