That's true. I rarely ride with no hands on my way into work. I'm not only going downhill for the most part, I'm more concerned with getting there on time whereas on the way home I'm often just kicking back and cruising along. Pedaling a touring bike loaded down to 60 lbs. up a gradual incline is work enough without getting up to the speeds where aerodynamics become significant.

It's also rare to see me take much of a break on a century ride. To maintain a stability with the short wheelbase and 73º head tube on the road racer, I've got to be moving pretty quick without having to do much work to get there. That means in a pack, going downhill, or riding with a good tailwind. The first is unsafe and the second is where aerodynamics save you the most. The last? Let's just say it's a nice break after having fought the headwind the other way.