Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - I really want to get started in racing in my loc velodrome.

I am a 25 y/o guy that lives close to an outdoor velodrome here in sunny South Florida. I have gone to it a couple of times in the morning and used the rental bike (which are not in the best of shape). I really liked it and am interested in getting started. I am on a tight budget right now because I am in the middle of trying to buy a house. I have been looking around on craigslist but a lot of what I see is road bike conversions. Which I know from reading is not the same geometry. So I am not to sure what to do. Should I just keep renting and just get some more time on the track under my belt or should I try to save up for a bike of my own? Is there anything worth buying from bikesdirect?

Thanks

Short of buying used or finding a great deal on closeout, I'd say that this bike (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/team_track.htm) from Bikes Direct is the best deal on a high quality starter track bike. If you're budget is really tight, then this (http://bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/kilott.htm) is a decent option to get you started, though I doubt it's much better than the rentals you've been using.

Your first link is dead, I spent about 5 minutes staring at the kestrel evoke on the home page trying to figure out how a 1700$ road bike is a good track bike
pretty sure this is what you were trying to get to http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/team_track.htm

Thanks, I fixed my post.

Do you know the details of the bikes you are renting?
may give you an idea of where to start from. I would think you could get a cheap ish good used track bike (as in real track bike) from $400
How much do you have to spend?
I'm subscribed to a local racing e mail list and there is always bikes for sale. What size are you, I could do a quick search.

Hi,

I'm also toying w/the idea of getting into track racing. I was wondering if this is worth it as far as good track bikes are http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010-Product-Catalog/TRACK/TRACK-Series/TK3.aspx

I have an 07 FELT TK2, pretty good bike, stiff for sure but non compliant thus can be a bone shaker on a bumpy velodrome, I would actually like a steel bike for the particular velodrome that I ride.

This is the bike I rent at the track.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w13/slow93si/IMG00030-20090616-1009.jpg