Hello everyone. Welcome to the Ribble Valley Cyclist workshop.

Today I'm going to talk about the "successor model" to the ICAN G25, which was undoubtedly one of the most popular Chinese gravel wheels of the last few years.

Let's be honest.
For the past 1.5 to 2 years, I've almost exclusively used the old G25 when riding gravel. Its performance, durability, and value for money were so complete that ICAN couldn't keep up with the demand.

However, ICAN boldly discontinued this perfected model and replaced it with a new one.
This is the new ICAN G25 SL.

Their claims are as follows:

"Lighter, more efficient, and even stronger. At the same price."

Can such a convenient story really be true?
As a mechanic, I will calmly examine it.

First Impressions: Same Look, Different Guts

First, as a prerequisite, this wheel was provided by ICAN free of charge for review.
However, I have no intention of reading from the manufacturer's script. I will evaluate it without bias.

My first impression when I took it out of the box was, "Huh? It's almost the same as the old model?"
Aside from not having tires, there's almost no difference in appearance.

But ICAN boasts "redesigned from the ground up."

Spec Overview

• Rim: 50mm deep, Toray T700 carbon

• Hooked, tubeless compatible

• Inner width 25mm (outer width 31mm)

• Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray (steel)

• Hubs: Newly developed D91 hubs (steel bearings)

• Price: Approximately 115,000 yen

Surprisingly, the price is the same as the old model.

So, where has it evolved?

The Core of the Rim: Tailored Carbon Layup

The biggest point this time is the change in manufacturing method.

What ICAN introduced is
"Tailored Carbon Layup"

I asked ICAN to "cut one and show me the cross-section."
And they actually cut it.

Looking at the cross-section, the intention is clear.

• Areas with low load, such as the sidewall → Thinned for weight reduction

• Rim bed, hook, and areas around spoke holes → Thickened for strength

The area around the spoke holes, in particular, is clearly reinforced.
The parts between spokes with less load are thinner.

This "optimization of strength and weakness" is why both weight reduction and increased strength have been achieved.

It's honestly quite rare to put so much effort into layup at this price point.

【Important】Caution when opening

This is really important.

When unpacking, do not forcefully pull out the plastic protective parts at the hub ends.

Many people pull out and discard the end caps along with them.

And then later,

"The end caps are missing!"

They contact the manufacturer.

But in reality, most of the time, they've thrown them away themselves.

I've seen it many times.
Please be careful.

Spokes and Nipples: The Choice of Brass

The spokes are reliable Sapim CX-Ray.
24 spokes front and rear, 2-cross lacing. A classic configuration.

But what's noteworthy are the nipples.

ICAN chose brass.

Aluminum nipples are common for lightweight wheels these days.
They do save about 30g.

However, aluminum has a fatal weakness.

Galvanic Corrosion

Steel spokes and aluminum nipples corrode and seize over long periods.

My 5-year-old Hunt wheels are completely seized.
Truing is impossible. At worst, they can break while riding.

This problem is almost nonexistent with brass.

ICAN prioritized long-term durability and maintainability over "catalog weight."

This is a point I, as a mechanic, highly appreciate.

Hub Refresh: D91 and Titanium Freebody

The most interesting aspect of this update is the hub.

The new D91 hub adopts a DT Swiss-style star ratchet system.

But it's not just a copy.

Evolutionary Points

• Larger ratchet → Increased contact area, improved wear resistance

• Integrated design → Simplified structure

• Titanium freebody adopted

This titanium is important.

Many inexpensive hubs are made of soft aluminum.
This causes the "cassette bite" problem where the cassette digs in.

With titanium:

• Lightweight

• High strength

• Corrosion resistant

The cross-section reveals a very simple structure.
It can be disassembled without tools.

Home maintenance also becomes easier.