ICAN G40 Gravel Wheelset Review and Analysis by Lorenzo Del Sant
Introduction: Context and Purpose
This review presents a detailed first-look analysis of the ICAN G40 carbon gravel wheelset. These wheels were selected as a cornerstone component for a unique project: building a high-performance gravel bicycle using exclusively Chinese components, with a focus on achieving top-tier performance without compromise. This document provides an objective inspection based on the unboxing experience, physical examination, and a thorough verification of the wheelset’s technical specifications against the manufacturer's claims. We will begin with a brief profile of the manufacturer, ICAN, to provide context for the product itself.
This is the original video featuring preliminary testing and data analysis of the Gravel Carbon Fiber Wheelset G40 by Italian creator Lorenzo Del Sant.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience is the first tangible interaction with a product and often serves as a leading indicator of a brand’s attention to detail and quality control. The ICAN G40 wheelset arrived in a branded box featuring the hashtag #IcanWheels, with the contents meticulously protected for international transit.
The package contained the following items:
● Packaging: The wheels were described as being "very well wrapped," with protective materials ensuring they arrived without damage.
● Accessories: The box included a roll of tubeless tape, a warranty card specifying the wheel's model, serial number, and warranty start date, and a factory quality control report. While the report's specific metrics were not fully decipherable, its inclusion demonstrates that a quality check was performed on this exact wheelset before shipping.
● Additional Components: In addition to the pre-installed Shimano freehub, a spare SRAM XD freehub body was included. This was specifically requested to ensure future compatibility with a cassette used on a cross-country mountain bike, showcasing the wheelset's potential versatility for multi-bike applications.
Aesthetically, the wheels make a strong first impression. They feature ICAN's new graphics, with a subtle grey logo that shifts its appearance slightly depending on the light. The overall finish and visual presentation are clean and professional. This initial visual inspection sets a positive tone for a more detailed technical analysis.
Technical Specifications Analysis
Rims: Profile, Dimensions, and Tire Compatibility
The rim is the most critical component of a wheelset, defining its aerodynamic properties and tire compatibility. The G40 rims feature a modern, gravel-specific design.
● Profile Depth: The wheels have a 40mm deep profile. This option was deliberately chosen over the available 50mm version to prioritize lower weight, a key consideration for a versatile gravel build intended for varied terrain.
● Internal Width: A measurement of the internal rim width revealed an "abundant" 25mm. This generous width is perfectly suited for modern, high-volume gravel tires, providing excellent support for the tire sidewalls.
● Rim Type: The rims feature a hooked ("uncinato") bead seat design. This is a significant feature, as it ensures compatibility with a wider range of tires, including both modern tubeless models and traditional non-tubeless clinchers.
● Tire Recommendations: Given the 25mm internal width, tires from 30mm and wider are considered ideal. For the primary project build, these wheels will be paired with 45mm gravel tires.
Hubs and Engagement System
The hubs are proprietary ICAN designs, with the rear hub featuring a notable update. The new rear hub incorporates a 36-tooth ratchet engagement system, a mechanism mechanically similar to the proven designs used in DT Swiss hubs. According to ICAN, this system "guarantees fluid and rapid engagement and lasting power transfer." It is worth noting that this new hub is a key differentiator for the G40 model, distinguishing it from other offerings in ICAN's lineup, such as the G25, which uses the same rim profile with an older hub design. The hubs are equipped with standard, non-ceramic bearings. Upon initial spin, the freehub produces a crisp, audible engagement sound without being excessively loud.
Spokes and Build
The G40 wheelset is built using reputable components known for reliability.
● The spokes are identified as Sapim spokes, a well-regarded choice in the industry known for high-quality steel alloy construction.
● The build utilizes a crossed lacing pattern with a high spoke count for both the front and rear wheels. This construction method is intentionally robust, designed to enhance stability and security under the demanding and unpredictable loads of gravel riding.
Weight: Stated vs. Actual
A product's claimed weight is a critical marketing metric, and verifying it is a standard part of our review process. The ICAN G40 wheels were weighed out of the box with the following results.
|
Component |
Stated Weight |
Actual Weight |
|
Front Wheel |
598+-10g |
595g |
|
Rear Wheel |
712+-10g |
710g |
|
Total Wheelset |
1310+-20g |
1300g |
In a welcome finding, the actual weight of the wheelset is 1300 grams, a full 20 grams less than the advertised weight of 1320 grams. It is always a positive sign when a manufacturer's claims are not only met but exceeded.
Initial Quality and Build Assessment
Beyond on-paper specifications, the true initial quality of a wheelset is revealed by its build precision straight out of the box. A trueness check was performed to measure any lateral or vertical deviation in the rims.
The results were impressive. Both the front and rear wheels were found to be "practically perfect," exhibiting a deviation of less than 1mm in both the lateral and vertical planes. This level of precision indicates a high standard of quality control during the wheel-building process and means the wheels are ready to ride without immediate workshop attention.
Pricing, Logistics, and Value
For a direct-to-consumer product, the purchasing process, final cost, and delivery experience are integral to the overall value proposition. The procurement of the ICAN G40 wheelset was straightforward.
● Price: The total cost for the wheelset was $800 USD. For European buyers, this translates to approximately €650-€700, depending on the exchange rate at the time of purchase. Importantly, this was an all-inclusive price with no additional customs fees required upon delivery to Italy.
● Delivery Time: The typical delivery timeframe from China to Italy is stated as 2-3 weeks. In this specific case, the shipment experienced a delay of nearly two weeks at customs, extending the total delivery time. Prospective buyers should factor in potential customs processing variability. Shipping directly from the European warehouse will reduce transit time.
Preliminary Conclusion and Forward Outlook
Based on this initial inspection, the ICAN G40 carbon gravel wheels present an exceptionally strong value proposition. The key findings are overwhelmingly positive: the actual weight is impressive and comes in under the manufacturer's claim; the out-of-the-box build quality is excellent, with near-perfect trueness; and the technical specifications—including the 25mm internal width and the modern 36-tooth ratchet hub—are aligned with current industry best practices for high-performance gravel wheelsets.
This review is, of course, a preliminary assessment. The next and most critical phase of testing will involve on-the-road and on-the-trail performance. Stay tuned for our comprehensive on-trail performance review, where we will validate these promising initial findings.