Manitou Axel Super with lockout 2003 model

Manitou's UK importer are Raw Experience they can be contacted on +44 (0)131 440 2010

Disc Brakes
The maximum size Hope discs that can be used on the Manitou Axel range is 160mm, and models that can be used are either the Mini, Mono Mini or the C2 as the Mono M4 and Mono Ti 6-pot are just to powerful for the forks, and will invalidate the warranty on these forks.

For the Axel's you will need to get the following setup from your dealer. (The below information is taken from Hope's Technical Website)
 

Frame/Fork Mount	Caliper Model	Disc Size	Caliper No.	Adaptor if required
Front Manitou Post Mount (Hayes - 74mm)	C2	165	9:74	Not Required
Front Manitou Post Mount (Hayes - 74mm)	Mini	165	9:74	Not Required

I cannot advise the setup for other disc brake manufacturers as I'm only using Hope, but if you give RAW a ring they should be able to advise you.

Spring Ratings
One of the problems with the axel is that they are under sprung and an upgrade to the manitou firm ride kit is required and increasing the travel to 100mm has reduced bottoming out on hard hits.
 

Axel	Rider Weight	Recommended Spring Kit
	100-150lbs	Soft ride kit (Part #85-4826)
Standard Set-Up	150-170lbs	Medium ride kit (Part #85-4827)
	170 plus lbs	Firm ride kit (Part #85-4828

Changing the travel to 100mm
As I explained in my review of these forks, Manitou made a cock-up with the instructions they supplied for converting the travel from the standard 80mm to 100mm.

After phoning RAW Experience and speaking to one of the guys who work there, he explained that the instructions that where sent out with the forks are useless. He then told me exactly what I needed to do. So I will explain the process here.

• Changing the travel form 80mm to 100mm or vice versa requires the removal of the lower legs
• Remove the rebound adjuster knob with a 2mm hex wrench (bottom right hand fork as seen from the riders position, Axel Elite and Super models only).
• Next unthread (clockwise to loosen) the 8mm and 4mm bolts on the bottom of the fork and pull the lowers free from the uppers.
• Remove the circlip and rubber grommet on the bar that enters the bottom of the left leg (as seen from the riders position) this will allow the bar to enter the upper legs. (figure 9)
• Turn the Preload knob so that it removes the preload from the spring.
• Remove the Preload adjuster knob by unscrewing the 2mm hex bolt. (figure 4)
• Using a 20mm socket remove the rest of the Preload adjuster (figure 7) and remove the spring. (figure 5)
• The bar that you released earlier will now drop out.
• Move the circlip to the only other position on this bar. (figure 10)
• Now reassemble the forks in the reverse order of dissembling. Make sure that you apply some more grease to everything.

and there you have it, your forks now have 100mm of travel