Upgrading your bike for trail riding can be expensive if you let it be. Here are the most important things you
should consider...
1)Stronger Wheels-Sun BFR and Peregrine Mad Max are great
36-hole rims. 48-hole rims are stronger if you don't mind
the extra weight.
2)Forks-4130 Chromoly Foks are a good idea. DK's and Hoffman
super fork/stem combo are almost indestructible.
3)Headset-Look for oversized cups. Primo, FSA and Jody
Donnelly all make special dirt jumping headset cups. You can
strengthen your headset by running a Hose Clamp around
your bottom cup, which cost just pocket change.
4)Pedals-Look for Metal Platforms. Slipping caged or racing
pedals can and will hurt. Look for ones that come with
chromoly axles and removable pins.
5)Seat-Seats take alot of abuse. Look for seats with strong
oversized chromoly rails and soft pading. Plastic seats can crack
and hurt.
6)Seatpost-Look for chromoly posts that has fixed seat hardware.
7)Three-piece Cranks-Trail riding and Freestyle can be brutal on
a one-piece crank. Make sure you are running a strong set of
three-piece cranks. Profile and Primo are good buys.
8)Detanglers-A must for anyone who doesn't race. There are
many barspin combos out there.
9)Pegs-A must for learning rocket variations. Make sure your
axles can handle the stress. Race axles will eventually bend out.
10)Grip Ends-If your a racer these will save you time during bike
inspections. Everybody knows holes poke through your grips after a
few falls. Equip yourself with some plastic or metal grip ends.