"Light," "highly rigid," "affordable"—
it's difficult to satisfy all three simultaneously when choosing road bike wheels.
This common understanding is familiar to Japanese cyclists as well.

Particularly in recent years, "do-it-all bikes" like endurance road and all-road bikes are becoming mainstream.
They're comfortable cruising on paved roads while also capable of riding on forest roads and rough surfaces.
However, choosing wheels has become even more critical.

The ICAN G25 Carbon Wheelset introduced here
is a product with a very interesting premise: "What happens if wheels originally designed for gravel are used on the road?"

This article reconfigures and elaborates on the content of a real-world review video by UK-based cyclist David Duffield, living in the Lake District, from the perspective of a Japanese rider.

Gravel Design = Compromise? No, It's a "Strength"

As the name suggests, the ICAN G25 features a wide rim with an internal width of 25mm.
Some might feel that "25mm is too wide for road" just by looking at the numbers.

However, considering recent road tire trends, the story changes.

• 28c to 32c is mainstream

• Comfort and reduced rolling resistance with lower pressures

• Emphasis on stability on rough roads and long distances

Against these trends, the G25's rim width is a very rational design.

In fact, David tested the wheels in the Lake District, with 700x34c tires fitted,
on a route with consecutive steep climbs exceeding 20%.

The results were clear.

"I don't feel the weight. On the contrary, the front feels stable, and it's easier to pedal on climbs."

"Serious Craftsmanship" Apparent Even Upon Unboxing

For carbon wheels, initial quality (QC) is extremely important.
Even if they look good, poor internal finishing can lead to problems with long-term use.

In this regard, the G25 clearly lacks a "mass-produced" feel.

• Uniform spoke tension

• No irregularities or resin accumulation on the UD carbon surface

• Freehub and axle areas securely protected during packaging

• Quality check sheet and inspection data included

David also states in the video
that it's "a level of meticulousness rare at this price point."

This is also a strength of ICAN's in-house design and management of wheel production.

"Lightness on Climbs" Not Just Measured by Weight

The actual weight of the G25 is as follows:

Compared to typical aluminum wheels (approx. 1,850g), there's a weight reduction of about 450g.
Particularly noteworthy is that the "weight around the rim is kept low."

What matters for climbing is not just the total weight, but rotational inertia.
A lighter rim means:

• Lighter initial acceleration

• Faster response to changes in gradient

• Easier to swing the bike when dancing

Despite its gravel-derived design,
it possesses a "usable lightness" that performs well even for hill climbing.

"Peace of Mind" with Hooked Rims

The G25 adopts hooked clincher rims.

While hookless rims are becoming more common, considering Japanese road conditions and usage environments,

• Higher air pressure

• Use of clincher tires

• Maintainability

In these aspects, hooked rims still offer significant advantages.

Of course, they are tubeless-ready.
With tape and valves, they can be used immediately.

D21 Hub: Not too quiet, not too assertive

The ICAN D21 hub used in the G25 is
a highly efficient design based on the DT Swiss ratchet system.

• Quick response the moment you pedal

• Little play, maintaining rhythm on climbs

• Understated sound but a perceptible "spinning feel"

While not flashy, it's the type of hub you can rely on for long distances.

Especially for those who are "worried about lightweight wheels due to their weight"

This is a point David particularly emphasizes.

The G25 has

• Gravel-standard spoke design

• Solid rim bed reinforcement

Therefore, it has the stiffness to be used reliably even by riders weighing over 90kg.

There is no feeling of
"light but wobbly" or "flexing when pedaling hard"
which is common with lightweight road wheels.

The Reality of Cost Performance

The ICAN G25 is priced at €745 (approx. mid-60,000 yen).

Considering the cost per gram,
it's less than half the price of well-known brand wheels in the same weight class.

When calmly comparing performance, weight, and durability,
it makes you wonder "how many tens of thousands of yen are you paying for the brand name?"

Overall Rating: The Optimal Solution for the Road x Gravel Era

The ICAN G25 is:

• Not a race-specific wheel

• Not a wheel that stands out visually

However,
for Japanese cyclists who want to ride long, safely, and fast,
it is a very "realistic and smart option."

Endurance road
All-road
Gravel-leaning road

It can be said that it is a new standard of all-round wheel that fits naturally with any of these.

The G25 carbon wheels reviewed this time have since been upgraded to the even more advanced
ultralight model "G25 SL."

The G25 SL weighs 1352g for the pair.
This represents a significant weight reduction from the previous model (1510g), further improving climbing performance and acceleration.

Currently, in stock at our Japanese warehouse.
Shipped from our Japanese warehouse, meaning free shipping and customs duties included,
and delivery is possible in as little as 1-2 business days.

For those seeking lighter and faster gravel rides,
the G25 SL is undoubtedly a choice worth considering.