Hello, this is ICAN. As you ride your sports bike more and more, the idea of upgrading starts to cross your mind. One of the most likely candidates for replacement parts at that time would be the tires/wheels.

Reasons to replace your bike wheels

To power up your current bicycle, weight reduction is paramount. For road bikes, the wheels on entry-level models typically weigh around 1900g for the pair. These wheels usually cost about 10,000 to 20,000 yen. If you upgrade these wheels to a higher grade, you can reduce the weight to at least 1500g to 1600g. Do you think a difference of just 400g is insignificant? However, this is equivalent to the weight of two smartphones! Moreover, it is said that lightening the wheels/tires has twice the effect of lightening the bicycle frame, even for the same amount of weight reduction. Needless to say, if you also choose lighter tires/tubes at this point, the effect will be even greater.

What kind of bicycle wheels are there?

　　　    　2020 50mm　See details

①Differences by purpose and type     

As you know, there are several types of sports bicycles:

・　Road bikes for high-speed riding

・　Cross bikes for casual sports riding

・　MTB (mountain bikes) for mountain trails and rough roads

・　BMX (Bicycle Motocross) for competitive racing

・　Mini velos, compact sports bikes for city riding

While the wheels will vary depending on each type, here we will mainly focus on road bikes.

②Differences by material

The two main types of materials are aluminum and carbon. Aluminum is widely used because it is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and it is both lightweight and strong. Carbon is even lighter and stronger than aluminum, but it is a relatively expensive material.

③Differences in shape

Especially for road bike wheels, there is a wide variety of shapes. Aero wheels with a higher rim depth are becoming more common, with aerodynamics in mind.

　　　     　　AERO 86 　See details

For road bikes, 25mm wide tires, which are said to have low rolling resistance, are becoming mainstream, and wheel rims also tend to be slightly wider than before.

④Differences by compatible tire type

For road bikes, you can choose from three types of tires: clincher, tubeless, and tubular. For MTBs and BMXs, there are two types: clincher and tubeless. Each tire type has dedicated wheels available.

The current mainstream is the easy-to-handle clincher, but the demand for puncture-resistant tubeless tires is also growing, so a wheel that is compatible with both clincher and tubeless is recommended for the future.

⑤Differences by brake type used

As you know, there is a trend for brakes to shift from the current mainstream rim brakes to disc brakes. Each type of brake requires specific wheels. While disc brakes offer overwhelming stopping power, many riders prefer the delicate feel of rim brakes, so it is likely that both will coexist in the future.

⑥Differences in spoke construction

The character of a wheel also changes depending on the material, shape, number, and lacing pattern of the spokes. Furthermore, there are also differences in the hub that supports the center part.

Bicycle Wheel Prices

Wheels are surprisingly expensive parts. ICAN offers a video demonstrating the carbon wheel manufacturing process, which should give you a good understanding of why they are so costly.

Wheel prices vary widely, from around 10,000 yen to 500,000 yen, but when stepping up from an entry-level class, a target price range of approximately 40,000 to 60,000 yen is reasonable. In this price range, many wheel brands primarily offer aluminum rims.

In contrast, ICAN offers carbon rims in the same price range. The fact that many users who choose ICAN continue to use them as their main wheels for a long time demonstrates their high quality and performance.

What makes a good bicycle wheel?

The best wheels for you depend on how you plan to use them. For high-speed cruising, aero wheels with a rim depth of 40mm or more might be ideal. If you enjoy mountain trails, conversely, shallow (thin) wheels would be more suitable. Stiff frames pair well with relatively softer wheels, while softer frames are often matched with stiffer wheels.　

As such, there isn't just one ideal performance characteristic, but ensuring the necessary strength while also being lightweight is non-negotiable.

ICAN's carbon wheels achieve a weight reduction of over 100g compared to aluminum wheels in the same price range, while maintaining high precision. We have also accumulated extensive know-how regarding rigidity and flex, ensuring that our products can be used with confidence.

ICAN Bicycle Wheels Introduction

　　      　　AERO 45 Disc　See details　

① Road Bikes　

・　CBW　　For details on CBW, please check the Classic Series category.

These are ICAN's entry-level carbon wheels. Rim depths from 38mm to 50mm are available. Disc brake versions are also available.

・　Alpha　　For details on Alpha, please check the Alpha category.

These are clincher/tubeless compatible carbon wheels. Rim depths from 40mm to 86mm are available.

・　FL　　　For details on the FL Series, please check the FL category.

These are ICAN's mid-grade carbon models. Rim depths from 40mm to 86mm are available. Disc and G3 models are also available.

・　AERO　　For details on the AERO Series, please check the AERO category.

These are modern-shaped, upper-mid-range carbon models. Rim depths from 35mm to 86mm are available. Disc models are also available.

・　DT　　For details on the DT Series, please check the DT category.

These are high-performance carbon models that showcase ICAN's accumulated expertise. With rim depths from 35mm to 86mm, they can meet a wide range of demands.　

②BMX   

We offer a lineup of various carbon wheels, mainly 20-inch baton carbon wheels for BMX, as well as carbon wheels for mini velos.

Summary

 There's still much more I'd like to discuss, but this time we've focused on the basics of bicycle wheels. To summarize:

• Weight reduction is effective for improving bike performance, and wheel weight reduction is exceptionally impactful.
• You should prioritize cost-effectiveness.
• While many commercial wheels are available, products from reliable manufacturers like ICAN are recommended.

That would be the conclusion.

Our staff at ICAN produce our products envisioning your happy face when ICAN wheels are installed on your beloved bike. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

We will respond with utmost sincerity.

Recommended related bicycle wheel articles

Road Bike Carbon Wheels Are Expensive. Are There Any Benefits to Carbon?

A Thorough Explanation of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Carbon Wheels!

Chinese Carbon Wheel Buying Guide