My best of all time bike would be a Randonneur equipped with parts that are the last evolution level of the famous french brands from around 1990 shortly before most vanished. The IMHO french pinnacle of bike parts (50% functionality + 50% aestethics):
last generation Sachs New Success derailleurs and Maxi Car hubs with 7 speed silver Sachs freewheel and silver Sachs chain. TA Alize triple crankset, TA BB, TA pedals. Campagnolo OR cantilever brakes and Sachs New Success Ergopower levers (first 7 sp version with alloy body). Stronglight or Mavic headset, Cagnion fenders, Ideale 90 saddle, Michelin 28x622 tires, custom front rack. An option would be last generation Mavic derailleurs and Mavic 571 hubs. Almost everything OT
My best "aestethics only" bike would have first gen. Huret Jubilee or Simplex SLJ derailleurs with downtube shifters, TA 5vis cranks and Mafac centerpulls.
My best of all time "functionality only" bike has Suntour XC pro (Grease Guard, 7sp) components, TA chainwheels, Nitto stem and bars with "non aero" road brake levers, Suntour Command shifters and Schmidt hub dynamo. And that's what I ride as everyday commuter.
Dirk
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Dirk Feeken
Heidelberg
Germany