ICAN FL38 Wheelset: Performance and Value Review by Luis Scott
Foreword: Can You Have It All? The “Pick Two” Dilemma
In the realm of high-performance cycling, an age-old adage has shaped gear upgrades for decades: “Light, fast, cheap—you can only have two.” If you want a wheelset that reduces both weight and drag, you typically pay a “brand premium” comparable to mid-range groupset prices. And if you find affordable wheels, you usually have to accept compromises in weight or build quality.
Yet the ICAN FL38 Max directly challenges this industry-standard trade-off. Weighing under 1300 grams and priced below $800, ICAN's offering isn't just another budget option; it aims to redefine what road cyclists expect from their investments.
Below is the original video review of the ICAN FL38Max wheelset by Luis Scott from the United States.
Defying the "Pick Two" Rule with Sub-1300g Specs
The technical headline for the FL38 Max is its staggering weight-to-price ratio. Retailing at a lean $799, the set tipped the scales at a combined 1,298g (600g front/698g rear). Even when factoring in the 60g required for rim tape and valve stems, a "ready-to-ride" weight of approximately 1,358g is achieved.
To put this in perspective, finding a disc-brake carbon wheelset under 1,360g usually requires a jump into the $1,500 to $2,000 bracket. As the testing data suggests, the FL38 Max effectively breaks the cycle of compromise:
"Usually when it comes to cycling related items you get to pick two out of three out of light fast and cheap. Here with the Icon FL 38 Max you get all three."
The Internal Litmus Test: Rim Bed Integrity
The most authentic measure of carbon fiber rim quality often lies hidden in a place consumers rarely notice: the rim bed interior. Many affordably priced carbon fiber wheelsets boast flawless exteriors, yet may harbor internal imperfections such as residual air pockets, excess resin, or rough carbon fiber layering.
The FL38 Max wheelset stands out through its exceptional internal craftsmanship. The rim's inner surface exhibits an exceptionally clean polish, reflecting meticulous manufacturing techniques and stringent resin quality control. When a manufacturer prioritizes such a hidden detail, it instills confidence in the structural integrity of the entire hook-shaped rim—a critical factor for riders tackling high-speed conditions.
Engineering Efficiency: Medium-Wall Rims Deliver Remarkable Stiffness
During a 20-mile test ride at Maginot Park, the most impressive performance metric was lateral stiffness. The test utilized 30mm-wide Vittoria Corsa Control tires at 55 PSI—a setup prioritizing comfort—yet the wheelset remained exceptionally responsive.
This responsiveness seems counterintuitive from a technical standpoint. While ultra-stiff carbon spokes increasingly define the pinnacle of power transfer, ICAN achieves remarkable “instant response” using traditional Sapim CX-Ray steel spokes. Even when standing and twisting the frame, no lateral flex is perceptible.
Furthermore, in the “coasting test” (an industry-standard method where two riders cease pedaling to observe which hub and rim maintains momentum), the FL38 Max performed on par with riders using high-end Roval wheelsets. This demonstrates that the combination of T700/T800 carbon fiber composite materials with a 38mm rim delivers efficiency levels typically reserved for “premium” products.
Component Synergy and the "Zingy" Factor
The FL38 Max isn't just a collection of generic parts; it utilizes a high-end component synergy. The hubs feature a DT-style ratchet system that provides an immediate engagement that you can feel the moment you apply torque. This system also produces a distinct, high-cadence "zingy" freehub sound that is a hallmark of precision-machined internals.
With a 21mm inner diameter, this wheelset is optimized for modern 28mm-30mm tires, featuring 24 spokes with a two-cross lacing pattern on both front and rear wheels.
Conclusion: The New Baseline for Value
The ICAN FL38 Max represents a turning point in the carbon wheelset market. It proves that the $1,500 price point is no longer the barrier to entry for high-performance wheelsets under 1,300 grams, with its swift responsiveness and efficient performance on the road being undeniable.
The true test lies ahead, however. I plan to subject these wheels to more demanding conditions—intense group rides and steep mountain climbs—to see if their “all-rounder” capabilities hold up under extreme stress. Until then, one can't help but wonder: Does brand prestige still justify the premium above $1,500, or has the benchmark for value been permanently reset?