The bag itself is handsome, sturdy and a great design, although, empty it is quite heavy.  The wheels are not on a real axle, however, but rather a sort of individual mini plastic axle, one on each side. My husband and I  each purchased one of these bags.  Both bags had irreparably broken wheels within a few uses. Too heavy to carry, it is a disaster to have this on a trip expecting that it will roll.  Instead you will find yourself holding a wheel with a fractured axle in your hand wondering how you will get through the rest of your travels with a bag  that will no longer roll and is too heavy to carry.