Just start doing it. Getting stuff done in the correct order is nothing to worry about, if you do something stupid, you will figure it out soon enough. It is a good learning experience to get things a bit out of order.

But, three suggestions:
- If you cut the steerer, do not cut it too short, leave it longer at first because you can always cut it again later. My LHT and Thorn Sherpa have original steerer tube lengths, although the Sherpa might have been cut by the previous owner since I bought that frame used. My Nomad, I wanted that steerer cut down shorter but I intentionally cut it long, then cut it again, then a couple months later did the final cut. Cutting it 3 times is a little more effort but you won't accidently cut it too long that way.
- I ride a new build for a week just using strapping tape to hold the cables to the handle bars. Then after a week when I am certain that brake levers are exactly where I want them on the handlebars, that is when I put the handlebar tape on.
- Use blue locktite on all rack bolts. If you use a kickstand, also put locktite on those bolts Other bolts like water bottle bolts, etc., a little dab of grease on the bolt first makes it less likely that the bolt will vibrate and fall out.

Photo shows my Sherpa stem on my uncut steerer. Note that I have the stem inverted.



If yours was made in the UK, it is several years old. Both of my Thorns were welded in Taiwan.

I did the Frame Saver thing with my Nomad, but the previous owner of my Sherpa did the Frame Saver treatment so I did not bother.

I assume it has the headset already installed, if not you might want to have a bike shop install that.

Anything unique to Thorn that you have a question on, check out their forum.
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