ICAN AERO40 II Wheelset first impressions by Cycling Professor Channel
Introduction: The Carbon Wheel Conundrum
For the modern cyclist, the search for the "holy grail" of gear—elite-level carbon performance without the $2,000+ price tag—often feels like a fool's errand. We have been conditioned to believe that sub-1,200-gram weights and high-engagement ratchets are the exclusive domain of brands like Zipp, Enve, or Roval. The barrier to entry isn't just a matter of preference; it’s a mortgage payment.
Enter the ICAN Aero II 40mm wheelset. Frankly, ridiculous for the price.Are we looking at a genuine engineering breakthrough, or just another "open mold" gamble with a pretty sticker?
The following is the original video from the Dutch YouTube channel "Bicycle Professor" reviewing the ICAN AERO40 II wheelset.
The Weight-to-Price Disconnect
The most jarring aspect of the ICAN Aero40 II is the chasm between its mass and its cost. ICAN quotes a weight of approximately 1177 grams. When I threw them on the digital scale, the numbers were even lower: 530g for the front and 625g for the rear. At 1155 grams for the set, these wheels are playing in the same sandbox as the $2,400 Specialized Roval Alpinist or CADEX Ultra 50s.
Then there is the price. At $790 inclusive of VAT and shipping, the value proposition is staggering. A key detail for the savvy consumer: ICAN ships these from a EU warehouse, which bypasses the usual import duty headaches and surprise tax bills that often plague direct-to-consumer purchases from Asia.The same applies to ICAN's US warehouse shipments.
However, physics always demands a trade-off. The fine print here is a 105kg rider weight limit. If you’re a powerhouse sprinter or a larger rider, that 1155g figure starts to look less like a bargain and more like a potential liability.
"Eigenlijk zou je bijna een beetje sceptisch worden zo laag dat het is." (I would almost become a bit skeptical, it is so low.)
Premium Bones: No Shortcuts on Components?
Usually, budget wheels "cheat" by using generic hubs with poor weather sealing or heavy, brittle spokes. ICAN hasn't followed that script. They’ve laced these rims with Sapim CX Ray spokes—the industry gold standard for fatigue resistance.
The rear hub features a 45-tooth Ratchet system, providing a crisp 8-degree engagement angle. It’s a mechanical design that mimics the reliability of DT Swiss. The hubs utilize off-the-shelf industrial bearings, which is a double-edged sword: they are exceptionally easy to service or replace, but they lack the proprietary high-end sealing of a boutique hub.
The most surprising "pro" touch in the box was a physical spoke tension report. This "briefje" (note) documents the measured tension for every single spoke, along with a 2-year warranty card. In the world of "cheap" carbon, this level of quality control documentation is rare and goes a long way toward silencing the skeptics.
The "Assembly Required" Reality Check
The price reflects a "DIY" approach to the final build. The wheels arrive securely nestled in foam, but they are not ride-ready. One specific warning from the manufacturer: when removing the side protection used for shipping, be extremely careful not to pull the hub caps off with them.
You’re also the head mechanic for the tubeless setup. The kit includes silver valves. The real test of patience, however, is the rim tape. It is high-quality and incredibly "tacky," which is great for a seal but unforgiving during installation. You have to maintain high tension while laying it down; anything less and you’ll get bubbles or misalignment that will make seating a tubeless tire a nightmare.
Breaking the Rules: The 35mm Experiment
The Aero II features a modern 23mm internal and 28mm external width. ICAN recommends a tire between 28mm and 32mm. From an aerodynamic standpoint, they’re right. To satisfy the "Rule of 105"—where the rim should be at least 105% of the tire width to manage airflow—you’d ideally run a 25mm or 26mm tire on these 28mm rims.
I’ve decided to commit an aero crime by mounting 35mm tires. While this creates a "lightbulb" profile that destroys the aerodynamic transition and increases drag. If the industry continues to trend toward "wider is better" for gravel and endurance, I want to know if these rims can handle the lateral load of a 35mm casing without feeling squirmy.
Conclusion: The 1,000-Kilometer Question
On the stand, the ICAN Aero II 40mm wheelset looks like a giant-killer. The matte carbon finish is subtle, the engagement is snappy, and the weight is world-class. But "lightweight" is a terrifying word if it isn't backed by durability.
The real verdict will come after my 1,000-kilometer torture test. I’ll be subjecting these to high-wattage sprints and the relentless vibration of Belgian cobbles to see if the spoke tension holds or if those industrial bearings develop play after the first rainy ride.
In an era of skyrocketing bike prices, are we finally seeing the democratization of elite carbon performance, or is there a hidden cost that only reveals itself at high speed? 1,000 kilometers will tell us if these are a bargain or a hazard. Stay tuned.
