Bicycle Mechanics - what's the sequence to build up a bike?

I have bought a new road frame that includes the fork and BB. I plan on building it up during my free-unemployed time this summer. I'll need to buy the components a few at a time... I am very interested to know what I should get first/next and afterwards.

I am thinking crankset/rear derailers then shifters then brakes then headset/stem then wheels???

Doesn't matter.

You can't assemble or ride the bike until you have all of the parts. You can't do anything more than just bolt the rear derailleur into place until you have the crankset, rear wheel and shifters on the bike.

When I assemble a bike, first I bolt all of the components on, then I adjust the brakes and derailleurs starting at the back of the bike.

Starting with a bare frame, I find it convenient to assemble the headset/fork and crankset/bottom bracket first, then add wheels, saddle, and bars/stem. Brakes and derailleurs are next, followed finally by cables, bar tape, and accessories (racks, lights, etc.).

I just put them on in the order that they arrive in the mail. Otherwise there is no order, just put them on and then make the adjustments as described above!

Build it up in the order in which components go on sale, or in which you find deals on them on eBay (or whatever). One thing I would do dead last, though (except for accesories), is the handlebar tape. Take the bike for a spin or two before putting the tape on, so you have all the leeway you need to position the brifters to fit you properly. Only tape up the bar after you get them set just right.

it doesn't really matter, but.....

It depends whether or not you have a proper bike stand. If you have one, it doesn't really make much difference, but if you don't, then assembling the parts in a certain order makes it easier to balance the bike and keep grease off the floor. :)

I go:

1) Bottom bracket (it's easier to get torque when the frame is balanced on the ground on the seat-stays).

2) Fork and head-set (tighten head-set much later).

3) Seatpost, seat, stem, bars and STIs (with the STIs high on the bars), but only half tight (not in their final position), then I can balance the bike upside down to put the next few things on. I put some tape on the frame to stop the 'untaped' handle bars swinging around and chipping the paint.

THEN I PUT THE BIKE UPSIDE DOWN:

4) Cranks

5) Rear derailleur

6) Rear wheel

7) Front derailleur (final position comes later)

8) Chain

FLIP THE BIKE BACK UPRIGHT:

9) Brake calipers

10) front wheel

11) Try to get STI position correct.

12) brake and gear cables

13) I try to get stem & bar postion right before doing computer and bar tape


the rest is accademic (tightening and fine tuning everything ):).....I've probably forgotten something.