Gravel road bikes, which play a versatile role both on-road and off-road, have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. Manufacturers are fiercely competing, and it seems that many excellent bikes have come onto the market.

Given this, it's a natural progression for many gravel road bike riders to seek to improve their wheels, not content with complete bikes, to further pursue a ride that aligns with their individuality.

Although the gravel road bike market is booming, it is still in its nascent stages, and information and gravel-specific wheels are not abundant. For such riders, we have acquired valuable information from ICAN about how to choose gravel road wheel sizes, and we want to share it with ICAN fans as soon as possible!

One of the major characteristics of gravel road bikes is their ample tire clearance. The true essence of a gravel road bike lies in how it secures tire clearance while maintaining a structure and geometry that brings out its best qualities.

Large tire clearance allows for riding in various conditions, both on-road and off-road, and especially prevents mud and other debris from getting jammed between the frame and wheels during off-road riding.

To leverage the characteristics of gravel road bikes with various types of tire clearances, you can add an accent to the enjoyment of gravel road biking by utilizing both 700c and 650B wheel sizes on the same frame, and switching between wheels depending on the riding purpose.

Which wheel size to choose, 700c or 650B, depends on your riding style, location, or what kind of adventure ride you want to challenge yourself with.

While standard road bikes are usually equipped with larger 700c wheels, gravel road bikes can use slightly smaller 650B wheels to increase tire air volume and enhance stability.

Let's specifically examine the applications of both wheel types.

For Speed, Choose 700c Gravel Road Wheels

The characteristic of 700c wheels is their large outer diameter, referring to a tire diameter of around 700mm, as the name suggests. Consequently, the distance traveled per pedal rotation is longer, making it easier to maintain speed. In other words, they excel in cruising performance. Additionally, the greater distance between the frame and the ground helps absorb shocks from the road surface.

Furthermore, their larger outer diameter allows them to roll over obstacles and uneven surfaces more smoothly.

For gravel riders who prioritize speed and efficiency, 700c wheels are an ideal choice. With tires typically 35-42mm wide and a large rim diameter, it's possible to achieve high cruising speeds without sacrificing cushioning and comfort on rough terrain.

700c wheels are the most suitable size for gravel racing, offering versatility by adapting to various riding conditions and maintaining speed.

For Tough Riding, Choose 650B Gravel Road Wheels

While most road bikes currently come with 700C tires, many gravel road bikes are equipped with 650B tires, or offer a choice between 700C and 650B.

The characteristic of smaller 650B wheels is that they allow for wider tires with a larger air volume, which can be used at lower pressures. With 650B tires, you can go up to about 47C in width. With this much width, gravel roads, dirt tracks, and trails present no problem at all. They also excel at absorbing shocks from technical uneven surfaces.

Gravel riders who enjoy riding local MTB trails more than road cycling tend to prefer 650B wheels.

With smaller diameter rims and wide tires, you can fully enjoy singletrack while smoothly clearing obstacles like uneven surfaces and tree roots.

Also, 650B wheels are ideal for touring and bikepacking.

Tires with a large air volume, ranging from 40mm to 2.1 inches wide, provide excellent stability when carrying luggage and make climbing easier with a loaded bike.

As explained above, by changing your wheel setup according to your riding scene, you can maximize the enjoyment of gravel road biking and experience an even higher level of pleasure.

What is ICAN's G25 Gravel Road Carbon Wheel?

Here's some exciting news for all of you who always read our blog. It seems that ICAN's long-awaited G25 Gravel Road Carbon Wheels are finally set to be launched in the Japanese market!

It goes without saying that the G25 Gravel Road Carbon Wheels, now decided for release, are an excellent product that incorporates ICAN's accumulated high quality, reliability, and technical prowess to handle diverse situations.

To give a brief introduction to the details, the material used is Toray T700 carbon. The hub is equipped with the latest 6-Pawls Freehub and 72 engagement points. For 650B, tires from 35mm-50mm can be fitted. The weight of the gravel road carbon wheel is 620g for the front and 720g for the rear, totaling 1340g, which is still very lightweight.

It seems that a 700C size will also be available in the lineup.

We truly can't wait for its release.

From gravel races demanding speed to bikepacking rides with luggage, ICAN continues to meet riders' expectations with high reliability, speed, and excellent quality, making them a brand to keep a close eye on.