When considering how to improve road bike performance, lightening the wheels is the first thing to think about.

In that case, the budget starts at around 60,000 to 70,000 yen, and if you're looking at carbon wheels, you'll be budgeting in the high 100,000 yen range.

When I considered whether there was a better way to get higher performance for less money, I started to become interested in the products of that manufacturer, whose world-class quality completely surpasses the level of "Chinese wheels."

That manufacturer is ICAN.

What kind of company is ICAN?

Among a host of Chinese wheel manufacturers, the fact that ICAN has enthusiastic users worldwide, also produces products under brands other than its own, provides solid long-term warranties, and is UCI certified speaks volumes about the company.

ICAN has a wealth of technical expertise, especially in the manufacturing of carbon products, enabling them to supply high-performance products of stable quality. In the unlikely event of a warranty repair, a contracted store in Japan will handle it, and ICAN will cover the shipping costs.

ICAN's ability to handle consultations and detailed orders via email in Japanese when ordering products, allowing for a semi-custom order experience, is gradually becoming recognized as a hallmark of the company.

Types of ICAN Road Wheels

ICAN road wheels are broadly categorized into five series.

All of them are attractive carbon wheel lineups.

① Alpha Series

When cost performance is the top priority, this series is the first candidate. A wide range of rim depths from 35mm to 86mm are available, and all are priced in the 50,000 yen range (for a set of 2). The fact that they are UCI certified is also impressive.

② FL Series

The FL Series, standing for Fast & Light, is a naming that reflects ICAN's spirit. Rim depths from 40mm to 86mm are available, and the price range is in the 60,000 yen range (for a set of 2). At this price, the spokes used are the renowned Sapim CX-Ray. UCI certified.

③ NOVA Series

The NOVA series offers not only lightweight and stiffness but also comfort, and its side logo is highly praised for being cute. Rim depths of 40mm to 55mm are available. The spokes are Sapim CX-Ray. The price range is between 70,000 and 80,000 yen (for a set of 2).

④ AERO S Series

The main attraction today, the AERO S series, is designed with professional use in mind. Its price point of around 70,000 yen (for a set of 2) for its performance has sent shockwaves through the industry. With rim heights ranging from 35mm to 86mm, and even cyclocross and gravel models in the lineup, the range is comprehensive. Of course, it is a UCI-certified model. We will discuss each size in detail later.

⑤ DT AERO Series

This model is an upgraded version of the AERO S model with DT Swiss hubs. It stands out for its smooth ride and excellent responsiveness. Two grades of DT hubs are available, with prices starting from 80,000 yen for a set of two. UCI certified.

【ICAN Road Wheels Official Website】

Featured ICAN AERO S Model Lineup

The ultra-light AERO S wheels use Toray T700 and T800 carbon materials with the latest layup technology for their rims. All rims are clincher/tubeless compatible, and the rim sides have elegant curves. This not only provides excellent aerodynamic effects but also minimizes the impact of crosswinds.

The hubs are reliable Novatec, and the spokes are Sapim CX-Ray. These spokes are renowned for being hard to break and lightweight, and are a staple high-end spoke used in hand-built wheels. Furthermore, robust Sapim Secure Lock nipples are standard equipment.

① Disc Brake Compatible Wheels

・ AERO 35 Disc

The rim is designed with cyclocross and gravel bikes in mind. The inner rim width is 21.5mm, allowing for wider tires to be installed. It is particularly tough, considering trail use.

・ AERO 40  Disc

With a rim height of 40mm, this wheel offers all-around performance. You can fully experience its capabilities from high-speed rides to mountain trails.

・ AERO 45  Disc

With a rim height of 45mm, when considering an all-rounder, this model might be a tough choice against the 40mm height. With a weight difference of almost 50g per set, this 45mm height might appear attractive if prioritizing the cool aesthetic of an aero wheel.

・ AERO 46  Disc

This is a wider model designed for cyclocross and gravel applications. For trail riding, the lightweight and robust properties of the installed Sapim CX-Ray spokes particularly stand out. The 46mm rim height also contributes to increased stiffness.

・ AERO 50  Disc

If you want to ride at racing speeds, this 50mm height model is highly recommended. The moderately wide rim sides exude the atmosphere of an aero wheel.

・ AERO 55  Disc

Choosing this model gives you a powerful aero look. The weight increase is minimized, and it offers high versatility, making it suitable not only for racing but also for touring.

② Rim Brake Compatible Models

The rim brake models also offer a lineup almost equivalent to the disc models. The brake track uses heat-resistant materials, demonstrating the capability to handle aggressive riding. The descriptions are similar to those of the disc models.

・ AERO S 40

・ AERO S 45

・ AERO S 50

・ AERO S 55

・ AERO S 86

You won't regret choosing any of these wheels. The 2-year long-term warranty is also a point of reassurance.

【ICAN AERO S Official Website】

Finally

A common question about ICAN wheels is, "For that price, aren't they aluminum instead of carbon?" While ICAN does manufacture aluminum rims, their main focus is still carbon. All the wheels introduced here are made of high-quality carbon using Toray materials.

So, please acquire carbon wheels at a reasonable price and enjoy their superb riding performance. ICAN supports your cycling life.

External writer: Furuya-sanⒽ