This project started with "Are you building another frame?"

To be honest,
when I decided to build this gravel bike,
I hesitated a little, wondering, "Is now really the time?"

I already own several bikes,
and I've ridden both gravel and road bikes quite a bit.
Even so, the biggest reason I wanted to try a new frame was
to see the "current level of direct-to-consumer brands" with my own eyes.

Among them, I chose the
ICAN Graro Carbon Gravel Frame.

Was there no concern about choosing ICAN?

I think many people still feel uneasy
when they hear "overseas direct-to-consumer brand."
To be honest, I wasn't completely free of concern either.

However, regarding ICAN,
・There's a lot of information available
・Many people are actually using it
・They have a proven track record not only in frames but also in wheels

These three points were aligned,
so it wasn't a "brand I knew nothing about".

Rather than choosing it because it was cheap,
it was more like, "If they're doing this much at this price, I want to see it properly for once."
That was the feeling.

The decisive factor in choosing Graro was "rational reasons"

I don't choose a frame based solely on feeling.
Especially this time, for gravel use.
If it doesn't fit, the fun will be halved instantly.

UCI certification honestly had an impact

Just because it's gravel doesn't mean I'll race.
Nevertheless, the fact that it's a UCI-certified frame
provides a "minimum guarantee" for its design and strength.

Instead of "it's made reasonably well,"
the fact that it meets standards
makes a huge mental difference.

Reason for choosing size 56

For size selection,
I compared the geometry of my usual RCR (size L)
and the Graro size 56 side-by-side.

The result was,
"It's unlikely to be far off."

This "lack of discomfort"
was the final push.

What I thought the moment I opened the box

The frame was shipped from a German warehouse,
and it took about 1.5 to 2 weeks to arrive.

Honestly, when I saw the box,
I thought, "Oh, it's simpler than I expected."

But, when I opened it, my impression changed completely.
Neither the frame nor the fork had
any unpleasant scratches or rough areas whatsoever.

Personally,
"the contents being proper" is 100 times more important
than "a fancy box."

Why I was relieved after seeing the frameset contents

I checked the contents one by one.

• Frame

• Fork

• Seatpost

• Headset

• Clamp

• Front and rear thru-axles

What I thought at this point was,
"They're really selling this with the **'assembly in mind'**."

It seems there won't be any of the stress common with direct-to-consumer frames,
like "missing small parts"
or "ending up having to buy extra things."

Honestly, I was a little surprised by the paintwork

This color scheme features
a gradient from white to black,
with subtle pink glitter.

Honestly, when I saw it in pictures,
I thought, "It might be a bit too flashy."

But seeing it in person,
it's quite subdued and elegant.

The appearance changes depending on how the light hits it,
it's "the kind you have to see in person to appreciate."

I didn't expect the paintwork to be this beautiful
for this price range.

What I felt touching the Blade-G handle

For this build,
I'm combining it with the Blade-G integrated handlebar & stem.

It has a flared, gravel-specific design,
and is compatible with full internal cable routing.

Honestly, many integrated handlebars are
"prioritizing looks and difficult to use,"
but the Blade-G gives the impression of not being forced.

It seems to naturally match Graro's internal routing design,
so I have high expectations for its appearance when completed.

※ This was shipped directly from China,
and it took about 3-4 weeks to arrive.

What I can say before riding

Of course,
I haven't ridden this bike yet.

But,
just by unboxing it, touching it, and looking at it,
there are things you can understand.

• The frame's philosophy is realistic

• It's not overly aggressive

• It's made with long-term use in mind

At least,
there's absolutely no "atmosphere of regretting building it."

What I wanted to convey in the video was the "vibe"

The contents of this article
are also presented as an unboxing review on YouTube.

More than explaining the specs,
I wanted to convey the vibe when touching it.

If someone asked me, "What do you think of this frame?"
at this stage, I would answer like this.

Summary | Graro is for those who seek "just right"

ICAN Graro doesn't have
a flashy brand presence.

But,

• Solid design

• Realistic price

• Surprisingly meticulous finish

These three points
are very well-balanced.

It's not a "frame compromised on price," but rather,
"the result of a rational choice."
It seems it will be such a bike.

Next time,
I plan to write an honest review of its actual performance after completion.