Used padded shorts when younger, found that they didn't breath well enough so I usually stick to tech undies and REI convertible pants. Have a fairly comfy Brooks saddle, firm, not padded. Tried clipless, never really took to them, prefer a large surface flat pedal. Really like shifters on brake hoods a lot, I have a simple down tube level on a special mount.
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Best piece of gear would have to be a quality generator hub mated to decent, but not excessive LED light front and rear. No messing with batteries, have lights any time the wheel is rolling - good for long nights rides, but also good 'be seen' lights in the day.