Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
For the downhill, could be, but I live 13 feet above sea-level, so my opinion isn't the most knowledgable.

Does you C'dale have a curved fork as opposed to straight? A curved fork reduces handling. Honestly, had I known that when I got the bike, I may have replaced it ASAP. Definitely advise you to consider doing this if you can manage.
I don't agree that a fork with a curved blade "reduces" handling. "Rake" and "trail", along with wheelbase length, are the factors that most impact a bike's handling. Forks can have the same rake, or offset, regardless of whether they have a curved or straight blade and, as such, offer the same handling all other things being equal.

And handling isn't something that is "reduced." Rather, it's a question of how a bike handles; not how "much" it handles. A race bike, in theory, should be twitchier and more responsive in handling than, say, a touring bike. Here's a bit of more information on rake and trail if you're interested.