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ICAN FL52 MAX: 680km Real-World Test & In-Depth Review

🎥 Watch the video here

This article is a review based on a real-world test video of the ICAN FL52 MAX by a road bike influencer, with the actual riding impressions, evaluation points, and usage experience organized and supplemented by the ICAN Japan representative.
This review article is based on a real-world test video of the ICAN FL52 MAX by a road bike influencer, with the actual riding impressions, evaluation points, and usage experience organized and supplemented by the ICAN Japan representative.

It includes detailed points not fully covered in the video, as well as impressions that emerged after long-term use.
Please watch it in conjunction with the main video.

The "wheel problem" that every road biker faces at some point

If you continue road biking as a hobby, you will inevitably face the wheel upgrade problem at some point.

You want to move beyond the aluminum wheels that come with your complete bike, but when you start looking, you find that—

• Big brands often cost over 200,000 yen

• High-end models are 300,000 to 400,000 yen

• "The performance is good, but the price is unrealistic."

Many people feel this way and end up postponing it with "someday..."

The ICAN FL52 MAX that we are introducing this time is a wheel that directly addresses this concern.

"They're doing this much at this price?"
Many people who watch the review video will likely feel this way at first.

Re-evaluating ICAN's position as a brand

ICAN is not what you would call a "new, cheap brand."

Even in the days when there was still much anxiety and prejudice about the term "Chinese carbon,"

• Integrated production in its own factory

• Testing based on international standards

• Design philosophy focused on real-world riding

It is a long-established manufacturer that has built up a solid reputation.

Especially in the wheel sector, it has been supported for many years by riders who seek "performance beyond the price."

The FL MAX series is ICAN's line that has redefined all trends in modern road bikes and rebuilt them from the ground up.

The FL MAX series has evolved into its "second generation."

This is a point I want to emphasize again this time.

The currently available FL MAX series is already in its second generation (FL II).
Compared to conventional models, the following points have significantly evolved:

• Further weight reduction through optimized rim design

• Improved handling through re-adjusted stiffness balance

• Revised aerodynamic design based on the latest wide tires

The FL52 MAX also fully incorporates this latest design.

It's not just "cheap wheels," but rather, you can clearly feel the design philosophy that targets the very core of modern road biking.

The specs make it clear there's nothing to hide.

First, let's organize the basic specifications.

• Model Name: ICAN FL52 MAX

• Rim Material: Toray T700 / T800 Carbon

• Rim Depth: 52mm

• Rim Width: Outer 28.8mm / Inner 21mm

• Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray (Stainless Steel)

• Weight: 1385g (±3%)

  • Front: 645g

  • Rear: 740g

What's noteworthy here is the combination of 52mm deep rims and 1385g.

Honestly, this is a figure you rarely see in this price range.

Moreover, the "lightness" was clearly noticeable in real-world riding, not just on paper.

Real-world testing: approx. 1 month, 680km

This review video features approximately 1 month and 680km of real-world testing.

• Long rides on flat terrain

• Group rides including high-speed cruising

• High-intensity training

• Practical courses including descents

This is not a one-off test ride, but rather a review based on extensive use in daily life, which increases its reliability.

"Effortless speed" felt on flats and descents

The first impression is that it is incredibly straightforward and easy to handle.

When you think of deep rims, you might imagine:

• Scary in crosswinds

• Heavy at low speeds

• Picky about riders

However, the FL52 MAX exhibits very little of these characteristics.

As the speed increases, it naturally accelerates, and on descents, it feels like the wheels are rolling forward on their own.

"Fast, but without feeling forced" - that was the honest impression.

Aerodynamic performance stands out in group rides

What was particularly impressive in the review video were the comments during group rides.

While riding at the back of the train, there was a sensation of being gently pushed from behind, allowing for surprisingly easy cruising.

This is likely due to the combination of:

• Rectification effect of the wide rim

• Aerodynamic benefits of the 52mm depth

• Hub and spoke rotation efficiency

These factors working in harmony.

These wheels are** "easy to feel the aerodynamic effect"** in a way that numbers alone cannot convey.

Excellent balance of responsiveness and comfort

The FL52 MAX is very sharp in its response the moment you pedal.

However, it's not an overly stiff wheel.

The presence of Sapim CX-Ray stainless steel spokes plays a key role here.

They suppress the peakiness characteristic of carbon spokes while skillfully absorbing subtle vibrations from the road surface.

As a result, you get a ride quality that is extremely well-balanced:

• Crisp acceleration

• Legs feeling fresh even on long rides

• Less physical stress

This results in an extremely well-balanced ride quality.

The freedom in tire choice is surprisingly wide.

Supported tire widths range from 23mm to 43mm.

This is a considerably wide range for a road bike wheel.

For this test, Vittoria CORSA N.EXT 28c (compatible with both clincher and tubeless-ready) was used.

In conclusion, 28c offers the best balance.

• Aerodynamics

• Comfort

• Rolling resistance

Everything is balanced at a high level.

Honestly, the most outrageous thing is the "price."

By now, many of you are probably wondering about the price.

ICAN FL52 MAX: ¥115,800 (shipping included)

To reiterate, this price for these specifications is frankly outrageous.

• 52mm

• 1385g

• Wide rim

• CX-Ray spokes

• Second-generation design

If you were to get these features from another brand, it would almost certainly not be under 200,000 yen.

Summary: FL52 MAX is the "realistic optimal solution"

The conclusion after about a month and 680km of real-world testing is very clear.

The ICAN FL52 MAX is one of the most realistic solutions on the current road bike market in terms of "price, performance, and ease of use."

• First carbon wheels

• Stepping up from aluminum

• Those tired of expensive brands

For these riders, it's an unparalleled choice.

The FL series has now evolved into its second generation, lighter and more refined.

It's not about "carbon wheels someday," but rather "carbon wheels you won't regret choosing today."

That is the ICAN FL52 MAX.