Originally Posted by
Boomer
Thanks for the great advice. I don't have particularly strong forearms which may contribute to my hands getting tired. I will try to get more comfortable in the drops at speed. Should I adjust the brakes to have more play such that when I squeeze them fully my hands are near full clinch? It would seem that would make my hands less tired.
I'd be inclined to have less play rather than more play. First of all, your hands have to fight the brake springs regardless of whether the pads even contact the rim, and the more you have to squeeze, the more resistance the spring will give. Secondly, your brakes will heat up and become less effective as you descent. If you have too much play, you may find you can't put enough pressure on them which is very dangerous.
The fatigue you report is excessive for a 1500 foot descent (hands shouldn't hurt and you definitely shouldn't need to rest) unless something is wrong. If you are dragging the brakes all the way down, don't. Riding your brakes will contribute to fatigue and you'll need to squeeze a lot harder since they won't be able to cool down. Instead, pulse them.
That you feel less in control in the drops makes me wonder if there is an issue with how your bike was set up.