Mid-90's Raleigh M50.. Worth upgrading?

mrm1965 said:

... have a question about this bike I've had in the garage for too many years to remember now... It's barely been ridden and I'd like to upgrade these components but am not sure what my options might be, and if this model is even worth putting money into. Thanks for any suggestions!

Almost anything you put on this bike you can take off and put on a future bike/frame ...

If you want DROP/(Road) handlebars + different shifters, wheels, etc. then you can put them on your Schwinn frame.

Your budget & intentions are your only limitations.

Was there something about the bike that you didn't like when you did ride it several years ago?

Would it still suit the type of riding you wish to do now?

If there wasn't anything that didn't work properly or well about it years ago, and it would still be suitable for you to ride now, then I would just get it back into proper working order as it is.

If you don't want to do it yourself, then I would take it to your local bike shop and have them go through it. It will probably at least need to have hub bearings cleaned and repacked, cables adjusted, new tubes and tires, etc. They should be able to give you an estimate of what needs to be done and the cost.

Then ride it for awhile and see how it feels.

You might decide to change out those platform pedals for clipless pedals, or want a different saddle, etc.

64Paramount said:

Was there something about the bike that you didn't like when you did ride it several years ago?

Would it still suit the type of riding you wish to do now?

If there wasn't anything that didn't work properly or well about it years ago, and it would still be suitable for you to ride now, then I would just get it back into proper working order as it is.

If you don't want to do it yourself, then I would take it to your local bike shop and have them go through it. It will probably at least need to have hub bearings cleaned and repacked, cables adjusted, new tubes and tires, etc. They should be able to give you an estimate of what needs to be done and the cost.

Then ride it for awhile and see how it feels.

You might decide to change out those platform pedals for clipless pedals, or want a different saddle, etc.

Good response! The bike looks great to me. Would make a great commuter bike. At the least, a lightweight rear rack would work nicely. Perfect bike to put some miles on this summer.

Thanks for the responses! Had it set-up but the shifting doesn't feel as solid as I remember my early-80's Raleigh Super Course to be... Maybe I'll upgrade to LX.