FLJeepGuy

I've recently added a new bike to my stable, a late 80s Tunturi 500R 12 speed that I wanted to share.

I found it on Craigslist and according to the prior owner, the bike belonged to her late husband "who was an avid rider". When he passed, the bike was stored in their extra bedroom, and basically forgotten about. When I went to look at it, it was filthy, covered in dust and dirt, with the tires dry-rotted and flaking away. I could tell the rims were nice and straight, the shifters, brakes, and seat post weren't frozen, and the bottom bracket wasn't loose or worn. Everything looked to be in pretty good order for the age and disuse, and I couldn't see any dents, dings, or rust anywhere, just a few scuffs.

I neglected to take a "before" photo, so what you see in the photos below is the "after" state. I replaced both tires, both brake cables, seat, and handlebar wrap. The reflectors were removed after which I cleaned, lubed, and adjusted the drivetrain including the downtube shifters and both derailleurs. The brakes have also been fully adjusted and centered.

A final detailing completed this round of work. It turns out, the paint job is nearly flawless. The dirt and dust washed away, and with some Simple Green and elbow grease, what I thought were scuffs turned out to be only superficial. I know the bike wasn't a high end bike for its time, but it's in excellent condition, fits me properly, and rides beautifully.

cb400bill

Nice looking bike. Great job on your restoration. Now, just level that saddle and you're all done.

sonatageek

Had one of those briefly a few years ago. Yours looks pretty nice.

RoadGuy

From what I remember Tunturi bikes were sold by Sears. Not the cheapest bikes (under $100) they sold, more like a step up ($200?) back in the 1980s. Sears may have marketed other fitness equipment with the Tunturi brand on it.

_ForceD_

I have that same bike although the paint and decals on yours look much better. I obtained mine in the mid-90s from a neighbor’s curbside junk pile before it was hauled away to the landfill. Before they discarded it I think it must have been kept outside. There wasn’t really any rust, but the decals are weathered and cracked. I put some more modern wheel, brakes, shifters, and cartridge BB on it and ride it frequently. I’ve seen pics on the web of the same frame with as an MTB, and commuter setup. I like the Cro-Mo sticker at the bottom of the seat tube. When I first began riding in the mid-80s it seemed like everyone wanted a Cro-Mo frame.

Dan

FLJeepGuy

I've had this one in my stable now for several months and can say that it's truly nice to ride. It took me quite a few rides to get reacquainted with the downtube shifters and quick handling, but it's become one of my favorites in my stable. I get compliments on it every time I show up for a group ride with this one. The stark white paint and green decals tend to catch peoples' eyes. Considering I only have about $135 in the bike including new tires, grip tape, and brake cables (the seat was a spare I already had), I think I did pretty well!

thumpism 

They showed up around here about '90 as closeouts being sold at Big Lots stores. They were priced very cheaply for the quality of the machine, less than $100, and they sold out fast. I already had too many or would have considered one.