Good V-brakes. I ride mostly urban and light-to-intermediate bike trails. Some moderate downhills, but nothing real extended (no "heat the rims to pop a tire"). My V's are fine, but I ride in generally dry conditions. Grabbing a fistful locks the rims at 10-12 mph (except in wet or mud of course). Most folks I see complaining about V's under dry conditions have low-end V's, seriously worn pads or rims, or misadjusted brakes.