Im looking at grabbing some TB14, or maybe Archetype in black but I run a front brake. How does the black painted braking surface hold up to use? Will it rub off/fade/smudge?

Any thoughts?

Their rims like many are anodized not painted. Anodizing can scratch and fade from wear but as long as your not a complete dingus it should be nothing to worry about.

i really like my tb14's so far, but the archetypes would have looked a lot better on my bike.

The anodizing will rub off eventually. Just make sure to set up your brake pads properly so that the wear is even. Google "archetype brake" and you'll find plenty of pics.

The black on the brake track rubbed off right away for me but it's not a big deal. Here is a picture of them after they have been braked on.

That's a neat trick, he's worn a braking track without using a brake

To be honest, that photo highlights one of the aesthetic issues to consider. The black bike with solid black wheels is overpowering. The silver stripe breaks up that effect and, to my eye, looks a lot better. Whether you're using brakes or not, maybe buying wheels with the braking track is a better move anyway (having said that, someone will point out that Archetypes don't come with a braking surface)

Sorcery.