Introduction: The Custom Gravel Build Project

This document marks the first stage of a comprehensive, A-to-Z custom gravel bike build project. Its purpose is to provide prospective buyers and cycling enthusiasts with an objective and detailed first-look review of the ICAN Graro carbon frame and handlebar, based entirely on the unboxing and initial inspection experience.

Please check out the full review video on BenCycling's YouTube channel.

Graro Frame

Product Selection Rationale: Why the ICAN Graro?

The frame is the heart of any custom build, and the selection process becomes even more critical when opting for a direct-to-consumer brand. The choice of the ICAN Graro frame, which carries the Triero brand name, was not made lightly; it was the result of a careful analysis of key factors that mitigated the perceived risks of an overseas purchase.

My selection process hinged on three key factors that mitigated the risks inherent in purchasing a direct-to-consumer frame:

Brand Reputation

ICAN is a well-known and reputable brand among cyclists familiar with sourcing components directly from China. This established presence provided a baseline of confidence in the product's quality and the company's reliability.

UCI Certification

The frame is officially UCI certified. This certification serves as a crucial independent indicator of quality, ensuring the frame meets specific standards for construction and safety required for professional competition.

Sizing Confidence

To ensure a proper fit, the geometry of the size 56 Graro frame was meticulously compared against my well-fitting size L RCR bike. The analysis revealed only minimal differences in the overall measurements, providing the necessary confidence to proceed with the size 56 without an in-person fitting.

Together, these factors provided a strong, data-driven rationale for selecting the Graro frame, effectively balancing the appeal of a direct-to-consumer model with the need for quality assurance and fit accuracy.

Unboxing and Initial Assessment: The Graro Frame Kit from European Warehouse

The unboxing serves as the first critical checkpoint for quality control, verifying not only the condition of the components upon arrival but also the completeness of the order. This section details the initial hands-on impressions of the Graro frame kit, from packaging and delivery to the finish quality.

Packaging and Delivery

ICAN's European logistics proved impressively efficient. Shipped from a warehouse in Germany, the package arrived in approximately 1.5 to 2 weeks. The packaging itself was "basic" but was ultimately effective, as the frame and all associated parts arrived without any shipping damage or cosmetic blemishes.

What's Included in the Box

A thorough inspection confirmed that the frame kit was complete, including all necessary proprietary parts for the initial assembly. The box contained the following components:

• The Graro Carbon Frame

• The Carbon Fork

• The Carbon Seatpost

• Headset Bearings

• Seatpost Clamp

• Front and Rear Thru-Axles

First Impressions: Finish and Build Quality

The initial visual inspection of the frame's stock paint job was overwhelmingly positive. The factory finish features a white-to-black gradient accented with "nice glittery pink flecks." My impression was that the base paint is "really quite nice" on its own.

While I am not a carbon frame manufacturing expert, my initial assessment of the build quality was favorable. The construction appeared "pretty clean" and well-made upon visual inspection.

Inspection, the focus turned to the other key component of the cockpit: the integrated handlebar.

Handlebar Blade-G

Component Spotlight: The ICAN Blade-G Handlebar from European Warehouse

The Blade G Handlebar is a critical component in this build, chosen not only for its gravel-specific ergonomics but also for its seamless integration with the Graro frame.

In contrast to the frame, the Blade G handlebar was shipped directly from China, as there was no European stock available at the time of the order. This resulted in a longer delivery window of approximately three weeks to one month.

 Informations are as follows

• Model: Blade-G, the brand's new gravel-specific integrated handlebar and stem combo.

• Dimensions: 420mm width paired with a 100mm stem.

• Design: The handlebar features flared drops, a design that has become a modern trend in gravel cycling for enhancing control and comfort. It comes in a sleek "full black" finish.

• Integration: This specific combo was ordered to ensure perfect and seamless integration with the Graro frame's internal cable routing system.

• Accessories: The package includes the necessary headset spacers for a clean installation and bolts for attaching a computer mount.

Summary and Next Steps

This first-look review of the ICAN Graro frame and Blade-G handlebar reveals a positive initial experience. The fast shipping from European stock, the completeness of the frame kit, and the high-quality appearance of the stock finish all contribute to a strong first impression. Based on this initial unboxing, the Graro frame kit and Blade-G handlebar present as a compelling, high-quality foundation for what promises to be a high-performance custom build.

It is important to note that this analysis is based solely on the unboxing and initial inspection.  A complete performance review will follow once the bike is fully built and has been thoroughly tested on the road and trail.