i'm running a peculiar combo of XTR v-brakes with travel agents and tektro levers. suffice to say, I am very pleased with this setup. great stopping power, no noise and a very solid feel when braking. I'm using these brakes because I don't have a MTB to run them on right now (my SS is disc) and my avids were very unreliable with one spring that kept popping out under load.