Warmest Greetings.
I've been thinking. My vote for best would be from a tourist point of view. This list reflects the stuff that I've used and is no way a reflection on the other stuff out there.
Bars: SR World or the steel moustache bars that are forever old. Would like to try Nitto M. Bars.
Stem: SR Really nice polish on the more expensive ones and ones that were cheap enough for a kid to try drilling without having to work a week at the LBS to pay for it..
Seatpost: Sr Stem... the one that copied the simplex. Easy to adjust and I didn't encounter troubles with slipping.
Hubs: First gen Dura Ace, First Gen Shimano 600 and Campagnolo Record.
Rims: Wolber or Superchampion 58, Bontrager Clydesdales.
Front Derailleur: Vintage Shimano De Ore Road or Suntour Cyclone first gen.
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Crane regular / GSor Vintage Shimano De Ore Road. Would really like to try a Campagnolo Gran Turismo, Rally and Duopar.
Levers: Suntour Barcons for vintage. Campagnolo Gransport if using modern der. Would like to try a simplex retrofriction with Rinvendell Pods as mentioned in a listmembers post.
Chainset: TA clyclotourist. Yes I could get a De Ore Road to work with some judicious bending and it is sweet. In the day it was the best way to keep the rear cogs small as it was available down to 26 teeth.
Pedals: Lyotard platforms with Christophe clips, Campagnolo Platform and KKT Proace with KKT leather covered clips.
Saddle: Avocet Touring 2
Brakes: Weinmann CPs or Universal CPs with Mauthauser (sp) pads. Diacompe wheel guides. Really liked Weinmann Brake hoods with the QR that dived under the hood. Mafac rear stop. Drilled SR stem for the front stop.
Chain: Sedis, distant second Uniglide
Freewheel: Anything Suntour
Headset: Anything Tange even the cheap ones worked great and were resistant to brinneling.
Silca Pump
Tires: anything I can get for under ten dollars with my discount at the LBS that have looooottttts or air.
Get ready for the heresy boys and girls.
Spenco (red) or Grabon handlebar grips. Cannondale Erector Set Rear Rack. I know I know but I love it. Cannodale Bags including tire sock, front bag and rear panniers. Pletscher front rack
Howard Darr
Clymer PA