Ya, honestly, I'll probably be commuting on this bike more than I'll be racing it. I just love the cross design, I think its super versatile. Though, I do want to do some racing when the season comes around. Anyway, I am more concerned in stopping power than mud clearance. I thought that the wide profile cx brakes gave better stopping power... but should I just go with something styled like the Oryx brake? (and no i don't want to switch to v's or try sidepull).