I cannot (or am too chicken) to peel off a rain jacket while riding. I hold (or rest my hand on) the bar when I take off or put on gloves. I need to be moving fairly fast (for the gyroscopic effect, I assume) to be remove both hands. Sometimes it's better when I am pedaling, sometimes when I am coasting. I am ultra vigilant sans hands - I keep my focus 100% on the road, I swerve with my hips to avoid flush manhole covers, etc.

You probably know exactly what I am describing. Maybe you can educate me. I am asking in this forum because maybe it's different for older folk.

I think I remember being comfortable riding w/o hands when I was younger, even though I never rode lots of miles like I do now. My 2007 Specialized Roubaix seems like it must be the definition of a "non-twitchy" bike. I like "adventure" more than most folks (i.e., I am a dope about caution). I am 67 but my general sense of balance (scrambling on rocks, climbing trees, leaning to the side from ladders) seems undiminished.

PS #1 - I have a handlebar bag that is immensely convenient for snacks, bandanas, swapping water bottles, etc.

PS #2 - I am not worried about shimmies. I do get a shimmy occasionally (including at least once with no hands), but I can stop it by pressing a thigh against the top tube. I got one at 43 MPH once (the fastest I've gone) that did NOT seem to go away when I pressed my legs against the top tube.