I have an 06 axis and I like it a lot. I bought it to use as a road bike, I wanted a more relaxed geometry, fatter tires, and more powerful brakes that a typical road bike. In addition to lots of room for bigger tires it is set up for racks and fenders if you want to do some light touring. And finally its got MTB gearing which is great here in CO trying to peddle my fat butt up and down the hills.