First time to do a full bike (re)build. Built this bike for a friend. Things I learned:

1. It wasn't as easy as I expected. I significantly underestimated the time and effort I needed to build the bike.
2. A torque wrench is essential.
3. Anti-seize compound is a must.
4. Properly install the fork expander/compression plug. Pre-load the steerer tube with the fork expander before tightening the stem.
5. Putting carbon grip paste inside the steerer tube is optional but it helps in keeping the fork expander in place while tightening the top cap.
6. Don't put carbon grip paste outside the steerer tube. It's better for the stem to slide in case of a crash rather than it twisting then breaking the tube. Also, carbon grip paste could damage your bearings.
7. You don't need to overly tighten the top cap. The stem bolts are more important in eliminating headset play.
8. Don't be shy in tightening the stem bolts. First, I tried 5Nm, but there was still play so I went with 6Nm- a torque I wasn't comfortable with at first since the steerer tube was carbon. But it worked perfectly. No damage, no headset play.
9. The stock mounting nut of the front brake caliper is usually too short for the fork. Thank you FB marketplace for helping me find a longer one.
10. Internal cable routing is inconvenient. Magnets and threads are the key.
11. Make sure to cut the right length of cable housing. I had to cut and reinstall the housing twice because the shifting was affected.
12. When installing the cables on the dropbar, keep the cable close to the bar while respecting the angle it gives on the corners. The cable-end sleeve that attaches to the lever helps but be careful not to damage it.
13. When installing the chain link, it's a lot easier to pull it from the top of the chain stay rather than the bottom.
14. When installing the bartape, you don't need to do the figure 8 all the time. I followed Park Tool's advice on YouTube and went with the method where the tape goes over without the figure 8 but still reverses the direction for a more secure fit.
15. Be sure about the frame's tire clearance! My friend wanted 28mm so I bought 28mm only to find out the frame could only take up to 25mm so we had to buy tires twice. haha
16. Bike building is fun. I want more!

Bianchi Via Nirone 7.
Size 44cm.
Shimano Claris groupset