How do I price my rare Raleigh Alien

[Miggy]

I purchased the bike for about 600 bucks and it needed a lot of work but now that's it's done, a long with my riding I'm thinking about selling it, had it for sale close to what I payed only because I needed the money but now not so much. How do I price this extremely rare bike when there isn't much info on them anywhere.but they are out there, Ive seen 4 now 2 in public and 2 from old ads that didn't show prices after it sold.

Am I better off at an auction than asking for a specific amount and see who wants in more.

Any advice and all comments appreciated

Miggy

 

[Miggy]

She comes with 2 sets of wheels

 

[bikeworkshop]

Sell at auction and that sets the price for you .
Prepare to be disappointed.
But sometimes it gets there.

It's very hard to price a rarity, as there's little data on prices achieved.
This makes the sellers job harder, and reduces buyer confidence.

 

[Miggy]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, I should probably ship it back to Cali and get rid of it after the move. I figured the longer I hold onto it the more will come available then it won't be so rare but they really are. Thanks to forums like this we can stay up to date with each find... Every owner will go looking for info and this site has got the most information on these Raleigh bikes that they'll end up here.
I've seen regular nishiki of the same age listed at 1000 bucks but no1s bit on that hook yet and I doubt they ever will but then again... Im not talking about your average nishiki.

Got a couple of months before my move so at least I got a little time before I decided. Don't want to haul it that I just might ship it ahead of trip so it's there before I get there.

 

[bikeworkshop]

If you've got a long term plan you can always offer it for sale at a price youre happy with, and take it away with you if it didn't sell
Trouble is if you've got to get it gone, you might only get a few hundred in a hurry.

 

[Miggy]

I'm in no hurry to get rid of it, heck I spent decades looking to own it. Just don't want to damage it packing it into my truck but I think shipping it would be the safest way to go than taking a chance at more scratches.
Will have to watch videos on packing a bike for shipment.

Appreciate the advice and replies.
I knew pricing it wouldn't be easy but a well advertised auction might be the best way to find it the right owner.
It should be in the hands of someone who appreciates RC Design and understands it's importance in cycling history.
Its truly a collectors dream machines that's nearly impossible to find.