Originally Posted by
penexpers
I just assembled a bike for the first time and this is the order I took
1. headset/fork
2. cassette on rear wheel
3. bottom bracket
4. right crank
5. left crank
6. pedals
7. rear derailleur
8. front derailleur
9. seatpost
10. saddle
11. stem
12. handlebars
13. shifters
14. brakes
15. wheels
16. chain
(ride bike around for a bit)
17. headset spacers
18. cut steerer.
Really though I don't think there's a right or wrong way to do it. My major bit of advice would be to leave the fork uncut until you are sure what height you need the handlebars at.
A couple of nits to pick
Seatpost first since that's what I clamp in the repair stand. I usually put the saddle on at the same time since the post looks weird without a saddle on it
Stem and spacers may have to be installed with the fork and headset. For threadless, you can't keep the fork in place without them.
I usually put the chain, derailers, shifters and wheels on close together since all that stuff needs to be installed and adjusted together.