How to improve the gary fisher utopia

[youngNdum]

OK I have a Gary fisher utopia 2009 stock 29er. I am planing on doing a month on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route starting from the Mexico border. My question is what would you up grade? I know I want new wheels, front fork, new chain, new bar ends, and new brake rotors. Maybe I will replace the cassettes. Am I missing anything? Any ideas. What components would you replace and with what?

[Rob]

Ergon grips, maybe a new saddle if the stock one isn't good for you. 

For the GDR , where there isn't really any technical riding, maybe a Brooks saddle would be nice, I'd get one with the cutout, or a Selle Anatomica.

[youngNdum]

good suggestions keep them coming. I already have brooks saddle so that is taken care of. I wanted to know what people are riding for front forks. rigid or suspension and what models? Also what gear ratios are people riding for this trail?

Thank you

[Rob]

For a front fork, I would chose a Rock Shox Reba, and then send it to Drake Thomas  isotuned@yahoo.com  He can convert it to a coil and it'll be the most reliable fork you could have, plus it will be super plush because it's coil instead of air.  About 125.00(inc parts) to get that done.

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/bike-shop-reviews/38201-isotuned-suspension-aka-drakethomas-threads-merged.html

Rigid would be hard on the body for myself, but it's been done plenty of time. I'd rather have the Reba.  You can lock it out too btw.

If you're going to get anything less than an XT cassette, might as well get the new HG-61 12-36 cassette, but if you want an aluminum carrier, get an XT 11-34.