Brakes? My very first ride was my dad's bike. . .one that the local Norfolk and Western Station Master gave him when he [the Station Master] retired. [I $hit you negative, I started riding long enough ago that the Station Master was still living. . .name was Pitts Early.] Anyway, it was an early 40's rig weighing in the same general range as a Spruance Class Destroyer and had coaster brakes. You had to plan your stops several minutes ahead of time.

I've seen a striking improvement in the durability of tubes and tires as measured in perceived Mean Time to Failure [MTF?].

Then there's Brifters!!! Mmmmmmmm-Brifters!