Would you fix up an old bike or donate it?

[gocard]

I love riding my new carbon Synapse but road bikes are pretty much limited to paved paths. I've encountered a few occasions where a paved bike trail turns into a gravel path. I'd love it if the 700x25 tires are versatile enough to handle it but I didn't want to try that out.

My old bike is a navy blue Specialized Hardrock Sport from the late 1990s. It's heavy but I have fond memories with it and have been wondering if it would be worth it to fix it up for those random trails or casual rides in town.

This bike has been parked outside through rainy seasons so the gears, chains and other areas are fairly rusty and dirty but still functions properly. What are some basic materials I would need to clean up the gears and such?

I am hesitant to spend a lot of money to fix it up, such as getting new derailleurs and gears, but I have no problem with scrubbing the gears with a toothbrush and cleaning stuff, and oiling the chain. Have any of you fixed up an old bike and was it worth it or should I just donate it? I have no idea what kind of materials I'd need to clean and possibly fix it up, but I think it'll look very pretty again!