Hello, recently I have been upgrading my 2002 yeti kokopelli. It was purchased years ago from supergo and came with some budget parts. When I first got it the only things that I changed were the bars (easton ec70 flat), put bar ends on, and put Delta brake extenders on. Recently I have put a Thomson stem and seat post on, a Salsa quick release seat post clamp, WTB rocket saddle, Avid Ti brake levers, and an XT front derailler. I am considering putting on a Chris King headset, XT shifter pods, and converting to mechanical disk. My questions are do you think that they are a worthwhile upgrade. My current parts are an aheadset cane creek headset, deore shifter pods, and Avid 3 V brakes with Bontrager Select wheels. I noticed when I put on the derailler that it shifted smoother and was less noisy then the LX on that was on it before. The LX was even ajusted by my LBS. I did the XT, maybe I spent more time and love on it to adjust it properly since it was the first time I did this kind of a job. But maybe the XTs are just that better built. Watcha think? The headset that I have does not even appear to be built by cane creek because it says built for them by IP or LP. Plus when I took the stem off I regreased the headset and it appeared to have worn a bit. Is the King that much better then say a Cane Creek s-8?Also I plan to purchase Avid BB7s and XT & Mavic 717 wheelset. Watcha think?

Anyone???

I highly recommend the disc brake/wheelset upgrade, as those two will make a massive difference in how your bike rides. That is the first upgrade I would do if I were you.

For headsets, the King will last a lot longer, but beyond durability and weight there isn't really a "better." Even a crappy headset will let you turn just fine, it just won't last very long. If you want a headset you can buy and keep putting on new bikes for the next 10-15 years, get a king. If you just want to put a new $30 headset on every 2 years, get some cane creek thing.

The King headset is bling, and not very good value for the money, IMHO. A Cane Creek/FSA/etc. cartridge bearing headset will work just fine, assuming that it is installed and adjusted properly [which goes for any bearing assembly]. I'll second the wheels/brakes upgrade. It will make a huge difference in your riding. I would also upgrade the shift pods to XT if you have the $$. The shifter will make the most difference to how well your bike shifts, assuming your derailleurs aren't damaged/filthy. YMMV.

I just did the wheel/disc brake upgrade on my Trek MTB. I went with Sun RhynoLite wheels and Avid BB7 mechanical discs. About $300, but well worth it in my opinion. Sounds like your selection of wheel/brakes would be good as well.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be doing the rest of the upgrades after Christmas just wanted some feedback. The issue isn't the money but value. The headset I'll probably hold off on, mine still works effectively. I'll get the pods soon and will start looking into the rims shortly after. Thanks again