Best all suspension bike for 2009 ?

I hear the contenders are Specialized and Cannodale...
Can anyone shed some light on the subject ?

This is a good question, but there really is no one answer.

First of all, full suspension bikes are built for a variety of purposes. Do you want a XC (cross country), an epic ride bike, a downhill bike, a dirt jumper or what? The "best" bike for XC racing is going to be very different from the best bike for free ride.

Secondly, do you want to race? Racing bikes are lighter, but take more maintenance to keep up. If you want the lowest maintenance, you aren't going to want a racing oriented bike.

Thirdly, what kind of suspension design feels best to you? There are a variety of suspension designs on the market. The "best" suspension design is the one that feels best to you given how you want to use the bike. To find the best suspension design for you means you need to get on lots of bikes and just ride them.

Fourthly, what kind of frame material do you want? If you can wreck a bike on the weekend and buy a new one on Monday, you may want to consider a carbon frame. Otherwise, I'd stick with aluminum.

Finally, what is your budget? If you have $2000.00 to spend there is no point in considering $10000.00 bikes.

Anyhow, Specialized and Cannondale do make some great bikes, but there are plenty of other makers to consider, as well.

Hope this helps.

i would have to say a cannondale scalpel it is one of the best bikes i've ever seen and it has everything. i prefer the frame color of the scapel 4 but the scaple team is nice but the rear shock is some company i never heard of so i would go with the scapel 1

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/...

If I had to choose a single manufacturer of the "best" full suspension rigs I would go with Iron Horse. Their downhill and epic stuff is legendary, and their XC is easily on par with any other company.

check out the ibis mojo sl it's awesomely sweet