AERO 40 II Lightweight Wheels Review by Manma
For road racers and hill‑climb enthusiasts, the challenge is saving rotational weight without sacrificing stability or comfort. The ICAN AERO 40 II Disc aims to hit that sweet spot: a 40mm aero‑climbing profile, UCI approval, and a direct‑to‑factory price.Shed weight without sacrificing structural integrity. Thanks to an upgraded carbon layup, the wheelset drops to an incredible 1177g per pair (official weight).
Japanese creator Manma tested the wheels on his Specialized S‑Works Tarmac SL7, pairing them with lightweight Galfer rotors to bring the build to 6.78 kg. Over 1,000 km of mixed terrain — including coastal rides with 18 m/s gusts — he logged detailed impressions on acceleration, climbing, descending, and daily rideability.
This is the original video from the “Manma no Douga” channel.
Manma put this to the test, measuring the actual build at 1180g (540g front, 640g rear)—almost perfectly matching our official data. To put that into perspective, his previous wheelset (the FL50 Max) weighed in at 1395g. By switching to the AERO 40 II, he saved a massive 218g of rotational weight.
"218 grams is about the weight of a smartphone with a case," Manma notes. "Just thinking about how much lighter it is makes you feel like you can ride faster."
Uncompromising Lightweight Performance
U/V Rim Shape: Combines the stability of a U-shape with the aerodynamics of a V-shape for lower drag, superior stiffness, and smoother handling across all terrains.
Wider 23mm Inner Rim: Supports 28–32mm+ tires, improving grip, comfort, and control—perfect for all-road and endurance riding.
New-Gen D91 Hub: Features a 45T star ratchet system, S&S steel bearings, and a lightweight 280g design. (For those wanting an upgrade, the DT 240 Ratchet EXP 36T hub option is also available).
High-Tier Sapim CX-Ray Spokes: Delivering direct power transfer and reliability.
UCI Approval: Ready for your next professional race.
1000km real cycling experience
Acceleration & sprinting
The 40mm rim combined with CX‑Ray spokes delivers direct power transfer. Manma noted that the wheel rigidity makes “acceleration very smooth” — no flex, no lag, just immediate response when standing on the pedals. The 45T ratchet engages quickly, so there is no dead zone when you stomp out of a corner.
Climbing
At 1,180g, the wheels feel eager on climbs. The shallow 40mm profile makes it easy to swing the bike side‑to‑side out of the saddle without fighting deep‑section inertia. On sustained gradients, the weight savings are noticeable — especially compared to 50mm+ wheels.
Crosswind handling
Manma rode the Izu Peninsula in strong winds (gusts up to 18 m/s). His honest assessment: “On flats and descents, it is slightly affected by sidewind, but once you get used to it, it is not a problem.” The U/V profile balances aero benefit with predictable steering — 40mm is deep enough to cut drag but shallow enough to remain manageable in gusty conditions.
Descending & cornering
The disc‑only construction eliminates brake‑track heat concerns. Laterally, the wheels are stiff enough for hard cornering without vague feedback. Manma did not report any brake shudder or instability on fast descents.
Comfort: stiff vs harsh
This is the key question for any lightweight wheelset. The AERO 40 II avoids excessive harshness through three factors:
23mm internal width allows 28–32mm tubeless tires at lower pressures, adding vertical compliance.
Sapim CX‑Ray spokes (stainless steel) have more micro‑compliance than carbon spokes, absorbing high‑frequency chatter.
Rim layup introduces controlled vertical flex without compromising lateral stiffness for sprinting.
Manma’s verdict after 1,000 km: “Race‑light, stable, and comfortable enough for long days if you set tire pressure correctly.” It is not a plush endurance wheel, but it is not a bone‑rattler either — the right balance for a performance‑oriented rider.
Value proposition
A UCI‑approved 40mm carbon wheelset with CX‑Ray spokes, 45T ratchet, 23mm internal width, and verified 1,180g weight typically commands a premium price. The AERO 40 II delivers the same spec at a direct‑factory price — Manma highlighted “incredible price‑to‑weight ratio” as a key takeaway.This is more convenient for consumers who purchase from EU or US warehouses.
For riders who want even lighter, ICAN offers a carbon‑spoke 40mm option (~1,066g). But for daily racing and training, the CX‑Ray/D91 version is the smarter, more serviceable choice.
