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As the hill climb season approaches, many road bike users are probably considering upgrading their equipment, seeking to be "even lighter, even faster."

Especially in Japan's largest events like the Fuji Hill Climb and Norikura Hill Climb, a "difference of a few hundred grams" can significantly impact times and perceived performance.

Amidst this, popular road bike YouTuber "Manma" released a video showcasing his beloved Specialized Tarmac SL7 customized into a "sub-6kg" race-ready specification.

First, please watch the actual review video.

The core component adopted this time was ICAN's ultra-light carbon wheel, the
AERO 40 II.

In this article, based on the realistic user experience and measured data discussed in the video, we will detail the appeal of the AERO40 II, its design philosophy, and "why it's attracting attention from so many hill climbers" from ICAN's management perspective.

"Over 7kg is too heavy" — The Current State of Hill Climb Equipment Competition

Just a few years ago, a weight in the "low 7kg range" was considered light enough for a road bike.

Especially for a high-end frame like the Specialized Tarmac SL7, a figure around 7kg was an aspirational realm for many cyclists.

However, in the current hill climb scene, that standard has evolved even further.

Thanks to weight reduction technologies for carbon parts and advancements in peripheral components like wheels, cranks, and tires, a weight in the "6kg range" is becoming a realistic goal.

Of course, being merely light is not enough.

What is important for hill climbing is:

• Responsiveness during climbs
• Acceleration performance
• Rigidity
• Stability on descents
• Comfort during long rides

These must be achieved in good balance.

Mr. Manma also aimed not just for weight reduction but for a "race-ready specification that can be used in actual competition" in his video.

The wheel he chose for this was the AERO40 II.

Measured weight of AERO40 II — Reliability beyond mere lightness

What was particularly impressive in this video was the accuracy of the measured weight.

The claimed weight for the AERO40 II front and rear set is 1177g.

The results actually measured by Mr. Manma were:

• Front: 540g
• Rear: 640g
• Total: 1180g

which was a very close figure.

In the road bike industry, it's not uncommon for there to be a difference between catalog weight and actual measured weight.

Especially with ultra-light wheels, stories of them "actually being heavier" are not rare.

The fact that the measured value was almost exactly as claimed was a very pleasing point for us at ICAN.

This is not merely an indicator of a "light wheel," but also a testament to:

• Manufacturing precision
• Carbon layup management
• Quality control system

being stable.

Indeed, weight is an extremely important factor for hill climbers.

Precisely because it's a world where parts are re-evaluated in tens of grams, "is it really that weight?" becomes a crucial point.

The impact of "1177g for 110,000 yen"

One of the biggest reasons the AERO40 II attracts attention is its balance of price and weight.

Generally, carbon wheels in the 1100g range can often cost:

• 200,000 yen range
• 300,000 yen range
• or more

It is not uncommon for wheels to be in this price range.

Of course, these incorporate unique brand technologies and research and development.

However, it's also true that for many riders, they are not "easily affordable."

The AERO40 II was developed with the desire to change such preconceptions.

Mr. Manma also commented in the video that it offers

"the best cost performance,"

which is precisely the direction we were aiming for.

Instead of "high performance = ultra-high price,"

"We want to deliver performance that truly transforms your ride at a more realistic price."

That is ICAN's development philosophy.

Uncompromising Component Configuration

With the AERO40 II, we didn't just pursue weight reduction.

To balance lightness, rigidity, durability, and practical performance, we paid close attention to each component.

40mm Depth x 23mm Inner Rim Width

A 40mm rim depth offers a versatile balance that is easy to handle for:

• Hill climbing
• Flat cruising
• Long rides

Additionally, by adopting a 23mm inner width, compatibility with 28C tires, which are popular nowadays, has been optimized.

This achieves a high level of:

• Stability
• Grip performance
• Comfort
• Rolling performance

all at once.

Lightweight ID91 Hub

The hub used is ICAN's proprietary ID91 hub.

It features a 45T star ratchet internally, enhancing responsiveness and drivetrain efficiency.

Furthermore, as shown in the video, the ratchet part is hollowed out.

