ICAN gravel wheelset G25 test by David Duffield of the Lake District
Scope and Methodology of the Coniston Field Test
This technical field report evaluates the operational durability of high-end cycling components over a 25-mile high-stress circuit encompassing the Coniston Loop. While laboratory simulations provide controlled baseline data, they lack the stochastic variables inherent in rural topography. The Coniston environment—characterized by extreme gradients and deteriorating tarmac—serves as a superior benchmark for validating consumer equipment.Testing under high wind speeds generates significant lateral forces to evaluate the aerodynamic and structural stability of the wheelset, not merely its vertical compliance.
This is the full original video of David Duffield testing the ICAN gravel wheelset G25 from the Lake District in the UK.
The strategic objective of this test was to move beyond aesthetic evaluation and analyze the "duty cycle" of components under environmental duress. High-vibration terrain is a known catalyst for mechanical fatigue and electronic failure; sustained oscillation can induce micro-fractures in solder joints or cause battery terminal displacement in portable devices. In this context, the Coniston Loop provides a rigorous assessment of whether equipment can maintain structural integrity and electrical reliability in remote, unsupported environments. The following analysis begins with the primary rolling stock, where lateral stability and impact resistance were paramount.
Structural Integrity Analysis: ICAN Carbon Wheelset
In endurance cycling, the transition to carbon fiber wheelsets represents a calculated trade-off between reduced rotational mass and the potential for catastrophic failure in unpredictable terrain. This evaluation focused on the ICAN carbon wheelset's ability to maintain radial and lateral run-out under extreme vertical loading. The east side of Coniston, colloquially identified as "pothole central," provided a high-frequency impact environment that tested the wheels' torsional rigidity and spoke tension uniformity.
Despite the rider’s high-mass profile and the subsequent concerns regarding structural load, the wheelset demonstrated exceptional resilience. During high-speed descents where deep-seated potholes were unavoidable, the wheels exhibited zero perceptible lateral displacement. The carbon lay-up successfully mitigated vibration resonance across cattle grids without flinching—technically defined as a lack of structural deflection under high-velocity impact. This performance confirms that the ICAN wheelset maintains its lateral stiffness even when subjected to the erratic shear forces generated by the Lake District’s severe wind conditions.
Impact Performance Indicators
● Vibration Resonance Management: Zero structural resonance or lateral deviation observed during high-frequency oscillation (cattle grid transitions).
● Impact Load Resilience: Maintained radial integrity and spoke tension following unavoidable high-velocity pothole strikes.
● Torsional Rigidity: Demonstrated high power-transfer efficiency and zero deflection under maximum torque during "leg burner" climbs.
● Lateral Stability: Consistent tracking and zero vibration-induced instability during technical, steep-gradient descents under heavy rider load.
The mechanical reliability of the rolling stock is the primary factor in mission success; however, the secondary factor is the dependable nature of the electronic maintenance ecosystem.
Final Field Verdict and Strategic Recommendations
The ICAN G25 wheelset successfully validated performance during the Coniston Loop test. Riders preparing for high-vibration, steep-grade environments should prioritize proven durable wheelsets over those solely focused on weight reduction. ICAN wheels exceeded manufacturer specifications in real-world testing, delivering the stability required to withstand the unique stresses of the Lake District.
Component Performance Summary
ICAN Carbon Wheelset High-Speed Impacts and Heavy Loads Actual: Zero lateral deformation; maintained radial runout despite unavoidable encounters with potholes.
Starting in 2026, the ICAN G25 wheelset will be upgraded to the G25 SL wheelset, which adopts proprietary lightweight laminate technology and optimizes the rims and hubs by upgrading to D91 hubs, making it lighter.
Customers who choose to purchase wheelsets from European or American warehouses will also be exempt from taxes and shipping fees.
Real-world road testing remains the ultimate benchmark for equipment quality. Data collected during the Coniston Loop ride confirms that ICAN carbon wheelsets are sufficiently robust and durable for high-intensity endurance applications, serving as a reliable alternative to existing premium brands.
