Originally Posted by mconlonx

My ultimate touring/commuter group would be:

Shifters: Shimano 105 5700
FD: Shimano 105 5700
Crank: VO 46/30
RD: Shimano 9sp XT
Cass: Shimano or SRAM 11-36 10sp
Brakes: TRP Spyre 160r/180f
Wheels: Velocity Touring Disc -- Synergy rims, DT DB spokes, brass nipples, Velocity hubs

For touring with the above, spares I'd bring along would include Shimano DA 10sp bar end shifter set, brake pads.

Two alt setups would be:

1) As above, except Avid Ultimate Cantis
2) As above, except TRP Hylex brake levers, Shimano DA bar end shifters (perhaps mounted on Paul Thumbies)

What has me laughing hysterically in this thread is all the people basing equipment use on worst possible disaster scenario. Breakdowns are an excellent opportunity for getting to know places and people you'd otherwise not, and provide fodder for good stories. I'd not hesitate to chuck the drivetrain above for a Rohloff, but I'm not at all sure it would be substantially better.

Bizzarro ultimate touring setup:

Schlumpf 2sp crank, Sturmey Archer 3sp rear hub w/ 90mm drum brake, Sturmey Archer 90mm front drum brake/dynamo hub...