It is the accumulation of such detailed weight reductions that contributes to the 1177g weight.

We are committed to the idea of "reducing the overall weight of the wheel," rather than simply making the carbon rim lighter.

Reliable Sapim CX-Ray Spokes

The spokes used are Sapim CX-Ray,
which are highly regarded worldwide.

These are standard spokes adopted by many high-end wheels, offering a combination of lightness, durability, aerodynamic performance, and flexibility.

While spoke strength can be a concern with lightweight wheels, the AERO40 II prioritizes "reliability for actual competition."

The Impact of Losing the Weight of One Smartphone from Your Wheels

The FL50 MAX that Mr. Manma used previously weighed 1395g for the pair.

By switching to the AERO40 II, a weight reduction of 218g was achieved.

A figure of 218g might seem small at first glance.

However, what was very easy to understand in the video was the analogy of

"one smartphone with a case."

Holding an actual smartphone, it feels surprisingly heavy.

That weight disappears from the wheels, which are "rotating bodies."

This has more significance than mere static weight.

Especially in hill climbs,

the lightness of rotating bodies directly impacts the feel during things like:

• Dancing (standing on pedals)
• Re-acceleration
• Responding to gradient changes

Differences arise in the lightness felt the moment you pedal and the responsiveness of the bike.

Differences emerge in the lightness felt the moment you push the pedal and the responsiveness of the bike.

"Practical Performance" Revealed After ~1000km of Riding

When it comes to lightweight wheels,

• Lack of rigidity
• Vulnerable to crosswinds
• Unstable on descents

some people might have such impressions.

However, Mr. Manma actually rode approximately 1000km, including a full circuit of the Izu Peninsula, and evaluated the AERO40 II during that time.

Acceleration Performance and Rigidity

In the video, he provided feedback such as:

"It has good rigidity, and acceleration is very smooth."

We received the following feedback.

There's less of the "unreliability" often associated with lightweight wheels, and you get the sensation that power applied to the pedals is efficiently converted into forward motion.

This is a significant advantage not only for hill climbing but also for flat cruising and high-speed riding.

Stability against Crosswinds

During his test in Izu, he reportedly encountered very strong crosswinds of 18m/s.

A 40mm rim depth is somewhat more affected by wind compared to ultra-light low-profile wheels.

However, in the video, he commented:

"It's not an issue once you get used to it."

We received positive feedback.

In terms of balancing aerodynamic performance and ease of handling, a 40mm rim depth is a very practical choice.

For Even Lighter Weight, There's the "Aeris 40" Option

The AERO40 II used by Mr. Manma this time is an ultra-light specification at 1177g, but ICAN also offers the
Aeris 40 as a model that pursues even greater lightness.

This model features carbon spokes, weighing a mere 1066g.

It is attracting attention from riders who seek the ultimate lightness for hill climb races.

Equipment isn't "magic," but it can be a powerful weapon.

What Mr. Manma said at the end of the video was very striking:

"Even if the equipment gets lighter, in the end, it's up to the human to work hard."

We at ICAN completely agree with this sentiment.

Replacing wheels doesn't suddenly increase leg strength.

However,

• Want to ride faster
• Want to beat my personal best
• Want to conquer difficult climbs

The power of equipment is what boosts that motivation.

The very thought of "I can try harder with these wheels" holds great significance.

The very thought of "I can do better with these wheels" holds great meaning.

As ICAN, we want to continue developing products as a "catalyst" that supports riders' challenges.

Summary: AERO40 II is recommended for these riders

Through this review, we were reminded that the AERO40 II is not just a "low-priced wheel," but rather

"a practical piece of equipment for riders who seriously want to enjoy hill climbing."

We were once again reminded of this.

Specifically,

• Those who want significant weight reduction around 100,000 yen
• Those looking to try ultra-light wheels for the first time
• Those aiming to improve their time at Fuji Hill Climb
• Those who value rigidity as much as lightness
• Those who want high-end performance with cost in mind

This model is highly recommended for you.

Mr. Manma, thank you very much for your wonderful review this time.

All of us at ICAN wish you continued success.

We invite you all to take on new challenges with the AERO40 II.