Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
.... The chute thing has been tried but is dangerous and likely to get entangled in running gear or objects along the road.
I agree that the chute has problems, which is why I doubt we'd ever see a commercial version. But I think a small one can be used safely if designed and used intelligently. Alternately some kind of spoiler might be rigged to carrier legs and deployed as needed.
I believe that these would only be needed for the most extreme alpine descents where the combination of grade and corners would tax brakes to the limits.
Otherwise being comfortable at speeds nearer to terminal velocity is key, that or taking scenic photo ops off the bike from time.