The new mini velo released by ICAN has already become a hot topic.

The sporty mini velo F1, with its clever features throughout, immediately catches the eye with its aero-shaped frame.

I would like to consider what that implies.

1. ICAN F1 Frame

The ICAN F1 was created with the strong conviction to "make a fast folding mini velo using a carbon fiber frame!" Let's first look at the details of the aero-shaped frame design.

Internal cable routing is immediately apparent. This is still a rare feature for mid-folding frames, and it allows the slim frame to maintain a more stylish appearance.

Pay attention to the construction of the top tube's highlight folding section. Normally, a crude connecting plate would be installed here, but it's absent. This is a crucial area filled with ICAN's expertise to ensure rigidity and durability. In addition, the release lever is neatly embedded, maintaining a flush surface with the frame.

The top tube maintains a slim box cross-section while incorporating a rib-like protrusion on the upper part to ensure rigidity and serve as a design accent. The flat surface on the top gives it a mechanical and powerful impression.

This flow continues to the seat post. The carbon seat post is beautifully aero-shaped.

This is the bottom bracket area. Instead of having a small frontal projection area, viewed from the side, it's evident that it has a sturdy and thick structure. The linear design is reiterated here, continuing into the rear frame. The way the flat surface and delicate arcs connect to the rear hub is truly beautiful, making it easy to imagine the designer's satisfied expression.

The finished frame weighs 1417g. Including the fork, it weighs a light 1754g. Considering the weight handicap of the folding parts, this lightness is attractive.

2. ICAN F1 Parts

The ICAN F1 comes in two grades, with the difference being the wheels and handlebars.

The higher-end model is equipped with ICAN carbon baton wheels and a carbon handlebar, which contribute to weight reduction and serve as a striking accent to the styling.

① Wheels/Tires

The 20-inch wheels use the 406 standard, and for all-around use, they are fitted with slightly wider 1.75-inch slick tires.

If you swap them for tires around 1.25 inches wide, you can enjoy a more nimble ride and contribute to weight reduction. Conversely, if you replace them with knobby tires around 1.75 to 2.00 inches wide, you add a gravel bike element, expanding the range of fields you can ride in.

Let me tell you the complete bike weight.

The baton wheel model weighs 8.92kg, and the aluminum rim model weighs 10.18kg. Both are remarkably light.

② Components

It uses a Shimano SORA 9-speed groupset. The gearing is 53T at the front and 11-34T at the rear.

A 53T front chainring would be serious gearing for a 700C road bike, but it's just right for riding a mini velo sportily. Combined with the wide ratio at the rear, it can cover a wide range of uses, from city riding to touring.

③ Brakes

The brakes use Tektro hydraulic discs. Discs are now considered standard for rainy weather and downhill riding, which will further expand the range of activities for the ICAN F1.

3. The Appeal of the ICAN F1

① The Appeal of Size

20-inch tires/wheels come in two sizes: 451 and 406. These numbers indicate the diameter of the tire's bead (roughly the inner diameter of the tire), with approximately a 5 cm difference in diameter.

A smaller diameter offers the compact convenience of Rinko (bike bag travel), while a larger diameter provides more performance leeway.

The ICAN F1 intentionally adopts the smaller 406 standard.

The reason is none other than the achievement of a design that allows for sufficient performance even with a small diameter. This means that the advantage of easy handling during Rinko travel really shines through.

In fact, once you get your hands on an ICAN F1, you'll surely want to get a bike travel bag and take it on a train for distant adventures. Of course, Rinko has a long history with 700C road bikes, but when it comes to ease of transport and assembly, and overall casualness, mini velos are now unmatched.

② The Appeal of Performance

Commonly cited drawbacks of mini velos include unstable straight-line stability, short coasting distance, and difficulty crossing bumps.

To conclude, you'll hardly ever experience these drawbacks.

Regarding straight-line stability, considerable improvement is possible through geometry and other design aspects, and in the case of the ICAN F1, it's not a concern.

Coasting distance is certainly shorter compared to 700C, but you'll only notice the difference after riding for long distances.

Overcoming bumps is a concern, but it's the same for 700C bikes. For any sport bike leaning towards road cycling, care is needed with bumps. As for pinch flats, mini velos might even require less caution, thanks to their thicker tires.

Therefore, overall, for mid-distance touring, you probably won't feel much dissatisfaction with its performance. On the contrary, the quick acceleration is a strength of mini velos, making them feel unbeatable in cities with frequent stops and starts.

③ The Appeal of Storage Space

It's often said that mini velo owners somehow end up with more bikes. This is because when folded, they can be stored in less than half the space of a regular bike.

It's also a common story that the trunk of a car gradually becomes a storage space.

Being able to drive to a destination, switch to a mini velo, and explore the surroundings can further enrich your life.

4. ICAN F1 Riding Impressions

I've compiled feedback from people who have test-ridden it:

• Light and fast, excellent acceleration, easily reaches cruising speed
• Performance is comparable to a cross bike
• Surprisingly rigid, doesn't feel like riding a small bike
• Nimble lane changes, fun to ride
• Smooth and comfortable ride

That seems to be the consensus.

Regarding durability, which is a concern, it has undergone thorough in-house durability testing, symbolized by the two-year frame warranty.

5. Conclusion

The enthusiasm for mini velos is growing within ICAN, and their value as a second or third bike is outstanding.

However, due to the recent overheated global bicycle boom, a general shortage of products continues in the market, and this is not limited to complete bicycles. Components, and even genuine brake pads, are affected.

ICAN is also concerned about this and strives to produce products with the best possible supply system in mind.

Amidst this situation, the F1 model was able to secure inventory and be released as a new model.

Why not start your mini velo life by utilizing ICAN's direct sales system, which allows for communication regarding comments during the order process?

For more details on the ICAN F1 folding bike, click here → F1

【Reference Article】

Carbon wheels: the key to improving mini velo performance