Quote Originally Posted by Grog
Downhill: I suggest never using the hoods on a fast downhill. Only the drops. I have heard a story of hoods coming off the handlebars and it sounds plausible, although rare, to me.
It seems like you'd get some warning - like they would feel loose?

I do drops or hoods downhill. If I want to slow down a bit, I'll go to the hoods and let the wind catch my chest & slow me down.

Uphill, hoods or tops. Hoods are nice because you can scoot your butt all the way back on the seat & use your glutes for powering up a hill.