I was lazy for yesterdays ride, I didn't feel like doing any hills whatsoever! Loaded up my bike and went downtown and did 18 miles of flat for a leisurly ride. Had a head wind all the way back, who could complain! As for arms aching going down hill, I agree with that mimi, I ride those brakes and my arms ache after going down small hills. Going down hills scare me too. All i can imagine is loosing control, end up tangled around the guardrail and dead or paralyzed. Hence, why I ride those brakes. Of course, that image could happen on the flats cause by a careless driver but I have no control over that.