ICAN Gravel Wheelset G50 Review from Italian Magazine Bicisport
1. Strategic Positioning: The Evolution of Gravel Performance
The contemporary gravel market has entered an era where the traditional obsession with weight must now coexist with a demand for increased internal rim volume. As racing disciplines move toward more technical, high-velocity sectors, the strategic importance of a wheelset’s footprint has become paramount. A performance wheel is no longer defined solely by its climbing prowess but by its ability to maintain a stable tire profile under extreme lateral loads. The ICAN G50 signifies an engineering shift in this category, functioning as a razor-sharp, racing-oriented tool that retains the requisite durability for rugged adventure. This minimalist and attractive aesthetic profile ensures that the wheelset avoids the visual clutter of many high-performance components, allowing for seamless integration across a diverse spectrum of modern frame geometries. By prioritizing functional elegance, ICAN moves the conversation from outward appearance to the sophisticated internal architecture that dictates the ride's core characteristics.
ICAN Gravel Wheelset G50 Ride Test Video from Italian Magazine Bicisport：
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oWQzR4DTGIs
2. Technical Specifications: Analyzing the 25mm Foundation
In the discipline of performance cycling, rim architecture serves as the fundamental governor of tire behavior and vertical compliance. The interface between the carbon hook and the tire bead determines the effective contact patch, which in turn dictates traction and rolling efficiency. To understand the ICAN G50’s capabilities, one must first analyze the baseline measurements that define its structural identity.
|
Technical Baseline |
Specification Details |
|
Internal Channel Width |
25mm |
|
Total Weight |
1300g |
|
Intended Use |
Racing and Adventure |
The "So What?" factor of the 25mm internal channel is the primary catalyst for the G50's performance profile. While many lightweight wheels sacrifice volume for gram-counting, this 25mm architecture allows the rider to run significantly lower tire pressures without the risk of sidewall collapse or "tire squirm" during aggressive cornering. By supporting the tire with a wider base, the G50 maximizes vibration damping and expands the contact patch, directly resulting in the wheelset’s hallmark stability. This structural foundation transforms the wheel from a mere rotational component into a dynamic handling platform.
3. Dynamic Performance: Stiffness, Weight, and Power Transfer
For the competitive gravel athlete, the strength-to-weight ratio is the most vital metric of mechanical efficiency. A wheelset must be sufficiently light to minimize rotational inertia while remaining stiff enough to prevent power loss during high-torque efforts. Weighing in at just 1300g, the ICAN G50 sits at the absolute bleeding edge of the weight-to-volume ratio for a 25mm internal rim. This leggerissime construction does not come at the expense of rigidity; rather, the wheels remain rigide and scattanti, ensuring that every watt of rider input is translated into immediate forward motion.
As verified by the Cicloturismo test team, the G50 demonstrates a sophisticated interplay of mechanical properties that manifest in three critical performance areas:
● Speed (Velocità): The low rotational mass allows for rapid acceleration and the maintenance of high speeds with reduced aerobic cost.
● Smoothness (Scorrevolezza): High-grade hub integration minimizes mechanical drag, providing a fluid rolling experience essential for long-distance efficiency.
● Reactivity (Reattive): The wheels respond instantly to steering and power inputs, making them exceptionally "snappy" during the stop-and-go surges of technical racing.
While these metrics confirm the G50's racing pedigree, the qualitative experience of the ride is defined by how this speed is managed through technical terrain.
4. The Stability Benchmark: Control Under Pressure
In high-stakes gravel segments, rider confidence is the ultimate currency. Speed is irrelevant if it cannot be controlled on loose shale or unpredictable descents. The Cicloturismo analysis identifies "stability" as the qualità principale—the main quality—of these rims. This is not a secondary benefit but the central engineering achievement of the G50.
This invidiabile (enviable) control is a direct byproduct of the 25mm internal channel. By providing superior sidewall support, the rim eliminates the erratic, bouncy feedback often associated with narrower profiles at high speeds. This creates a predictable handling experience where the bike tracks exactly where the rider points it, even under the duress of low-traction environments. This level of composure differentiates the G50 in a saturated market, proving that racing agility and steady-state control are not mutually exclusive.
5. Final Verdict: Competitive Racing vs. Adventure Utility
Modern components must increasingly bridge the gap between the sanitized environment of a race course and the rugged unpredictability of Cicloturismo (cycle touring). The ICAN G50 navigates this duality with surgical precision. Although the specifications clearly prioritize high-intensity competition, the wheels non disdegnano (do not disdain) the demands of adventure. Their robust build and stability make them a reliable companion for long-haul journeys where reliability is as important as weight.
Strategic Use Case Summary:
● Racing: An elite-tier choice for competitive riders requiring a 1300g, reactive wheelset that offers a mechanical advantage in accelerations.
● Adventure/Cicloturismo: Highly recommended for cyclists prioritizing invidiabile control and stability on varied, unpaved terrain during multi-day expeditions.
● Versatility: The minimalist design language ensures a professional aesthetic regardless of the frame manufacturer or colorway.
● Fast Shipping from European Warehouses: G50 wheelsets shipped from our European warehouse in Germany come with free shipping and tax-free delivery, ensuring faster arrival at your doorstep.
The ICAN G50 represents a masterclass in modern wheel design, successfully fusing lightweight racing agility with the technical stability required for the modern gravel era. For the discerning analyst and rider who demands both podium-level speed and confidence-inspiring control, the G50 stands as a premier high-performance solution.
