Originally Posted by
bigbossman
Happens to me, too. But it is the extra weight, not handling, that sets me apart on the downhills.
On long descents I beat all the skinny guys, no matter what I'm riding - 28lb Miyata or 18lb CF bike. I often coast by fellows that are pedaling.
Gravity is the friend of a big man going downhill.
The other factor is that I'm an ex-racer and most of these guys are strictly strong Cat 6 rec riders, the kind who are godawful strong uphill but a little uncomfortable with speed and groups. I don't completely understand why anyone wants to suffer MORE going uphill without enjoying the payoff down the other side. I'm not all that huge--190 lbs or so, but I waited after downhills (among racers) when I weighed in at 160 as well. Of course then my bikes were current technology!