I saw a Stella bicycle on Craigslist yesterday. I've been looking for a fast road bike so that I can start cycling with my university club team, and the Stella seemed to fit the bill... long story short, I really liked it, and it's in my dorm room now.

It's got these components:

A. Duprat Professionels R.E.C.O.R.D. crank
Campagnolo Brev/Inter shifters
Simplex (black plastic...) dérailleurs
Weinmann Vainqueur brakes and levers
Normandy Luxe Competition quick-release hubs
Mavic Championnat Du Monde sew-up rims
ATAX stem

I don't see any markings the headset or the drops. It doesn't have a headbadge decal, but it still has its downtube decals, and a big seat-tube decal. I'm not sure if there ever were other decals as well. Tire-pump mounts are welded to the lugs on the top-tube... looks like the bike came that way, as they're appropriately painted. It's pretty lightweight. The bike has a patina, to be sure, but it's in pretty good shape. It's mechanically sound... no frame damage either.

(please excuse the picture quality)









Questions:

What is known about the Stella brand? All I could find was this (from classicrendezvous): "Stella bicycles were made in Nantes, France, since 1909 by the Fountineau family. Named after the founder's mother, Stella made its mark in racing circles."

Does anyone know what model/year this is?

How do I go about replacing vintage sew-up tires? The ones that are on there now still hold air, but I'm afraid they don't have that much life left in them, as they are shedding threads.

I'd love to know more about this bike! Thanks.

(edits to add pictures)