I'd use weight as your guide. A 22lb carbon bike realistically won't perform any better than a 22lb steel bike. A 17lb carbon bike will outperform a 22lb steel bike and a 17lb steel bike will outperform a 22lb carbon bike. Unless one of the frames is losing watts in power transfer (flexy frame) the material itself won't make much difference. I have a 1986 3Rensho steel bike that outperforms many of my carbon bikes. Yes, it's stiff, and quite light for a steel bike.