realskiers

well first to be a good/great decender on hardtail especially a 26 inch XC angle hardtail require kung fu skill level. Most people do not have it, and those that do have it usually do not ride 26 inch XC angle hardtails. the easiest way to go faster DH is to get a full suspension trail bike.

The next easiest way is to get wide sticky low pressure tubeless rubber.

some other things that help, brakes that allow ONE FINGER braking. bars set at the right height and with enough width. different for everyone but so many people still run bars that are much to narrow on a stem much to long IMO.

Great insight -- thanks Josh.  Yeah, I would definitely like to get her to try a wider bar.  I think hers is too narrow -- it looks like it's cramping her movements.  Only about 585 or 600 mm wide, I think.  I will look for a 620 mm to open it up a bit.

I think the stem is a good length.  She looks comfortable and well supported, neither too cramped or too stretched out; easily able to maneuver hairpins and switchbacks.  Slightly higher bar position might be good....worth trying a spacer under the stem to bump it up a titch.

I have her brake levers positioned inboard of the shift levers, meaning that the end of the brake levers is right about where her index finger sits on the grips.  Whether she actually uses one finger braking, however, I will have to ask and look for.  Good point. 

Also, whether her brakes are powerful enough for that is another question (Avid Juicy 3).  I kind of doubt it.  I have the Juicy 5 on my bike, and I am not overly impressed at their stopping power, or their progressive feel (too grabby, unpredictable).  Better brakes may be in order.  I have ridden a bike with Hayes carbon brakes, and really liked those.