Introduction: Assessing the Carbon Upgrade Path

For any cyclist, the wheelset represents one of the most impactful upgrades available, directly influencing a bicycle's weight, aerodynamics, and overall ride feel.  This review focuses on a compelling new option in this market: the G25 Carbon Gravel Wheelset from ICAN, a manufacturer established in 2009. The G25 aims to deliver the benefits of a modern carbon wheel—lightweight responsiveness and aerodynamic efficiency—at a competitive price point.

The purpose of this document is to provide a detailed technical analysis of the ICAN G25 wheelset, based on a comprehensive unboxing and first-look evaluation conducted by presenter Andoni Arriaga. Here is the link if you want to watch the full Andoni Arriaga video：

Unboxing and Initial Quality Assessment

The unboxing experience provides the first tangible interaction with a product and offers crucial insights into a manufacturer's attention to detail and commitment to quality. A well-packaged product not only ensures safe transit but also builds immediate customer confidence. The initial assessment of the ICAN G25 wheels reveals a thoughtful and thorough presentation.

Packaging: 

The wheels arrived securely housed in robust protective foam packaging, an effective method for preventing damage during shipping.

Included Components: 

The package included supplementary freehubs for both Shimano or SRAM systems, ensuring broad compatibility out of the box.

Warranty Documentation: 

A 2-year warranty card was included, the wheelset's specific serial number and date of purchase.

The Quality Control Certificate: A Mark of Confidence

A detailed quality control (QC) certificate. This certificate itemizes the specific tension measurements for every single spoke on both the front and rear wheels.

This inclusion was met with considerable surprise and admiration during the evaluation, with the presenter noting it was a feature he had never encountered before, even with other carbon wheelsets.  It directly confronts and mitigates the common market skepticism some customers have regarding the quality control consistency of direct-to-consumer Asian brands. This piece of paper builds significant brand credibility, elevating the perception of the product from a generic offering to a meticulously verified piece of equipment.

Design, Aesthetics, and Finish

In the world of high-performance cycling, aesthetics and material finish are not merely cosmetic; they are integral to a product's perceived value and desirability. The ICAN G25 wheels present a clean, modern, and purposeful appearance that aligns with contemporary gravel bike design.

Finish: 

A uniform matte carbon finish provides a stealthy, high-end look that resists fingerprints and minor scuffs better than a gloss coat.

Decals:

The branding is subtle and tasteful, featuring "black on matte" decals for the ICAN logo and the G25 model designation, enhancing the wheelset's premium, understated aesthetic.

Technical Specifications Deep Dive

A wheelset's technical specifications are the true measure of its performance potential. The ICAN G25 is built around a set of modern, gravel-specific standards that suggest a versatile and capable design.

Model:  G25 700C

Intended Use：Gravel

Profile Depth：50mm

Internal Rim Width：25mm

External Rim Width：31mm

Tire Compatibility：28mm to 45mm

Claimed Weight：Approx. 1500g

Measured Weight 1520g (including protective plastics)

Spokes：Sapim Laser

Hubs：ICAN D21 (Proprietary, 6-pawl)

The 25mm internal width is a key modern feature, providing superior tire sidewall support for wider gravel tires (up to 45mm), which allows for lower pressures, enhanced traction, and improved comfort on rough terrain. When combined with the aerodynamic 50mm depth.

Core advantages

ICAN D21 Proprietary Hubs: 

The wheels are built around ICAN's in-house D21 hub model, which features a 6-pawl freehub system for quick power transfer. By using proprietary hubs, ICAN can effectively reduce the overall cost of the wheelset without compromising on a key performance feature, passing that value on to the customer.

Sapim Laser Spokes:

The G25 wheels are laced with Sapim Laser spokes. Sapim is a highly respected Belgian manufacturer, and the Laser model is a well-known, lightweight, and reliable double-butted spoke. 

European Warehouse:

ICAN operates a European warehouse, which drastically reduces shipping times. By shipping from within Europe, customers avoid the uncertainty and additional expense of customs fees and import tariffs. Even for items not shipped from a local warehouse, ICAN's policy is to pre-pay any customs duties, so the price the customer sees is the final price they pay.

In 2026, the wheelset was upgraded to G25 SL, reducing the weight by 200g, and the hubs were upgraded to the ultralight D91 hubs with a 36T star ratchet system.

Taken together, these operational elements—a credible company history, sophisticated logistics, and a transparent pricing model.The ICAN G25 Carbon Gravel Wheelset presents a remarkably strong value proposition. At a price point of approximately €700-€800, the package is comprehensive and compelling.

The weight is highly competitive for its class, and the build is completed with quality components like trusted Sapim spokes. This is all backed by a 2-year warranty and, crucially, a logistical framework that ensures a fast, tariff-free purchasing experience for European buyers.