Great looking bike. I know a lot of people with barns and none has an old bike hanging in the rafters. The questions you ask are pretty individualistic in that saddles, tires, bar tape etc. are often more of a personal thing. I like the Bike Pro Professional bar tape. It is a little thicker like cork but also has a shine to it as well. Most around here tout the value and stopping power of Kool Stop brake pads. As for tires, what kind of riding are you going to primarily do on this bike - urban, commute, country rides, relaxed weekend cruises or a combination of all?