"gradually with use" it has a very noticable bend right where it goes into the seat tube. I can't put it in the other way because it would shove the seat way the heck forward.

Fender, going DOWN ridge is a piece of cake. I'm usually passing the cars/buses/etc (buses are tight, usually have to wait until there's room to pass). I've gotten up to 34 mph on there . Of course normally there's too much traffic to get going that fast. And let me get this straight, you think ridge is nuts but you'll ride Henry? Traffic on there must easily average double the speed it does on Ridge!