Verdict on the Axess Creed CF Pro test
Das Axess Creed CF Pro punktet mit gutem Fahrverhalten, vielseitigem Zweifach-Antrieb und starkem Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis. Knapp zehn Kilo Gewicht und Details wie die schwache Sattelstützenklemmung trüben den Eindruck etwas.
Data and facts about the Axess Creed CF Pro
| Weight | 9.93 kg |
| Drivetrain | Shimano GRX RD-RX820 |
| Front brake | Shimano GRX ST-RX 610 / BR-RX 400 |
| Wheelset | Alexrims GX5 |
| Front tire | WTB Riddler TCS TR 45-622 |
Measurements
You can find all measurements here
A no-name bike at a competitive price
Axess? Have you ever heard of this bike brand? Neither had we. It’s actually Lucky Bike’s own brand. With its headquarters in Bielefeld, the company sells bikes in all shapes and colours across 40 branches throughout Germany and via its online shop – all at rock-bottom prices. In other words: if you couldn’t care less about big-name manufacturers, brand history and image, you’ll find the Axess Creed CF Pro an exciting option. Or, as Lucky Bike puts it: “Bikes for Everyday Athletes”. We were keen to see how this budget-busting gravel bike would fare against the already fiercely priced competition in our test.
A solid framework, a few money-saving tips
The results from our test lab show that building a bike that is stiff, stable and comfortable all at once is no longer a mystery. Accordingly, the measurements confirm that the Axess’s Chinese-made frame delivers solid performance and well-designed geometry. Only upon closer inspection does one spot a few shortcuts. Take, for example, the somewhat old-fashioned cable routing. Or the seat tube clamp: whilst it is discreetly integrated into the frame, it does not clamp the seat post securely enough. As for the basic brake discs – essentially stamped sheet metal – Lucky Bike isn’t the only brand to fit them. Radon and Canyon also cut corners here. Nevertheless, it’s astonishing what you get for this competitive price.
Sturdy, rigid, comfortable, not exactly light
The dark frame in the colour ‘Burgundy Pearl’ looks high-quality and is well-finished. The Creed is the only bike in the test line-up to feature a double chainring. This gives the bike 24 finely graduated gears. In other words: you can slip on a large chainring and cover some distance, whilst on some single-chainring set-ups your legs would already be spinning like a hummingbird’s wings. However, the two chainrings and front derailleur add to the weight, as do the robust aluminium wheels. In the end, the Creed comes in at just under ten kilograms. Only the Canyon Grizl is heavier, breaking the ten-kilo mark. For a modern gravel bike, that’s already the pain threshold.
Lucky Bike states that the Creed has a maximum permissible weight of 110 kilos. We say: the frame is so stiff that even super-heavyweights have nothing to worry about.
Stowaway
The Creed slips in amongst its significantly more expensive rivals like a stowaway, without drawing attention to itself. And we mean that as a compliment. The bike impresses with its balanced geometry, smooth handling and a comfortable cockpit – though a little more flare on the handlebars would improve the ergonomics when braking. The manufacturer sees its main use as being on field and gravel tracks rather than off-road. But the Creed can handle rough terrain too. The frame and geometry cope well with roots and scree. Those who like to venture onto technical singletrack can also fit 50-millimetre tyres. These provide noticeably greater comfort thanks to increased damping. In short: a well-rounded package at a bargain price!
Conclusion by Madeleine Demel, BIKE tester
A stylish carbon frame, pleasant handling, well-balanced geometry, a two-speed drivetrain – if you’re looking for an affordable gravel bike for both road and off-road riding, the Creed from Lucky Bike is the one for you. Great value for money!
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
