If you're looking for dependable, reliable, bomb proof components, getting hub brakes and a sturmey-archer 3 speed hub would be best. With an enclosed chain case you can leave the bike out all year and it won't even notice.

Drum brakes from SRAM/SACHS or Sturmey-Archer, or the Shimano roller brake, are heavy, and can fade on hills if you don't modulate, but they really don't need any maintenance and are unaffected by weather. Rim brakes are unaffected, too, but the disc can get bent, and the shoes still need replacing. Drum brakes also don't wear away the rims.

the SA 3-speed hub is simple, with one planetary gear. Derailleurs are more complex compared to it, and the whole derailleur drivetrain is much more complex. Even the chain is weaker due to its lateral flexing, and has to be thinner to fit on a 9 or 10 speed cassette. The IGH also is sealed from the elements.. you may have to put oil or grease on it once a year. Weight and lower gear range are the drawbacks.

There are more complicated IGHs like the Rohloff and Nuvinci that have the reputation of never requiring service, but they're much more expensive.