Well I'm kinda' jealous.
Here you are at the threshold of a new learning experience. Ok, so it isn't among the Great Issues of Our Times, but you're gonna' get a kick out of this. Great advice here. I really like the ideas Platy and 'Cascade kicked off, taking on sub-systems one-by-one in logical order and doing "shakedowns" as you conquer each in turn.
As usual there's a downside, so beware. You'll end up liking this stuff so much that it'll take over your every waking moment. Bikes will procreate like rabbits in May, you'll get the "It's them or me!" threat before long, and you'll be astride carbon fiber in three years.