Track Frames' Reviews and People's Experiences

I recently fell in love with track cycling, and am looking to upgrade from the rental bikes to one of my own. Looking online, there are a lot of options when looking at second hand frames, with a broad range of prices. However, there is actually very little information out there, and very few reviews on the different frames. I'm hoping to start racing in the summer, likely sprint events, but also some endurance, so want something that can do both, and that I can train on too.

I've asked some questions on here and other forums with limited success. (For example I've asked about the aluminium Worx WXR and got some really unhelpful answers, and Planet X Pro Carbon Track where people were really responsive).

I was wondering if people would be able to post what frames they use for track cycling, and a quick review about them? I'm particularly interested in how the compare with other frames and the standard rental ones at velodromes.

(I've so far been looking at frames/bikes up to about £1000, but would be very interested in hearing about people's experiences with more expensive frames, particularly how they compared to the cheaper ones. For example, how does a Dolan DF4 differ to a Fuji Elite to something cheaper like a Planet X Pro Carbon Track to a rental, and how different do they actually feel)

Thanks!

You might find something useful in the Track Cycling and Velodromes sub.

I've ridden a few different frames on the track and my honest opinion is that you or most people would be hard pushed to tell much between them (assuming similar set-up and components)
Tyres pumped up to 120 psi and very little 'steering' to speak of....
It's totally different from how different bikes feel on the road.
I ride an old Giant Omnium on the track because it's geometry really suits me. It's mega stiff and responsive. To me though, a Cinelli Vig and Dolan Pre-Cursa (all aluminium) really didn't feel any different, but the giant's lighter so 'must' be faster ;-)
The hire bikes may have an odd handlebar shape / width or an unfamiliar saddle and tiny gearing so they tend to feel a bit slow compared to anything tailored.
On the road it's a whole different kettle of fish. I commute on an identical Omnium also and it's way too stiff and quite uncomfortable...

I'd echo the above by saying that the greatest advantage of having your own track bike is being able to get the position dialled in for you, as opposed to any theoretical aero or stiffness benefit.
Being able to get the right bike fit, your own saddle and handlebars suited to your riding style will do wonders for performance - more than an investment in an aeroframe/wheels will.
Almost any track-specific frame will be very stiff (as above, when I take my track bike on the road it's not a particularly enjoyable experience). This is why "entry level" Dolan framesets are so prevalent - they get you to 95% of where you want to go without having to drop four figures on a frame you might not like, and most don't see the point of getting anything sleeker if they can just bang in a pair of race-day wheels.

I started out about ten years ago on a steel frame, had a lot of fun on it through the years. It was cheapish (lucky find), with a converted campy GS crank (just filed off the lids for the inner ring), but also campy wheels and c-record seat post. At the track I didn't get much respect, I was the weird bloke with the retro look. Which I didn't mind or even particularly noticed until years later I got the chance to get a nice (10 year old) high end cf bike and wheels. With that new bike, people came up to me for chats, giving compliments and such. People are primates. Anyway, I miss that 'retro look' and am thinking of getting the old steel bike out from the shed.

On riding quality though, I admit the cf bike rides really smooth. Its wheelbase is a bit longer, so less twitchy than the steel bike. The cf is also a lot stiffer, which is somewhat more pleasing when putting all your power down for a sprint or standing start. Both though, are way better experience than the rental bikes at the velodrome. Although the rentals may vary quite a bit from the different velodromes. The ones in Amsterdam don't get alot of tlc I think.

FWIW, my mate with the T4 got second in the omnium nationals (40+) a few years back, behind a skinny guy on an old skinny steel bike with alu wheels. His technique, insight and timing was what made him win in the end.

TLDR: get a steel bike

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If you are competing in sprint events I would argue that the stiffness of the frame does have a noticeable impact on performance, even if that is just the ‘feeling’ of a stiff BB area when out of the saddle. Standing starts on a thin tubed steel frame is just not a good feeling at all - even for a very lightweight and skinny rider like myself.
As for what actual frame to buy, the obvious choices might be the best.
Dolan DF4 or a used DF3 are super common and you’ll have a hard time beating the performance for the price, especially if you can pick one up second hand.
I’ve heard good things about the WXR Alloy track frame. They make a long reach version which is tempting. If you are thinking of racing UCI races where you might have your bike measured you might find that useful; in my mind longer reach is almost always a good thing on the track.

To be honest at lower levels your frame really isn’t going to hold you back, but if we are all honest it is nice having a cool bike to ride and race on..
And personally I wouldn’t buy a Planet X. Plenty of people race on them totally fine but they are reportedly fairly flex for a CF track frame and in my mind, the worst crime of all, really ugly.