Great Starter Mountain Bike: Raleigh Mountain Bike M50
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I needed something simple and not as sophisticated as such. My aim was to discover a bit of mountain biking and am happy to have had a blast.
Thanks to my first mountain bike companion—Raleigh Mountain bike M50.
I don’t regret my purchase because Raleigh shaped my entire experience in mountain biking.
Raleigh Mountain bike M50 might sound like an old bike but believe me; it packs a list of useful features in it.
What I loved in Raleigh M50 Mountain Bike
Incredibly lightweight frame design
Raleigh M50 is a hit when it comes to first time riding.
Although it is a bit heavier than my friend’s road bike, it was still pretty maneuverable for me and can handle rigorous riding.
I once fell and thought it would shatter, but surprisingly this bike is a solid one. It is still in tip-top shape.
Raleigh was designed to accommodate riders of all weight levels. It can withstand a weight of 320lbs.
Even after a few falls during my first few rides or you hit a tree, this bike remains in shape. It can withstand severe hits and dents.
Additionally, Raleigh M50 won’t weigh you down. If you’re tired of riding, you can lift and carry it.
It is a good starter bike that is within reach of any beginner’s budget.
High ground clearance
Even on uneven terrains with shallow and deep ruts, Raleigh M50 doesn’t hit bumps or touch the ground.
The high ground clearance feature in this bike makes it a practical bike for any beginner who’s still struggling with those first slips and falls.
With Raleigh, you can venture into rough or off-road terrains without damaging the lower parts.
Wide and fat tires
I believe this is the secret behind the stability of Raleigh M50. The bike has 26-inch, 1.95-inch wide Kenda K-850 tires.
This is the right size if you need a good performance off-road bike.
The tires come with deep treads to provide better traction, especially on smooth and slippery surfaces. You can ride it safely on rocky trails.
Want to know more about Fat Tires, check this: Is Bigger Really Better? Fat Tire Bike vs. Mountain Bike
Multiple smooth shifting gears
While you may not expect to ride swiftly during your first few rides, various speeds is a great feature to have in your starter bike.
The multi-gear system combined with Shimano Acera shift levers render Raleigh an explicitly great bike for riding over undulating landscapes.
The gear system also gives the bike a higher climbing power. You can ride uphill without necessarily spending too much-pedalling energy.
The gears shift smoothly.
Comfortable riding posture
Muscle cramps, sore thumbs, and frozen legs are the tell-tale signs of an uncomfortable bike ride. It is even worse if you’ll be going for long rides.
Raleigh M50 is entirely different. It has a practical geometry and riding position. The handlebars are ergonomically fitted.
The handlebars feature a 1.25-inch rise. The seat too is adjustable and comes with plenty of cushioning.The front shocks help to enhance riding comfort.
If you hit those free rolling rocks, holes, and other hard surfaces, the front suspension enables you to retain the control of your bike.
It effectively soaks up all the harsh impacts resulting from off-road bumps.
The front shocks keep the bike tires in contact with the ground thus decreasing fatigue. With Raleigh, you can survive the harshest hits time and again.
Durability
Apart from delivering unprecedented performance, Raleigh M50 combines a set of durable components.
The frame is sturdy steel and other parts including the handlebars and seat post are strong aluminum.
The construction is just what you expect from a good mountain bike.
Upgradability
Rather than buying a new mountain bike, you can opt to strip down the components on the frame of this bike and buy new parts.
Being an upgradeable bike, this bike is an excellent option. A few bikes can allow you to do this. The frame is sturdily built and can survive all forms of extreme riding.
Efficient drivetrain
Raleigh M50 prides of a smooth drivetrain. It efficiently transfers pedaling energy thus reducing the chances of fatigue.
The efficient drivetrain together with the durable frame give is a robust design ideal for any beginner.
A few flaws I found in the Raleigh Mountain Bike M50
Although Raleigh M50 is a good bike made for beginners, it still has some flaws. Some of the notable cons include:
Poor-quality front shock
Some of its stock components are made of cheap materials including the front shock.
The suspension is somehow terrible. It doesn’t have sufficient travel, but this is more than what you can expect from a starter bike.
This is because you won’t be riding fast or performing those tricky hops and jumps.
Rust-prone Handlebars
The other flaw is in the handlebars. They are prone to rust because of the material used. It rusts out quickly, especially if kept outdoors.
This can affect its durability. To avoid this problem, this bike requires proper storage and cleaning.
A bit heavier for most beginners
The weight is a bit heavier compared to most current starter bikes that are much lighter. I think this is due to the steel frame construction.
Even though it enhances its durability, it still adds up the weight of the bike.
The seat wears out fast
Additionally, the material used on the seat isn’t durable enough. It wears out quickly and might need replacement.
However, the good thing is that most of these components are upgradeable and will not be a permanent issue if you’re willing to spend a little more to refine your bike.
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Final Verdict
Raleigh Mountain Bike M50 is an excellent bike for off-road riding, particularly on rough terrains.
Some of the appealing features of this bike include the efficient drivetrain, durable components, comfortable riding posture, good stopping power, multiple gears, lightweight design, and wide tires.
Although some of its parts have low-quality components, the bike outcompetes most of the mountain bikes in the same category.
Want to venture into mountain biking? Raleigh M50 is a performance-oriented bike with special starter features.
It shares most of its features with several modern mountain bikes.
Although it is one of the oldest mountain bikes, it is still a favorite and preferred brand by many mountain biking starters and other enthusiasts of my kind.
Check this review for another Raleigh Bike: Raleigh Tekoa Mountain Bike Review
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