Originally Posted by Bobby Lex
I used both of the above references for my first ever bike build a couple of months ago, together with the instructions you get with the various components. It worked out fine, but you need to take your time (hard to do when you're itching to ride it), have patience and be prepared to do things over and over again. I had never played with components before and I built my bike for the same reasons you did - not to save money, but to learn how it all goes together and now I'm confident in making my own adjustments. Also, this forum is a great place to ask questions if you get stuck if you're too shy to ask your LBS. Enjoy.