What type of upgrades for a hardtail?

Question

Can you give me some optional upgrades that I can put on my hardtail so that it can challenge some knarly downhill courses. Im not talking about jumping off of 30 ft ledges; just so that I can keep up with my friends that have fs. I dont have the money to just go out and by a full suspension, so please dont tell me to do that. Thanks Alot

Answer 1

A fork would be my first option but it is expensive. not knowing what you currently are riding is difficult but if you need major upgrades, it might actually be cheaper to just save and purchase a new bike specific to the riding you want to do. try checking out performancebike.com or bikesdirect.com for some very good deals on brand new bikes

Answer 2

Wider tires,a wider riser bar,a better front fork,stronger rims,strong pedals,a full face helmet,and some elbow pads.

Answer 3

Knarly downhill requires a knarly fork.   Wheels and tires will also make a big difference.  When I think DH, I think high quality brakes, so look there, too.

Answer 4

wheels, forks cranks. get as big tyres as your frame will allow and you could even put a really chunky one on the front like some konas do because forks usually have a lot more room than the frame.

Answer 5

Probably you could put some wider tires (2.3 to 2.5 if possible), which would help a lot.  Also a shorter stem and wider bars.  Probably you should look into this first, because they're also pretty affordable.

Also, a stronger fork, but that's more money.  I don't know what you have and what's your budget.  It just depends on what you have and how heavy you are.

Maybe some disc brakes (if you have V's for now).  Check into Avid BB7, since they're arguably the best mechanical brakes, you could find some new on Pricepoint.com or JensonUsa.com for around 60 bucks each and still use your levers.  

There of course are others, but sometimes you might find yourself just buying a lot of stuff which could have been saved for a newer bike.