Modulation and expectations, the balance is key.
I probably don't ride hard or fast enough for it to be critical but when I need to stop, I do.
Articulation can be key imho.
Get the bars up with levers up on the bars for leverage from the hoods.
I know its visually offensive but I'm too old to worry about it, comfort and being able to go the distance is what its all about.
The Merz at the bottom has the Athena skeleton's that went on the Strawberry, but normally runs Campy record single pivot side pulls that work just fine at Crater lake on the 40mph downhills.
Sketchiest of the bunch are the Weinmann's on the Paramount, new cables and pads will likely improve them plenty.
