Looking at those two, the Axis looks more performance oriented, perhaps even something one could race. Of course, one could race the Cross Check also but realizing, it is a heavier bike. On the other hand, the Cross Check is the Jeep/Swiss Army Knife of bikes, can do about anything but like any thing or anyone that can do everything, it is not especially great at any one thing, it's greatness is in that it can do all things. The Cross Check is completely at home with racks, fenders, bottle cages and the newest version has mid fork eyelets up front for a front rack.