Originally Posted by Choccy
How do you people hit 50+ on these bikes. I've hit 39-40 on 1.10x26 slicks with 44x11 gears on a very long downhill but couldn't pedal anymore. I remember a similar thread about how gast you ride on the flat and some of the speeds people came out with meant that they rode 20% faster than Lance has ever ridden. I think you all need to check your computers.
I have hit 50 on the way into work a couple of times.
It requires:
1. A hill with sufficient length and steepness. (This is really the important part!)
2. A bike with low rolling resistance and something you can get aerodynamic on.
3. Getting low and staying off the brakes. (It helps to have a clear path down with no blind corners!)
4. For extra speed, have high gearing (52x11 here) and pedal fast right before the steepest part of the hill. (But generally, the aero tuck beats pedaling.)
5. Favorable wind conditions will help, too.
Rider weight is also an asset. If you're not able to hit these speeds, your hills are too short or not steep enough. But it's not really a big deal to me - top speed on a downhill is no indicator of rider skill or fitness.