I have custom-geared every bicycle I have owned, including changing most 2x5s to 2x6, 2x7, 3x5, 3x6, or 3x7. I am very particular about the top and bottom gear ratios I want and about maximum ratiometric progressions.
I always upgrade to KoolStop brake pads -- this is a no-brainer.
I like Brooks Pro saddles, whether they are original to a particular bicycle or not.
I need brake levers that fit my hands, which means Weinmann Vainqueur 999s, DiaCompes, or Shimanos. I can't execute a sudden emergency stop with long-reach levers, such as Mafacs, Modolos, or Campagnolos. To compensate for its mediocre Campag. sidepull calipers, the Bianchi has aero Shimano brake levers and KoolStop pads. Fortunately, Weinmann 999s were standard equipment on all three Capos and the Carlton, so no change needed there.
Since I built the UO-8 from a bare frame, I started with a blank canvas. As a result, it has a SunTour rear derailleur, Sugino alloy crankset, alloy rims, and of course DiaCompe brake levers. It also has SunTour ratchet barcons, my personal faves. Very non-French except for the Normandy Luxe Competition hubs, but it serves me well.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069