Quote Originally Posted by elk View Post
But...what would you ask for as far as tires and parts? I want it fast but grippy and fairly puncture proof...

I think I'll go for antique brown saddle and get brown tape....I think...
If it were me I'd get the kind of tire I love to ride on all kinds of surfaces and which are not too heavy:
I get Pasela Panaracers in 700x28 with "Tourguard" (a Kevlar puncture resistant inner belt)
I'm assuming your wheels are 700's, right?

Definitely get a tire that's at least 28mm wide, and that has a Kevlar belt. I can't believe the rough stuff I can ride over and not get flats. I used to have the same tires but in 700x38, they seemed excessively wide and heavy after a while. 28's are the narrowest I'll go on rough gravel roads and feel safe.
Again- just my own experience, others may have other recomm's...

I like your idea of dark brown saddle and tape.