I had Suntour Superbe Pro on a bike that I recently sold. It was an awesome group that always worked right. I told the guy (a friend who needed a road bike) that when he did not want it I'd buy it back.
Brakes...it may depend on where you live. Coming down a 20 percent grade...I'd take my D/A brakes, Record, I also hear the Mavic brakes work very well. In other riding I don't think it matters as much. That is as long as somebody doesn't open a car door and you don't stop in time....