Over the years I seem to have settled on a particular set of components and when frame swap time happens, I take them up to the new frame, renewing them where necessary.
To me, they are the bits that have performed best over my riding history.
Chain: was Sedis way back and now SRAM (cheapest 10 speed variant at the moment). Never had a breakage and never seen a breakage during my shop days. Easily the best and strongest ‘magic link’ system.
Cranks: Shimano SLX M660. Fitted with Shimano steel rings 24/38 and nylon outer chain ring guard. Been on 3 bikes so far. Not much heavier than XTR. Despite many crank end strikes, still look reasonably fresh. The graphics have NOT rubbed off!
Rims: anything by Notubes. Almost no bead seating failures using only a track pump. They are also very light. Geax AKA was the only tyre to need a compressor.
Hub/spokes: Hope or Superstar using J-bend spokes. Working in cycle retail, one of my regular tasks was to find a straight spoke to replace someone’s broken one. Always a faff and a two week wait. J-bend spokes were usually replaced while the customer waited. (I worked in a ‘major’ family-owned group of stores)
Gear shifting system: SRAM 1:1. Using full cable outer, never a missed shift or ‘going out of alignment’. Even the cheapest versions work flawlessly.
So what are your ‘must have’ components that are always on your bike? And why…?