V-brakes are awesome, if using a quality brake, lever, pads, with well lubricated parts.
Try the Cane Creek "direct curve" vbrakes and levers. They are inexpensive and very powerful, and stylish.
Bike Nashbar (
www.nashbar.com) sells the set of Jail Brake v-brakes and levers, and a variety of replacement pads for conditions.
Remember, a 26 wheel becomes a 26" brake rotor with two 1" pads. I will ride v-brakes as long as they are available. I like them better than disc brakes for performance and familiarity.