Ah, the age-old question of speed vs. control on those pesky downhills. Let's cut to the chase, shall we? If you're more concerned about your top speed than your safety, well, I can't help you there, buddy. But if you want to improve your descending skills without ending up in a heap, listen up.
First, let's talk about balance. You can't have one without the other, and trying to maintain a consistent pace without adjusting for conditions is a recipe for disaster. It's like trying to ride a bike with a flat tire - sure, you might be moving, but you're not getting very far.
Now, about those top-level riders you mentioned. They didn't get there by being reckless. They've spent countless hours honing their skills, learning to read the road, and anticipating obstacles. And they sure as heck aren't trusting their bike's "handling" to get them through. They're actively making adjustments, shifting their weight, and adjusting their speed to match the conditions.
So, if you're an amateur looking to improve, here's a pro tip: stop relying on your bike to do all the work and start paying attention to what's happening around you. And maybe, just maybe, you'll start to see some real progress. Or not. Who knows, maybe you're just not cut out for this cycling thing.