Hello, cyclists!

The wheel market is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation. While high-end brands costing hundreds of thousands of yen reign supreme, discerning cyclists are increasingly turning their attention to **"ICAN,"** a brand that has established a global reputation.

This time, we will thoroughly dissect ICAN's latest disc brake wheel, the **"FL 38 Max."** We will honestly review "why ICAN now?" and "the true value of a 'hooked rim' that goes against the hookless trend pushed by major brands."

1. The Unboxing Ceremony: Numerical Proof of "Reliability"

The moment you open the box, you can feel ICAN's dedication. In addition to careful packaging, the included **"Individual Test Report"** is particularly noteworthy.

• Serial Management: Each individual unit undergoes strict quality control.

• Handwritten Values: Actual measured values for spoke tension and other parameters are recorded, providing reassurance that it's not just "made and shipped."

• 2-Year Warranty: Despite being an overseas brand, the long-term warranty is a significant appeal.

2. Why "Hooked Rims" Now, Specifically?

What I want to emphasize most in this review is ICAN's unwavering commitment to **"Hooked Rims."**

Recent high-end brands (such as Zipp and Enve) advocate for "hookless" rims to reduce manufacturing costs and weight. However, let me be clear: **"For the average rider, hookless rims come with risks."**

Reasons why Hooked Rims are chosen

• Wide range of tire choices: Both clinchers and tubeless tires can be used freely.

• Capable of high-pressure operation: Extremely low risk of tire detachment or blowout while riding.

• Overwhelming sense of security: The reliability of "won't break, won't detach" leads to the best performance on descents.

3. Specs and Quality: The "Golden Ratio" of 38mm Depth

The first impression upon holding them was, **"They're unbelievably light!"**

The Rationality of Deliberately Using "Alloy Spokes"

This model deliberately uses **alloy spokes** instead of carbon spokes.

While carbon spokes are lighter, they carry a higher risk of damage in a crash and are difficult to repair. This choice is highly rational for "everyday use," from daily commuting to racing and even gravel riding, where you don't have to worry about them.

4. Build Quality: Craftsmanship Shines in Tension Management

The life of a wheel lies in the uniformity of its spoke tension.

Upon checking the FL 38 Max, there was absolutely no "wobble" or "tension variation" often found in inexpensive wheels. The consistent sound when flicking the spokes with a finger speaks to the high precision.

5. Real-World Feel: One Wheel for Road to Gravel.

The 38mm rim depth is truly a **"golden ratio."**

• Hill Climbing: Overwhelming lightness provides a pedaling sensation of being freed from gravity.

• Flat Cruising: The 38mm aero effect supports acceleration from speeds above 30km/h.

• All-Road: The disc brake specific design covers a wide range of bikes, from racing machines like the Tarmac to gravel bikes.

6. Conclusion: Is a Brand Logo Worth an Extra 200,000 Yen?

Through this review, I keenly realized that **"ICAN has long since passed the 'cheap and bad' stage."**

It's not that Zipp or Enve are bad. However, when faced with the build quality, the safety of hooked rims, and the astonishing lightness offered by the FL 38 Max, one has to question how smart a choice it is to pay an extra 200,000 yen for a brand logo.

    Recommended for:

1. Those who feel uneasy about hookless rims

2. Those who want to climb hills easily with a lightness in the 1300g range

3. Those who prioritize "practical performance" over brand name

4. Those who want one wheelset for everything from racing to gravel

The ICAN FL 38 Max is sure to make your cycling life safer and dramatically faster.

【Important】The evolved "2nd Generation (FL 40 II)" is here!

Here's some news you can't miss. The FL Max series has now been updated to the eagerly anticipated 2nd generation.

• Towards Ultimate Lightness: The already lightweight rim has been further refined, achieving even greater weight reduction.

• Refined Visuals: The logo design and surface finish have evolved to be even more stylish.

• Overwhelming Design: It has achieved a beauty that perfectly matches everything from the latest aero frames to classic slender frames.