COMPONENTS 
---------- 
a) I prefer non-aero rims laced 32 cross 3. I don't ride at race speed 
and won't get any benefit out of aero rims, except in the rarest of 
conditions. 32 cross 3 is durable and well proven.

b) I can live with Shimano Sora or its equivalent. Today's low end 
Shimano out performs pretty much everything from the 70s and 80s. 
And the only 2 differences between today's Sora and DuraAce is 
i) meaningless (for me) weight improvements and ii) beauty. 

Of these 2, beauty and finish is the only compelling one. Call it bike 
bling. When I look at my 10 year old RSX brakes, I yawn. 10 Year old 
DA would make me smile wider. And 20 year old Suntour Superbe 
single-pivots would make me smile even more! But neither 
would stop me noticeably faster or better than my plain-Jane RSX 
brakes.

c) I insist on a triple crank. In particular, I favor "compact" 
triples over road triples. I have no need what so ever for outer 
rings larger than 50T, especially given that modern 8 - 10 speed 
cassettes make is so easy to run 12t or 11t cogs on the high end. 
Honestly a 50x12 gear is as big as I need for solo riding. I also 
prefer running a 36T middle ring for climbing in the hills. Lastly, I 
still want a bail-out granny gear for killer climbs. Racing and fully 
loaded touring may call for different set ups, but I like a 50/36/24 
or a 48/36/24. And I should note, I've been perfectly happy for many 
years with a 46/36/26 paired with a tight cassette.

d) I'm not a big fan of road style cleats. I gave up the dog-on-linoleum 
shtick when I traded in my Detto Art #39s and toe clips for double 
sided SPD mountain pedals and mountain style shoes. Riding in the 
burbs of Boston means a lot of playing in traffic. I find the extra
stability of touching down with mountain soles and the ability to get 
into pedals without worrying which way is up to be a God-send. The 
ability to walk in the shoes with the recessed cleats is an additional 
bonus that I appreciate, even on the walk out to the barn to get the 
bike. Looks and their ilk make sense to me if I were racing, but I'm 
not.