I think the tubes on then newer ones are shaped more, i.e. the square-end on the top tube and curved seat stays. The build quality is very good and I think comparable to the ones made in Italy. The welds are nicely filed. Personally, I like the wheelsets better and they are generally lighter than what can be built at a shop (unless you special order very expensive parts). I do like the RaceFace cranks that came with the older Axis. I bought a used set of them and they're great. It was tough finding a 103mm BB for it though. All I could find was a $60 Dura-Ace 7410.