After just a couple of rides I can say that a new fork will be on my list of upgrades for next year. I weigh 150 lbs. and this fork (Manitou Axel Elite 100mm) seems to just barley handle my weight - real soft fork. I haven't bottomed out yet but I'm new to mountain biking and I foresee it happening once I'm a bit more experienced. There is a small plastic adjustment knob on the bottom of the fork but it doesn't seem to have much on the stiffness - is there anything else I can do to stiffen the fork a bit?

Thanks!!

Do as I did. get a new and stiffer spring. I have the Axel Comp, and weigh 185pounds, so the standard spring was way to soft.
Think its called firm ride kit.

I too have this oh so amazing fork. I heard something about getting a new spring. Where do I obtain it? Is it direct from manitou? How'd you get yours?

I got a '03 Manitou Six Sport (yep scarry)

I know you can get the springs i just dunno where to get it. Any ideas?

LBS doesn't know?

I have the Axel elite on my bike and I was thinking it was kinda squishy, glad to know it wasn't just me and my fat butt.

The shop where you bought the bike should be able to order it for you. Figure on it costing about $40 for new springs. It's well worth it!

Don't rember the name of the webshop where I bought it.. I'm currently going through all my papers to find the invoice for it..
I'll get back to you when I find it..

While you wait, you might want to check out this adress
https://www.bestwebbuys.com/bikes/index.cfm
Search for manitou, axel, ride kit or whatever. might find something there.
This was where I found my online store..

SUCCESS!!!
I got my spring at www.bikeparts.com.
Think they have springs and tuning parts for almost every single different fork out there..

Thanks for the help. I'll definitely be bookmarking this site. Just to confirm is this what I should be purchasing? https://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?ID=AP855241

That's the one I got. So as long as your fork is a 2003 or 2004 model, it should fit.
one more thing, seem to remember that there is one axel comp with 80mm travel and one with 100mm travel. Mine is the 80mm one. som check that too before you buy anything.

great, thanks a lot for the help. Its great when you have bikeforum members willing to help someone out with the same problem they once had.

I got an axel something, it came stock on my '05 tassajara. It seems to be fine for me...maybe I just don't know. Hmm? I'm 6'2" 220lbs.

If you feel that it is ok for you, than stick with it..
I got tired of bottoming out my fork on every bump on the trail.. and personally I think the spring update on my fork was perfect.
But once again, If you like your fork the way it is, keep it that way.