Bar cons should be used instead of the brifters that some use. The brifters "look nice" but they have too many parts and can die faaaaar away from replacements. Barcons are simple and relatively cheap. You DON'T need brand new ones as they never wear out. Friction shifting lasts forever, even when the "distinct click" versions bite the dust...
Tires? Schwalbe Marathon with kevlar belt. Don't skimp on tires.