i like my downtube shifters, i got some of those silvers shown on rivendell site cheap from my LBS, they look fantastic on the frame and really easy to change.

XT hubs have pretty good reputation, XT rear derailleur and 105/ultegra front derailleur is a nice setup. i like 1.75 tires.

a note on tubus, when i was mounting the Cargo to my LHT (54cm) i found that it was too narrow, i forced it to clamp onto the frame and then i cross threaded the eyelet a bit. am trying to mount it from the inside, think that would somewhat ease the problem. by the way, i also have a green champion special on my LHT, so beautiful.