You've been getting wordy, nuanced and obfuscatory Obamaesque answers.
Allow me some W-esque responses, probably wrong but at least not painful.
1. M or A 520s.
2. PI bibshorts, ultrasensor. Assos if you're rich.
3. Brooks. WTF.
4. Conti Gatorskins. Replace 'em when you start getting lots of flats.
5. Parks Tools book and website. Avoid Zinn. He's a commie.