Originally Posted by
FBinNY
Unfortunately, is durability and serviceability are your top priorities, shop for stuff made in the last millennium. Modern stuff is made to the same philosophy as computers and cell phones. It's built to deliver plenty of features for the short haul, then to be replaced rather than repaired because it's already obsolete.
Cripes, but that is depressing. But oh so true.
As for components, I am partial to N. Record. I have pretty much any part I need to completely rebuild any of it. Including derailleurs if need be. Thing is though, they never seem to need it.