Unless it's a special bike (and sometimes even if it is) I just use basic black or white housing and cables from the LBS. I don't buy bulk, since I don't actively flip bikes.
edit: Chains, I just use your basic, cheap KMZ chains, and have never found a reason not to (again, unless it's somehow a special bike). Brake pads, I spend on Kool Stop, because they just work so well. Tires I default to Paselas unless I want something specific.
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1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
Last edited by lostarchitect; 02-02-15 at 08:25 PM.