Originally Posted by
southpier
this is helpful; thanks.
can I feel confident with the conclusion that a forward traveling bike (any type of brake system) the rear brake (mounted to the seatstays or bridge) will be under compression when applied, and (same scenario) the front brake will be under tension?
not trying to be a ballbuster but this is important to me!
If you define compression and tension simply as related to whether the brake is pushed toward or away from the frame/fork, yes. But this is one of the smallest forces involved. The outward and twisting reaction forces from the brake arms is vastly greater, and a boss or tube that can handle that can handle the rest in stride.
You say this is important to you, but you're trying to apply incomplete, not well understood (by your questions) information, without any sense of context.
You don't have to know about the composition, construction, and firing of bricks to build a house. Likewise, you're over thinking this, and doing yourself a disservice in the process. If it's really important, stop asking here, and find some literature (there's plenty if you search) on the topic. Or explain your concerns and objectives to the frame builder and benefit from his expertise.