I think the T301 derailleur is the higher quality f/d. IMO as long as your not racing the front derailleur only has to work, no need for a high quality f/d.

hubs/rims, sorry no idea.

As for the tires, I ride Mythos XC 2.1's on my mtb and I like them alot. I don't get very many flats, they grip well on the hardpack/loose/rocky dirt I ride in and they are pretty light. Only problem is that they wear fairly quickly.