With recent health trends and the impact of COVID-19, demand for bicycles continues to rise, with sales in Japan increasing by 20% compared to the previous year, showing strong growth.

Among these, gravel road bikes are said to be experiencing particularly strong momentum.

Gravel road bikes are like a "two-way player" in the cycling world, combining the cruising ability of a road bike with the robust nature of an MTB that excels on rough terrain. They are incredibly popular as companions that can be taken anywhere, regardless of whether it's on-road or off-road.

Today, I'd like to introduce the appeal of gravel road bikes and the gravel road bikes that ICAN has been releasing since last year.

What is a Gravel Road Bike?

Gravel road bikes originated in the United States and are long-distance road bikes primarily designed for riding on both dirt (gravel) roads and paved roads.

In countries with vast land like the United States, not all roads are paved as they are in Japan, and there are many unpaved roads such as gravel roads.

These bikes were developed to meet the need for enjoyable and functional transportation even on such challenging road conditions, similar to road bikes.

Gravel road bikes are characterized by high vibration absorption and robust design to ensure stable riding on rough terrain, allowing comfortable long-distance travel on both dirt and paved roads.

If cyclocross, a type of off-road cycling, leans more towards MTBs, gravel road bikes can be said to lean more towards road bikes.

What's the difference from cyclocross?

Gravel road bikes are often confused with cyclocross bikes, but cyclocross bikes are primarily drop-handlebar type bicycles that meet race regulations and are equipped with 700C wheels and tires with a width of 33mm or less.

A characteristic of cyclocross bikes is that the top tube is designed to be more parallel to the ground. This is to make them easier to carry over obstacles and to reduce weight when participating in races.

On the other hand, gravel road bikes are designed with high vibration absorption and a robust structure to ensure stable riding on rough terrain, such as dirt roads, allowing comfortable long-distance travel on both dirt and paved roads.

Gravel road bikes are very convenient for commuting!

If you think that gravel road bikes are strong on rough terrain and easy to ride, but you're not interested in off-road riding and it doesn't apply to you, that's a big mistake. In fact, they are best suited for daily commuting.

The main reasons for this are:

・Thick tires provide excellent stability and are resistant to punctures!

・Equipped with disc brakes, making them strong against sudden rain and other bad weather conditions!

・Wide handlebars allow for comfortable, long-duration rides in a relaxed posture!

・Can carry a lot of luggage!

And many other advantages besides these.

I've experienced it myself: what's scariest about cycling to work is getting a flat tire on the way, right?

If you get a flat, you'll be late for work, and it's a hassle to deal with.

Road bikes are fast, which is great, but their thin tires are susceptible to external factors like hitting debris, making them prone to punctures.

In this respect, gravel road bikes maintain a certain level of rideability, and their thick tires make them puncture-resistant, so long commutes of tens of kilometers become much less of a burden.

There's also concern that the brakes might not work well in sudden changes of weather, like rain, but since they're equipped with disc brakes, they offer strong stopping power, allowing you to ride with peace of mind.

With few worrying factors and the ability to get moderate fitness just by switching to cycling for commuting, it's a highly optimal bicycle for anyone considering using it for their daily commute.

ICAN proudly introduces the X-Gravel (Gravel Bike)!

In the hot gravel road market, the X-Gravel (gravel bike) is the bicycle that ICAN proudly launched last year.

The X-Gravel (gravel bike) has received high acclaim as a bicycle that ICAN thoroughly pursued to meet the needs of riders.

Now, let me introduce its five main outstanding features.

① Durability and vibration absorption that can withstand any rough road, pursuing ride comfort

The body is reinforced with Toray T700 carbon fiber, resulting in a very stiff frameset.

By adopting a BSA bottom bracket area, it ensures that all power is reliably transmitted to the road, allowing for very fast progress. It also boasts excellent vibration absorption performance, simultaneously pursuing ride comfort.

② Expandability in tire size

Gravel road bikes can be broadly categorized into those leaning more towards off-road or more towards road bikes, depending on the size of the tires fitted.

With 700C wheels, there's compatibility up to 50C, making it a significant feature that you can change them according to your purpose and preference.

③ Pursuit of usability with many eyelets

The X-Gravel (gravel bike) is designed more for long-term touring than for short races. Therefore, in addition to being easy to bike pack, it offers flexible adaptation to various riding environments, from paved roads on sunny days to muddy paths on rainy days.

It features seven eyelets for attaching cycle carriers, which is very useful for mounting side bags and other items for long-distance touring. It also provides peace of mind when you have a lot of luggage during your commute.

④ Strong braking power with disc brake compatibility

As you know, disc brakes are less prone to clogging with gravel and mud when riding in the rain. Additionally, due to the larger tire diameter, stability during riding is increased compared to road bikes, eliminating worries about slipping even on wet surfaces.

Even beginners considering buying a road bike can ride it with peace of mind.

⑤ Rich color variations and ultra-lightweight

There are 5 options for frame colors.

From understated black to vivid pink, and even bold chameleon colors, you can express your individuality. The design is also highly praised.

Furthermore, the total weight of the frameset is only 1466g, making it ultra-lightweight.

(The fork is 395g, and the frame body is 1071g.)

Summary

Whether you buy a gravel road bike as a second bike, or as your first bike for commuting and school, then take it on short tours on weekends – it’s all good.

Gravel road bikes infinitely expand possibilities with their comfort and off-road capability.

When purchasing a gravel road bike, please consider ICAN's X-Gravel (gravel bike)!

By changing the frame, create your own unique bike.

You will definitely not regret it.