I initially planned to get a chainset with carbon cranks, but opted for full compatibility and ease of maintenance, so in the end I bought Shimano XT M770 chainset.

Upon (a difficult) removal of the bottom bracket, it seemed that the start of the thread was damaged!

Luckily, it only turned out to be residue of the bottom bracket cups. Guys in a Shimano shop kindly cleaned it out. It took a best part of two hours though!

Shimano XTR M971 (top-normal) rear derailleur - very nice.

Shimano XT M771 front derailleur.

Shimano XT M770 STI levers - much better than the previous model. Unexpectedly, I got used to them within a few hours and would never switch back to RapidFire.

ODI Yeti Hard Core grips - not as comfortable as the ProGrip's I used to have, but they're nice.

PowerPlay Carbon Pro bar ends - they will go along nicely with the seatpost and the wheels.

My bike builder setting it all up. Somehow I forgot to take a photo of the brakes, but they're Shimano XT M770 V-brakes. No more parallel push linkage.

Gipiemme Pluma Titanio Evolution saddle - by some very strange strike of luck, I've managed to find a brand new item, a few years ago!

Shimano XT/Ultegra HG93 chain.

I've only quickly refurbed the bottle cages, as I haven't managed to get other ones in time for the build.

VP 104 SPD pedals, like the ones I used to have, but in red.

Shimano SH-M160 MTB-specific shoes with carbon sole and three straps - no more slippery and dangerosu steps in road shoes!

Woohoo! Completed and looking exactly as I had envisaged it! It rides like a new bike (which it basically is) and also much better than it has ever had. I'm really overwhelmed with the result.

Day 3 of the rebirth complete... and another dream come true!