I'm curious to know how it has changed with its evolution.

I'd like to clarify the differences and how much the price varies.

Then, I will consider which one is better from my perspective as the author.

By the way, there's no忖度 (undue consideration) here.

■Old and new series of alpha series wheels

First, the wheels have been updated. The conventional product was the "Alpha series," and the new product is the "Alpha pro series."

"Pro" is quite an appealing name.

However, it's not about the name, but what's inside.

I'd like to compare them thoroughly.

■Specifications Comparison

Let's compare the specification tables.

First, we will compare "Alpha40" and "Alpha40pro".

You can check them on this page.

Since comparing various pages can be difficult, I've also pasted a comparison of the specification tables here.

The one simply labeled "Alpha" is for rim brakes, and the one labeled "Disc" is for disc brakes.

Both have a wide range of sizes.

A height of 86mm, for example, has quite a presence.

Both the old and new models are carbon road bike wheel sets.

Both sizes are 700C, which is standard. They seem highly versatile.

Both have a height of 40mm.

The "40" in "Alpha40" or "Alpha40pro" seems to indicate the height.

Knowing this, it should be easy to find the one you want.

If that's the case, I'm even more curious about the difference between the "plain" and "pro" versions.

The hubs and spokes are the same.

The number of spokes and tension are also the same.

The nipples are also the same.

I found a difference.

It's the product weight.

The "plain" version has a total front and rear weight of 1530 ± 20g.

The "pro" version weighs 1421 ± 20g.

The difference is 109g!

Considering that it's 109g lighter, the overall weight has decreased by 7%.

While being lighter is a great thing, a lighter weight means less material is used.

I find myself wondering if a 7% reduction in overall material is really okay.

However, both the "plain" and "pro" versions have the same weight limit of 115kg.

I infer that this was achieved through design improvements.

A 7% weight reduction is quite an achievement.

To give you an idea of how difficult it is, it's like a 60kg person losing 4.2kg.

I hope that conveys how challenging it is.

Moreover, it's cool that they didn't just aim for lightness, but "aimed for weight reduction while considering sufficient practicality, rather than simply pursuing lightness."

I would also like to look at the price difference.

As of a certain day in September 2022, the price for the "plain" version is 75,000 yen, and the "pro" version is 84,000 yen.

The price difference is 9,000 yen.

Whether this is expensive or cheap is a matter of personal values.

For the average person, 100g might not be that important.

However, some professionals might consider it a bargain to get 100g lighter for a 9,000 yen difference.

*Prices are examples.

Prices may change during sales periods.

Please note this in advance.

Now, I have summarized the weights of each series in a table.

You can see that they are all lighter.

In all cases, the weight limit has not changed.

This is undoubtedly an evolution.

■The advantages of the alpha series wheels

The highlight of this wheel series is the material.

TORAY T700 carbon fiber is used.

After all, for us Japanese, "Made in Japan" means a certain level of reliability.

Also, I am a rim brake user, but the rims inevitably get damaged.

The brake track gets hot, but the heat resistance of the brakes, a weakness of carbon wheels, has been improved.

Disc brake users are free from scratches, which is enviable.

All models can use both clincher and tubeless tires.

And the reassuring factor, I believe, is the "2-year warranty."

However, ICAN is an overseas company.

What about shipping costs if repairs are done at an overseas factory?

Since it's clearly stated, "ICAN is responsible for any product troubles that occur during normal use. We will repair or replace them in Japan or at our headquarters at our shipping expense," I believe it's a truly reassuring 2-year warranty.

In terms of quality, "UCI certification" can also be mentioned.

For the general public, UCI might not be a familiar term, but in Japanese, it's translated as "Union Cycliste Internationale" (International Cycling Union).

In simple terms, consider it an international organization that manages major competitions.

Being certified by them means that the quality is sufficient for use in those races.

It's not something you can achieve overnight.

Ultimately, I believe you are the one who will make the most critical judgment.

Please take them in your hands, install them on your beloved bike, and experience them for yourself to make your decision.

External Writer: Koichi Okuno

▲List of ICAN Alpha Series shipped from Japan warehouse