Handguards should be the full wrap "bark buster" kind, to save not only the hands but the levers. Shifter and brake pedals can be swapped out to the spring loaded swivel ended ones that fold upon impact. Nothing sucks more than not being able to ride back to the trailhead due to some minor drop bending / breaking a control lever or pedal. Though in a pinch, a rock works well as a hammer/anvil to straighten a lever.