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@damskodonny
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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