1. Introduction: The criteria for choosing wheels have already changed

Welcome to the ICAN official blog.

In the world of road and gravel bikes, the criteria for evaluating wheels have changed significantly in recent years.

While "lightness" and "stiffness" were once emphasized, the following factors are now also considered important:

• Integrated design with tires (optimized inner rim width)
• Stability of tubeless operation
• Hookless/hooked design philosophy
• Safety in real-world riding conditions
• Reliability for long-term use

In particular, while the widespread adoption of hookless rims has led to advancements in weight reduction and aerodynamic performance, it has also increased concerns among riders regarding "safety" and "compatibility."

Amidst this, the FL40 Max, which we introduce today, is ICAN's clear answer.

This is not merely a "conventional wheel," but a redesigned hooked-rim wheel optimized for the modern era of wide tires.

2. FL40 Max Concept: Design philosophy that blurs the lines between road and gravel

The development concept of the FL40 Max is very simple.

"A single wheelset that can safely deliver high performance on both road and gravel."

This philosophy is based on actual riding environments, not merely a competition of specifications.

In particular, the following three points are central to the design:

• Balancing lightness and stiffness
• Optimizing tire profile
• Ensuring a safety margin in real-world riding

As a result, the FL40 Max has been perfected as a "versatile wheel" capable of handling everything from races to long rides and gravel.

3. Technical Specifications: Design balance for practical performance

The main specifications of the FL40 Max are as follows:

• Rim height: 40mm
• Outer rim width: 30mm
• Inner rim width: 23mm
• Weight: Claimed 1,350g / Actual 1,280g
• Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray (24H)
• Hubs: ICAN D28 (sealed bearings)
• Construction: Hooked tubeless compatible

Of particular note is its lightweight of 1,280g (actual measurement).

Considering a 40mm rim height, gravel-compatible rim, and hooked construction, this weight is highly competitive.

It falls within the "realistic lightweight zone" that can handle everything from hill climbs to high-speed cruising.

4. The essence of hooked rims: Why are they necessary now?

While hookless rims, which have become mainstream in recent years, offer many advantages, they also present the following challenges:

• Compatibility restrictions with tire manufacturers
• Strict tire pressure management
• Concerns about bead retention
• Psychological risks during actual riding

The FL40 Max provides a clear solution to these issues.

■ Wide tire compatibility

The hooked construction allows compatibility with many 28-45mm tires.

The lack of manufacturer restrictions and high degree of user choice are significant advantages.

■ Stable bead retention performance

Bead retention is stable at both high and low pressures, providing a sense of security especially during gravel riding.

■ Reduced real-world riding risks

It reduces the risk of rim problems even in environments with many bumps and impacts, increasing reliability for long-distance rides.

5. Setup: User-friendly design

For testing, 30mm tires were installed and operated tubeless.

The impression during setup was very good:

• Smooth bead seating
• Easy initial inflation with a floor pump
• Sealant quickly settles
• Stable air retention

"Ease of use" is a common feature across all ICAN wheels, but with the FL40 Max, its perfection has been further enhanced.

6. Riding Impressions: Overall Performance on Road and Gravel

■ Crusing performance (road)

The 40mm rim offers an excellent balance of aerodynamics and stability.

At cruising speeds of 28-32 km/h, it can maintain speed with less output, and it has a characteristic of reducing fatigue during long rides.

■ Stiffness and acceleration performance

There's a very direct feeling of acceleration when dancing or sprinting.

However, it's not excessively stiff; there's a moderate amount of flexibility remaining, which helps to reduce leg fatigue during long rides.

■ Gravel performance

The 23mm inner width optimizes the profile of 30-40mm tires.

As a result:

• Improved road-holding ability
• Stable traction
• Increased confidence on rough surfaces

are clearly enhanced.

7. Hub performance: Design prioritizing practicality

The ICAN D28 hub boasts smooth rotation and excellent coasting performance.

It is also easy to maintain, designed for long-term use.

Furthermore, its simple structure ensures excellent durability, making it suitable for a wide range of uses from training to racing.

8. Design: Perfection as functional beauty

The FL40 Max features a matte black finish, giving it a simple yet luxurious appearance.

The holographic logo changes its expression depending on the angle of light, creating a subtle yet strong presence.

Although it tends to get dirty in gravel environments, this also adds to its charm as "proof of real-world riding."

9. Competitive comparison: FL40 Max's position

Compared to other wheels in its class, the FL40 Max is in a very balanced position:

• More practical than ultra-light models
• More comfortable than ultra-stiff models
• Significantly better cost performance than high-end brands

In other words, the FL40 Max is not a "wheel specialized in one area," but a wheel that integrates all elements to a practical level.

10. Overall Assessment: Who is it best suited for?

The FL40 Max is ideal for riders who:

• Are concerned about the safety of hookless rims
• Want to use one wheelset for both road and gravel
• Are looking for lightweight and practical wheels
• Prioritize a balance of cost and performance

This is not an entry-level model, but a race-ready all-rounder wheel.

11. Evolution: From FL40 Max to FL40 II

And there's an important update.

The FL40 Max has already evolved into the next-generation model, the FL40 II.

The FL40 II incorporates the following improvements:

• Further weight reduction through optimized rim structure
• Redesigned stiffness balance
• Improved acceleration response
• Enhanced long-distance comfort

In other words, while maintaining the "security and balance" perfected in the FL40 Max,
it has evolved into a lighter and more refined modern specification.

12. Conclusion: ICAN's Answer to Modern Wheels

The ICAN FL40 Max is not just a product.

It is a clear message to the modern wheel market:

• Safety
• Lightness
• Practicality
• Cost-performance

It's a model that has proven it can achieve all of these.

And the FL40 II is the next-generation answer that further evolves this philosophy.

ICAN is not just a wheel manufacturer.

It is a,

"brand that redefines the real riding experience itself"

.