Originally Posted by
TheKingFiphtin
You don't HAVE to, but on long, straight downhills the fastest you can go how fast gravity takes you unless you spin like mad. If you're not racing, though, it doesn't really matter. You can coast fast enough downhill to have fun. It's just the easiest way to pick up speed if you do have gears.
That must be it: I'm not a recer.
I'm lying - I always race, I can't bear someone passing me over while I commute. When they try to pull away, I just get mad and become a pedaling demon. And oftentimes they pass me anyfay, fsck!!
But when I'm offroad, I am actually more laid back and will coast downhill. I like to enjoy nature.