Originally Posted by
PeteHski
Some pros look very uncomfortable while descending. Others have great skills. I agree all pros are not that great at bike handling, but most are going to be considerably better than average. There's probably just a lot more overlap between pros and non-pros when it comes to bike handling skills rather than fitness/power. Speed wobbles don't seem to be a major problem in the pro-peloton or out in the normal world for that matter. But I would imagine they are more likely to be an issue for a nervous stiff descender than someone with a more relaxed body, pro or not.
It's not a bike handling or skill issue.
I was not a pro, but started racing in the early 80's & was a solid Cat 2 into my 40's. Primarily Crits & some track, some results in the early mountain bike scene. I considered myself a very good bike handler and had a reputation as such among my peers. My hobby outside of cycling was sport bikes ( I'm currently bringing an older 900SS back to life). I was a very competent & fast rider. I was never stiff or nervous in any situation until I started to struggle with wobbles, it was a side effect of them not a cause.
I can say that even if you manage to fix the root cause, once it's in your head it is a tough thing to shake.