Hi All - just picked up an older steel framed road or touring bike which has been repainted. No pantographing anywhere and no idea which make. The most distinguishing feature is the shape of the seat stays as the meet the seat tube (pictured) - can anyone suggest the manufacturer? Thanks in advance!

The chain stays? They do look distinctive. A full bike photo wouldn't hurt with the ID. Things like braze-ons can also give clues - as might a serial number - if it isn't buried under paint.

There is something odd about that bridge. Possible damage from bending stays.

Well, there is some tire showing, and some inner tube too.

I'd also look at all the lugs, fork, fork crown, etc. Tire sizes? 26" (559)? Rear dropouts? Derailleur hanger?

Crankset dimples? Racks and Rack mounts (front and rear).

To me it looks like an old MTB, and NOT a touring bike.

Most of the vintage bikes that I've seen described as touring bikes were using either 27" or 700c wheels with tires in the range of 1" to 1 3/8" wide.

Hi - thanks for the help - here's a full bike photo; currently its on 27" rims, canti brakes, there is a rear derailleur hanger on the dropout, but the previous owner had an older derailleur fitted. Unusual placement of the top tube cable guides - underneath, but offset to left (non drive side)

That rim looks steel, like an old bike-boom 27"-er.

I'm thinking that bridge was gouged or hacked into, perhaps to make room for (gasp!) a kickstand bolt?....

Rather Bizarre.

I don't think the fork is original.

I'd encourage you to feel and inspect the top tube and downtube just behind the headtube lugs for wrinkles, flaking paint, and bends. I.E. The top tube almost looks like it has a slight downward bend.

Also look at the angle of the brake pads on the rear end of the bike. Are they angled upward? I'm thinking the bike is probably designed for 700c wheels rather than 27" wheels.

There is a much greater variety of 700c tires than 27" tires, and I think there has been for at least a while.

That little bolt hole in the chainstay bridge is probably for mounting fenders. Nothing looks familiar with that bridge, but it doesn't look like a problem either.

I'm still not sure about the bike. Novara? But, so far nothing pops out.