Mountain Biking - Avid V-brakes

I'm building up an urban/trials bike and due to current lack of skill and funds, have decided to go with Avid V's. Question is, which ones to get?

I have read that ArchRivals are the strongest Vbrakes out there due to a stiffner arch. Yet, this design seems like it would be incompatible with 2.2-2.35 tires. Has anyone ever had this problem? Also, it seems that you could get the same braking power with SD7s + carbon brake booster, although that might lead to the above problem as well.

I was also wondering if trials bikes should have a MORE powerful REAR brake since most of the tricks are done on that wheel?

Thanks

I'm building up an urban/trials bike and due to current lack of skill and funds, have decided to go with Avid V's. Question is, which ones to get?

I have read that ArchRivals are the strongest Vbrakes out there due to a stiffner arch. Yet, this design seems like it would be incompatible with 2.2-2.35 tires. Has anyone ever had this problem? Also, it seems that you could get the same braking power with SD7s + carbon brake booster, although that might lead to the above problem as well.

I was also wondering if trials bikes should have a MORE powerful REAR brake since most of the tricks are done on that wheel?

Thanks

My Roast came with Avid Arch Rivals and they provide some very decent stopping power. As for the tires, I currently have Hookworms on it and they just clear the brakes. Don't quote me on this, but I believe you can have a 2.6 tire with arch rivals. I've had some pretty nobby tires on there with no problems. Hope that helps.

I ride trials and you dont want an Arch Rival for the rear. You want single pivot brakes because the Arch Rivals have way too many pivots which develop play in like a week. Get something like the SD5 or SD7 or Ti. I have the Tis and they work great. The booster doesnt affect the tire size, I have a Salsa Arc de Trioophm and can run a fairly large tire. And yes, the rear brake should be strong. If your V's are set up properly (like tar and griding), then the power can be equal too if not better than Magura HS-33s which are the popular rear brake. V's are also a slightly lighter setup.

And to answer the simple part of the question. You want DAMN strong brakes in the back. I only use discs on my bike so I can't offer any help about the type though.

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I have read that ArchRivals are the strongest Vbrakes out there due to a stiffner arch. ...snip...Thanks
It's not a stiffener. It's part of thier "Accu-push" system basically it aligns the pads so that they hit more squarely on the vertical axis rather than arcing across the axis allowing for better pad wear and increased stopping power due to better pad contact.

Like Mael said, definitely strong brakes in the rear. Some riders go with a disc back there, but you need to have a frame designed for trials with discs or you'll shear the mounts off.

One of my friends has a set Magura hydraulic rim brakes that seem to work really well, but those are pretty much as costly as disc breaks. I've tried them and really like the way they feel. Really stiff, short pull. Great modulation.

Yea the Magura HS-33s are the choice of trials riders. If you can get V's set up right though, the power is just as good as the Maggies.

Thanks a lot for all your help guys. I know that I'll have to upgrade to Mag. HS-33s eventually but right now I'm just not good enough to deserve (or need) such a brake. Just ordered some SD7s and I'll buy a booster from my friend in a few weeks.
BTW I went to a LBS and asked about Arch-Rivals. The replies basically mirrored everything I've read on these forums; "Strongest mech, stock, V-brake, 1-finger...etc." Then, just to compare, I went to one of those chain stores that have ENORMOUS showrooms and asked the same thing. "Never heard of them. Really? Strongest possible v-brake? Stronger than XTR? Oh, Avid makes them?" Hmm...

BTW I went to a LBS and asked about Arch-Rivals. The replies basically mirrored everything I've read on these forums; "Strongest mech, stock, V-brake, 1-finger...etc." Then, just to compare, I went to one of those chain stores that have ENORMOUS showrooms and asked the same thing. "Never heard of them. Really? Strongest possible v-brake? Stronger than XTR? Oh, Avid makes them?" Hmm...


Hmmm. Makes ya wonder, don't it :D