Anybody racing a steel bike?

I've been racing an old Eddy Merckx TSX corsa extra this year(not very well) and i was wondering if there is there anyone out there racing a steel bike, Whilst i was busy getting shelled out the back in the cat 3/4 race at Eelmoor last night i saw another chap racing a light blue metallic Colnago master.
Most of my racing is at Hillingdon and i saw a guy racing on a pegoretti there once.
Anyone else?

Madison Team race the top uk races on steel frames.

fair point

I've been racing an old Eddy Merckx TSX corsa extra this year(not very well) and i was wondering if there is there anyone out there racing a steel bike, Whilst i was busy getting shelled out the back in the cat 3/4 race at Eelmoor last night i saw another chap racing a light blue metallic Colnago master.
Most of my racing is at Hillingdon and i saw a guy racing on a pegoretti there once.
Anyone else?

is it definately the bike thats the problem ?

Don't get me wrong, i'm not blaming the bike.
It's tad heavier of course, and that circuit is all sprinting out of corners twice a lap.
I'm blaming my age.
Apart from those new Madison bike then, anyone on old steel?

Madison bikes are very far from a 'normal' steel bike.
And I wouldn't suggest a carbon or alu bike is suddenly going to make you better.

I 'race' on an old steel 531c ribble crit frame with modern components. its great but at the end of the day its all about the rider

Agreed it's all about the rider, i'm not looking for excuses for my lack of racing success, just intersted if anyone else races old steel.

Because the crits i do dont really have hills i 'm not sure a lighter bike would make that much difference... not while i'm at 91kg anyway.
So two of us so far.

I ride steels bikes for cross and on the track, got a carbon bike for the road though. Been in a race at Hillingdon won by a guy on a classic Colnago

Thats good to hear.
I've seen a guy win on c40 there, was it it a steel colnago?

Yup steel, he's now got a carbon bike though!

For crits you're better off getting lighter wheels before changing your frame as rotating weight has more impact on acceleration than static weight.

I 'race' on an old steel 531c ribble crit frame with modern components. its great but at the end of the day its all about the rider

how is the rider of the old steel ribble pooface ?

The guy weighs 90kg. No offence, but losing 1.5kg max off wheels won't make any difference.

I've seen a few in the 3/4 races at hillingdon. There was a KW on a nice purple something the other week.

I' m 91 kg, if I was 90 kg I'd be flying around.
I' m using neutrons or light hand builts , so I'm not blaming the wheels either, I'm blaming me but I have to say having a steel bike, all be it with modern running gear gives me some excuse for my poor performance, but I know it's an excuse and not the reason for my poor performance.

;) Keep at it, you'll get there.

how is the rider of the old steel ribble pooface ?

oh the rider isnt so bad.

down to 76kg this season due to plenty of running

he should be doing more training rides though

it's not about the bike... just managed top ten in a Surrey League handicap on the merckx using all purpose wheels(hed Belgiums)
i was thrilled