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In the collection · Conegliano · 1947

Stella
Veneta

A bicycle from shifting’s awkward transition: two long levers, a moving axle and a manoeuvre requiring practice.

Red 1947 Stella Veneta
The Cambio Corsa levers sit beside the right rear stay. Photo: The Evolution of Bikes.

A small marque from Veneto

Ferdinando Michelin established Stella Veneta in Conegliano in 1936 after the division of Ciclo Piave. MICHE later grew from the same family environment.

Cambio Corsa levers
The long lever releases the axle; the short one guides the chain.
Cambio Corsa from behind
The chain guide beside the sprockets.
Cambio Corsa drawing
Lever, guide, hub and dropouts formed one system.

Reach back. Release. Move the chain.

The rider opened the quick release, guided the chain, pedalled the wheel into position and locked the axle again—all while moving.

“Suicide gear” is a later nickname, not Campagnolo’s term. Skilled riders used it safely, but it demanded balance and timing. Bartali won the 1948 Tour on a Cambio Corsa-equipped bicycle.

No click or spring completed the shift. The rider performed the mechanics.

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