If you want to go rigid with your 29er hardtail, like the Air 9 RDO, the best 15mm Maxle-equipped RDO Fork is the way to go. This tapered 1.5 to 1 1/8th fork is light, stiff, and eats up vibration and trail noise. The massive tire clearance provided will make a 2.4 inch width tire look small, and the integrated 15mm axle set-up allows you to run a 180mm front disc brake rotor. You can truly match the control of the drop out/hub interface with superb braking. Not that you want to use the brakes, but sometimes you just have to.

At 580 grams (uncut steerer), this carbon beauty will shave off about a pound and half versus the lightest suspension forks. If you are an XC trail racer or rider and you love to improve your skills while reducing overall bike weight, this fork is for you. Remember, you can run a large volume, wide tire up front for suspension with maximum grip and control. And you will become a better rider as well, with confidence you can carry back to your suspension rides. There is no weight limit on this fully integrated carbon fork so you can stop worrying about that pre-ride pancake breakfast and post-ride double cheesburger.