easiest way...
-get root explorer from the market
-navigate to /system/app
-click Mount r/w box
-delete whatever system apps that you want (make sure they aren't ones you need, like phone or vending or settings)
-reboot
here is a page from cyanogenmod that lists .apks you can do without, their functions, and other methods to remove them.
Barebones - CyanogenMod Wiki
i personally delete the bluetooth, calculator, file explorer, gmail (move to /data/app), Googlebackuptransport, googlepartnersetup, latinimetutorial, livewallpapers, magicsmokewallpapers, protips, quicksearchboox (download googlesearch from the market and move from data to system), setupwizard, sholesquickoffice, talk, visualization wallpapers, voicedialer, vpnservices, wired and wireless tethers (move to /data/app).
i've tried deleting the stock launcher to miui (i use lp+) but it always gives me problems. wish there was a way... but i guess removing half of those apps i just listed is totally unecessary anyway.
sorry if this was too much or bloated or anything. i'm bored at work. nothing happens in a hospital on the weekends.