AERO40 II Review: The 1155g Steel Spoke Wheelset
Â
Foreword：The Weight Weenie’s Dilemma
In the high-stakes world of road cycling gear, the "sub-1200g" threshold is the Holy Grail. Traditionally, hitting those numbers for a disc-brake wheelset required a descent into the world of exotic carbon spokes—materials that are often as fragile as they are expensive. However, ICAN has always been something of a disruptor in this space. My history with the brand goes back to 2018, when I built my "No. 3" bike around one of their frames. Having tracked their evolution over the last six years, I’ve seen them transition from a budget-friendly secret to a legitimate performance pioneer. Their latest offering, the ICAN AERO40 II, presents a fascinating paradox: a wheelset that shatters the 1200g barrier while sticking to the reliability of steel spokes.
This is the original video to the Cycle Walk channel's review of the ICAN AERO40 II wheelset from Japan.
The 1155g Miracle: Steel Spokes in a Carbon World
The technical profile of the AERO40 II is, quite frankly, staggering. On our scales, the front wheel weighed in at 526g and the rear at 629g, for a total system weight of just 1155g. To put that in perspective, this weight class is usually the exclusive domain of proprietary carbon-spoke builds that are a nightmare to service.
Instead, ICAN utilizes 24 straight-pull steel aero spokes (arranged in a 12/12 split for both front and rear) to achieve this figure. By choosing steel over carbon, they’ve prioritized "daily use" reliability and impact resilience without the usual weight penalty.
"Breaking the 1200g barrier is something that used to only happen when using carbon spokes. To realize this with steel spokes is quite an achievement."
The "Springy" Advantage: Why Stiffer Isn't Always Better
In the industry's recent obsession with lateral stiffness, we’ve often sacrificed ride quality on the altar of raw power transfer. During my test rides, the AERO40 II offered a refreshing departure. The steel spokes provide a "tenacious" or "springy" feel—a specific type of radial compliance that dampens high-frequency road buzz and reduces leg fatigue over long durations.
This isn't just about comfort; it's about efficiency for the "real world" rider. For those still "researching" or refining their pedaling technique, these wheels act as a forgiving partner. They absorb the momentary torque peaks in a rider’s stroke rather than resisting them with jarring rigidity. If you haven't yet mastered a perfectly smooth, motor-like rotation, the lateral-to-radial balance of these wheels makes them a far more sophisticated tool than a hyper-stiff race wheel.
Modern Width for the Wide Tire Revolution
The AERO40 II is clearly engineered for the "wide tire revolution." The rims feature a 23mm internal width and a 28mm external width, a footprint that is rapidly becoming the gold standard for modern road setups.
While a 28c tire fits perfectly, the 23mm internal hook is optimized to support 30c and even 32c tires without the "lightbulb" effect that ruins aerodynamics and handling. This future-proofs the wheelset, allowing riders to take advantage of the lower pressures and increased traction of high-volume rubber without compromising the rim-to-tire interface.
Invisible Engineering: CNC "Meat-Shaving"
The AERO40 II’s weight isn't a fluke; it's the result of what I call "functional art." If you look closely at the sprocket holder, you’ll see extensive CNC machining—a technique the Japanese call nikunuki or "meat-shaving"—to strip away every unnecessary gram of material. This level of craftsmanship is a far cry from the heavy, solid hub shells of a few years ago.
Furthermore, ICAN has leaned into serviceability. Unlike many "boutique" wheels that require proprietary tools and internal nipple adjustments, the AERO40 II uses external nipples. This means the wheel can be easily trued by any local mechanic. Each set also ships with a custom inspection report detailing specific spoke tension and trueness, giving these wheels a "bespoke" feel that belies their accessible price point.
Conclusion: Performance Within Reach
The ICAN AERO40 II represents a bridge between elite climbing specs and the practical needs of a daily rider. It effectively proves that the exotic costs and service headaches of carbon spokes are no longer a requirement for reaching the 1100g-weight class. If you purchase from ICAN's European or American warehouses, you can avoid the hassle of shipping and customs fees.
Are we reaching a point where the marginal gains of hyper-expensive carbon builds no longer justify the cost, especially when a well-engineered steel-spoke build can feel this good? If you value a springy, forgiving ride and world-class weight savings, the resilience of steel is no longer a compromise—it’s the smart choice.
