G24 SL gravel wheel set: Why ICAN abandoned hookless designs
Foreword:
The gravel cycling world is currently embroiled in a high-stakes equipment "arms race." As riders transition from casual fire roads to aggressive, technical singletrack and elite-level racing, the demands placed on carbon wheelsets have fundamentally shifted. For years, the industry has presented a binary choice: chase the ultralight, weight-optimized profiles of modern hookless rims, or prioritize the mechanical security and broad tire compatibility of a traditional hooked bead.
This trade-off creates a persistent anxiety for the adventure-minded cyclist.The ICAN G24 SL enters the conversation as a fascinating, trend-defying outlier. By executing a calculated U-turn back to hooked architecture while simultaneously aggressive-shedding mass, ICAN has produced a wheelset that challenges the current technological trajectory of the industry.
5 Reasons to Choose G24 SL
The Return of the Hook
While many manufacturers are doubling down on hookless rim profiles to streamline production and reduce costs, the G24 SL makes a deliberate move in the opposite direction. Although the original G24 utilized a hookless design, the new SL version returns to a hooked rim—a decision that prioritizes bead seat security and pressure stability above all else.
This shift is more than just a throwback; it’s a response to the practical realities of gravel racing. A hooked rim provides a physical mechanical stop for the tire bead, which is essential when navigating high-vibration environments or running the wide pressure ranges required for a 25mm internal width rim. By adhering to traditional bead retention, the G24 SL bypasses the strict ETRTO compatibility standards that often plague hookless systems. This allows riders the freedom to run anything from a 29mm "all-road" tire up to a massive 60mm knobby without fear of catastrophic blow-offs, providing a level of peace of mind that a 50-gram saving rarely justifies when you’re fifty miles from the nearest paved road.
Defying Physics: Adding Features While Shedding Mass
In the world of carbon engineering, adding a hook typically adds material, which in turn adds weight. However, the G24 SL manages to defy the standard physics of rim design. Despite the move to a hooked profile and an increase in internal width from 24mm to 25mm (and a wider 32mm external profile), the wheelset has dropped nearly 100g. It has plummeted from the original’s 1392g down to a featherweight 1296g.
This feat was achieved through a proprietary lightweight layup technology using T700 carbon fiber. This isn't just about weight on a scale; the new layup is engineered to optimize impact absorption while maintaining a high stiffness-to-weight ratio. A 7% reduction in rim mass has a disproportionate impact on the bike’s moment of inertia. By reducing weight at the outermost edge of the wheel, ICAN has significantly enhanced the "snappiness" of the ride, improving acceleration out of corners and reducing the wattage required to overcome gravity on steep, loose climbs.
The "Angry Bee" Hub Revolution
The performance evolution of the G24 SL extends into the center of the wheel. ICAN has upgraded the drive system from the 6-pawl D21 to the new D91 hub, featuring a 45T star ratchet mechanism. For riders who prefer the gold standard in hub technology, ICAN also offers a flagship build featuring the DT Swiss 240 EXP hubs.
The stock D91 system is a revelation in this price bracket. It is approximately 90g lighter than the previous generation and utilizes high-grade S&S steel bearings for smooth rotation in punishing conditions. For those seeking even lower friction, a ceramic bearing upgrade is available. The 45 points of engagement significantly reduce the "dead spot" or engagement angle, which is critical when timing a pedal stroke to clear a technical rock garden or root section. The build is finished with legendary Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Sapim Secure-Lock nipples, which utilize a patented mechanism to eliminate rotational loosening under heavy vibration.
This "angry bee" soundtrack is the hallmark of a high-engagement ratchet system, which distributes torque across all 45 teeth simultaneously rather than just a few pawls, ensuring long-term reliability in high-torque, muddy situations.
Carbon That Can Take a Hit (Literally)
The "SL" suffix usually implies a fragile "climbing-only" component, but the G24 SL maintains ICAN’s reputation for "bombproof" gear. The T700 carbon layup is tuned for compliance, allowing the rim to deflect slightly under impact rather than shattering. This durability isn't just a lab metric;For cyclists and motorcyclists, this level of resilience is a psychological necessity—it gives you more confidence to push your technical limits.
The Value Disruption: Challenging the $2,000 Status Quo
At a starting price of $670, it is sold in both European and US warehouses.The ICAN G24 SL represents a massive disruption to the market. When compared to high-end rivals like Enve, which can easily command a $2,000 to $3,000 "luxury tax," the performance-per-dollar ratio of the G24 SL is staggering. These wheels are handbuilt and arrive tubeless-ready with rim tape and valves pre-installed.
ICAN backs the product with a 2-year warranty covering manufacturing defects.This direct-to-consumer model allows the average rider to access World-Tour-adjacent technology and sub-1300g weights that were previously reserved for those with professional sponsorships.
Conclusion: The Future of the All-Road Setup
The ICAN G24 SL marks a shift toward a more pragmatic era of gravel technology. It serves as proof that you can have an ultralight setup without sacrificing the tire security of a hooked rim or the mechanical reliability of a high-engagement ratchet hub. By blending proprietary carbon layups with elite-tier components like Sapim spokes, ICAN has created a versatile setup that is equally at home on a 10,000-foot climbing day as it is on a rugged forest trail.
When you are heading deep into the wilderness, do you find yourself chasing the latest industry trends like hookless rims, or do you prefer the proven, fail-safe reliability of a hooked design?