Axess Creed CF Pro review: What does this carbon gravel bike offer for 1,800 euros?

​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 40 branches across Germany and an online shop, the Bielefeld-based company sells bikes in all shapes and colours – at rock-bottom prices. In other words, if you couldn’t care less about big-name manufacturers, brand history and image, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Axess Creed CF Pro An exciting proposition. 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 tough field of competitors 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 half-measures. 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 is by no means 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 in a positive way. 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 their increased cushioning. In short: a well-rounded package at a bargain price! The bike is available here, for example.

Conclusion by Madeleine Demel, 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!