Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,981
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
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Yes, and I'm also more cautious going "uphill"...I don't strain and use all my strength anymore because I fear tearing or dislodging something. In fact, last year I lowered the gearing in my two road bikes.
Back to down hill: At 35 years old I tried to hit 50 on a long downhill on my old Schwinn Cruiser Supreme. I reached 49.7 on the third try on which I rode passed my "fail safe" braking point. I grabbed the brakes...felt almost nothing, considered ditching against the curb and rolling on the grass or pavement and finally "Flintstoned" to a stop a few yards from cross traffic.
Scared me so badly I literally threw that bike in the dumpster when I got home.
That was 22 years ago and it has kept me from descending with complete abandon ever since. Almost complete abandon...yes. Complete abandon...no.
I bike commute and I've also grown more cautious in traffic.