Originally Posted by
fanfugutastic
I came from hardtail mountain biking where you tend to hover over the rear seat when descending to help absorb impact. I orient my cranks parallel to the ground, hover about an inch off the saddle and grip the saddle with the insides of my thighs. Keeps me aero, gives my butt a break, and keeps me stable. This is only when I spin out my cassette though. Until that point, I am seated and pedaling.
^What I do too, particularly on technical/bumpy descents. Hands deep in the drops, forearms flat, back flat, weight in the pedals, knees gripping the top tube. Kind of like skiing a downhill course, tucked but taking the bumps. Also puts more weight on the front wheel to keep the shimmy monster away. Guy shimmied out and died on RAMROD last year. Braking, I just move my butt back. On smooth descents I'll sit because it's easier but control isn't as good.