To Begin...

This blog begins today, March 3, 2013.  Its goal is to chronicle the complete build-up of a 2013, 22-inch, eggplant purple Surly Troll.

The intended use of this bike--other than becoming my main ride--is to travel from Jacksonville, Florida, USA, to Kyoto, Japan, in the summer of 2014.

The frame and forks are now at my local bike shop, Zencog, here in Jacksonville Beach.  They will install the bottom bracket and the headset.

Components, gathered over the last several months, are as follows:

Crankset: Shimano XT.   FC-M780. 10-speed triple, 42/32/24.  175mm crank arms.
Bottom bracket: Shimano XT.  BB70.
Cassette: Shimano XT. 10-speed.  11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36.
Chain: Shimano XT. 10-speed.  HG-X.

Rear derailleur: Shimano XT. M780.  Long cage, 10-speed.

Front derailleur: Shimano XT.  M781.  Triple, top pull.

Brakes: Avid.  BB7.  Mechanical disc.
Brake levers: Shimano XT.
Shifter levers: Shimano XT.
Cables: Shimano XT.
Headset: Cane Creek.  40-Series, EC34.
Handlebars: Easton. Havoc.  Aluminum.  750mm.
Stem: Easton.  Vice.  115mm.
Pedals: Shimano.  M324.
Hubs: White Industries.  Mi6.  40 spoke front, 48-spoke rear.
Rims: Salsa Gordo.
Skewers: SRAM X.9 stainless.
Spokes: DT Swiss.  14 gauge.  Black.