Mountain Biking - What is the benefit of...

A good bottom bracket and a good headset? I was looking into some race face bb's and a chris king headset. Are they worth the $$$?

Having indexed steering or pedalling is no fun. I would say a quality BB and headset are quite beneficial.

What is indexed steering and pedalling?

Think about a ratchet wrench... imagine your steerer or your cranks feeling like that everytime you tried to turn them. Quite annoying...

You mean a monkey wrench? My steering doesnt feel like that now. I am wondering if it will make it any better than it already is. Physically I have more potential of ripping it up on the trail, its my bike that is behind me. What kind of tools will I need to change the bb and headset?

The benefits of high quality bottom brackets, headsets and hubs are smooth operation and durability.

Headset and BB replacement are probably the most involved replacements on a bike, right up there with wheel building. There are a lot of expensive special tools for this job, but it can be done. Consult park tool or Barnett's before you buy to see if you think you can do it yourself. (I would leave that up to my LBS, but thats just me)

-Middi-zon

WAIT UNTIL THE PARTS YOU HAVE ONE THE BIKE WEAR OUT, THEN REPLACE THEM. it seems to me like you are just wasting your cash buying a CK headset when the one you have is fine. once you start to get indexed steering, then by all means, buy a new headset. its your money though...

The headset is no biggie.. a headset ought to last practically forever anyway. As long as the wheel turns smoothly I'd say you're good to go. But a new BB will run smoother and quieter, and be stronger. Replacing a BB isn't all that much work with the correct tools.. won't take more than 20-30 minutes if you know what you're doing. A headset on the other hand is most likely left to a professional because you can ovalize your frame and then you have an extremely expensive paperweight.