― 500km Real-World Test. Long Impression Review Based on Influencer Video ―

This article organizes and supplements the real-world impressions and evaluation points based on the content of the
ICAN FL50 MAX Real-World Review video by road bike influencer "Manma no Douga."
For riding scenes and subtle nuances, please also watch the full video.

In this review video,
ICAN's carbon wheels, the FL50 MAX, were used for
a real-world test of approximately 500km,
including flat sections, uphill/downhill sections, and descents.

Preconceptions about "carbon wheels around 100,000 yen"

At the beginning of the review, the presenter touched on
preconceptions about this "price range."

• The specs look decent

• However, considering the price, there must be some compromise

• Won't there be some discomfort when actually riding?

This is a feeling that almost everyone who has ever considered
"Chinese carbon" has likely experienced.

In the video, the presenter also mentioned a nuance of
"Honestly, I started riding them with some skepticism at first."

The evaluation of the FL50 MAX is centered on
how that skepticism changed with each ride.

Spec Evaluation: Not flashy, but "up to current standards"

The specs of the FL50 MAX themselves
are not particularly groundbreaking.

• Rim height: 50mm

• Inner width: 23mm

• Weight: 1395g (front and rear)

However, in the video, the presenter praised them for being
"more suited to current road bike trends than the numbers suggest."

The comment about the 23mm inner width was particularly striking,
stating that the tire shape is good when 28c tires are mounted,
and it's less likely to feel unstable in corners.

The evaluation was that the sense of security
is clearly different compared to the "narrower rim + deep" wheels of a few years ago.

Riding Feel on Flats: "Easy to maintain" rather than speed

What was often discussed regarding flat sections
was cruising performance rather than acceleration.

• Hard to lose speed even when you stop pedaling

• Speed doesn't drop easily even with a slight headwind

These points were repeatedly mentioned regarding the 35km/h speed range.

While it's not the type that "surges forward the moment you press the pedal,"
it allows you to steadily maintain speed.

In the video, it was described as
a type of wheel that is surely effective
for long rides and group rides.

Stiffness and Acceleration: Mild but sufficient

The evaluation of stiffness was
quite sober.

• Doesn't feel too soft

• However, it's not the type that emphasizes stiffness

When out of the saddle,
there's no feeling of lost power,
and it responds faithfully to input.

On the other hand, it was praised for
not having excessive stiffness
that would leave the rider's legs fatigued.

In the video, the expression "stiffness usable for everyday riding rather than just for racing"
seemed to be close to the impression.

Evaluation improves on descents and in corners

In the real-world review, particularly positive comments
were frequently made regarding descents and corners.

• Bike feels stable

• Easy to follow the intended line

• Not nervous about crosswinds

It was evaluated that there is less of the "fear" or "twitchiness"
often associated with 50mm deep rims,
making them relatively easy to handle
even for those who are not keen on deep rims.

This seems to be where the effects of the wide rim
are most tangibly felt.

Condition after approximately 500km of riding

In the latter half of the video, the condition after extended riding
was also mentioned.

• No trueness issues

• No loose or noisy spokes

• No abnormal hub noises

No specific issues were observed,
and the fact that they "continue to be used normally"
was stated plainly.

More than spectacular感動, it's the
absence of problematic factors
that makes this content feel
very important for practical use.

Design and Appearance

The hologram logo was also briefly mentioned in the video.

• Not as prominent as in photos

• The actual product is surprisingly subdued

It was evaluated that the texture is high when seen up close,
as the appearance changes depending on the light.

Additionally, there were positive comments about the option to choose a logo-less specification,
which seems to be a welcome point for riders who prioritize frame design.

Points mentioned in comparison with other brands

In the video, comparisons with similarly priced and cost-effective wheels were also touched upon.

What was particularly striking was the comment:

"Considering the price, the level of completion is extremely high."

This was the comment.

The presenter did not strongly criticize any specific brand,
but rather maintained a calm tone, stating that
"the difference doesn't feel as significant as the price difference would suggest."

About FL50 II (Supplementary Information)

Although this review focuses on the FL50 MAX,
its successor model, the FL50 II, has now been released.

Even in the video, with the premise that
"the MAX is already light enough and easy to handle,"
interest in the even lighter II was naturally discussed.

The FL50 II can be seen as an option for riders
who seek even greater agility, while maintaining
the direction of the FL50 MAX.

Summary: The Position of FL50 MAX as Seen from the Video Review

Organizing this influencer video reveals that the FL50 MAX

• is not a wheel that surprises with strong individuality,

• but is unlikely to cause dissatisfaction during use,

• and has a very high level of completion considering its price.

This is its positioning.

It can be said to be a model well worth considering
both as a first carbon wheel and as a realistic upgrade from aluminum wheels.

FL50 MAX Specs (Reference)

• Price: 115,800 yen

• Weight: 1395g (wheelset)

• Rim: 50mm / 23mm inner width

• Spokes: Sapim CX-RAY

• Hubs: ICAN D28

• Successor model: FL50 II (lighter update)

※This article is based on the content of a video review by an influencer.
※Please check the official website for the latest information on stock and prices.