Ok so I'm planning to go with some friends on some downhill trails. The trails aren't too crazy or anything from what I've been told. I need to buy a bike though. Haven't rode one in quite a while. Never done any downhill trail stuff, just normal kid stuff. Riding long distances and cruising through town.

So I'm completely new to this. My friend told me to get a used freeride bike. What should I be looking out for? Keep in mind I also want to do some distance stuff. A freeride bike would be fine for that too right? I mean it's not made for it but it'll work right?

Also all helmets are pretty much the same right? I'm not gonna need anything weird? Gonna hopefully be doing the downhill stuff semi often. Don't wanna die like a retard.