I love my old 1980s steel Pinarello and it feels wonderful, smooth and in control descending, but I must say I'm more comfortable doing 50 mph on my newer bike. Do you all think its safe to go that fast on 25 year old steel? No signs of rust or anything but I've only owned it a couple years and I dont know what it's been through in a prior life. What do you think -- let it fly, or take it easy on the old steed?

I love my old 1980s steel Pinarello and it feels wonderful, smooth and in control descending, but I must say I'm more comfortable doing 50 mph on my newer bike. Do you all think its safe to go that fast on 25 year old steel? No signs of rust or anything but I've only owned it a couple years and I dont know what it's been through in a prior life. What do you think -- let it fly, or take it easy on the old steed?

Honestly, the only thing you should have to worry about are the crappy 80's vintage campy brakes being able to slow you down from 50mph...

Steel is usually pretty good at letting you know it's been hurt.

I love my old 1980s steel Pinarello and it feels wonderful, smooth and in control descending, but I must say I'm more comfortable doing 50 mph on my newer bike. Do you all think its safe to go that fast on 25 year old steel? No signs of rust or anything but I've only owned it a couple years and I dont know what it's been through in a prior life. What do you think -- let it fly, or take it easy on the old steed?

After a few fast descents on a good classic steel bike you'll write a post about how you just don't feels safe and comfortable going that fast on a modern bike.

Your biggest risk in descending fast is hitting something. After that, it's having a blowout--a slow flat is no problem. A steel frame failing should be far down your list of worries

I think his biggest risk going 50mph down a hill is hitting a hard bump and crumpling his carbon fork! On a steel bike IMO, the biggest risk is from that car that's amazed you're going 50 and is pacing you, not understanding that you're going to swerve to avoid the big bumps along the way.

Danny

I'm just terrified at the very idea of going 50 MPH on a bike, new or old. 40 is my limit... no actually 30 is my limit.

Excellerent!!!I have a TSX Bianchi that is the most stable and reliable bike I have ever ridden down hill. Probable because it is so stiff. Just enjoy the thrill of high speed and don't think (or try not to) about what can wipe you out.

My PX-10 descends faster than my newer alloy Masi. I know then 2 extra pounds don't help that much. Maybe it's the gearing....... and the motivation of knowing you are on an old bike.

My 1985 Gitane loves going down hill. I once went 43 mph and it had mismatched wheels at the time, on 27 and one 700.

If you're descending at 50+ mph and go down, it's basically "Game Over!"

I don't know about others, but if I'm going to check out of this world, I want to be doing something that I love. Going out on my bike: I can think of worse ways to go...

I always thought that too but.... I really don't want to die doing what I love - that kinda ruins it. I wanna die doing what I hate so others can say, "See that's why we shouldn't have to do that crap."