The ICAN G25 Carbon Wheelset Review by David Duffield
Introduction: The Strategic Shift in All-Road Wheel Technology
The contemporary cycling landscape is defined by the erosion of boundaries between traditional road racing and gravel exploration. As riders increasingly demand "all-road" versatility, the equipment market has responded with components engineered to bridge this gap. The ICAN G25 carbon wheelset represents a strategic entry into this segment, acting as a disruptor by offering premium specifications—specifically a 50mm rim depth that balances aerodynamic efficiency with crosswind stability—at a price point significantly below established industry giants.
This review provides a technical assessment of the G25, informed by a four-week evaluation in the Lake District. This region’s notoriously high-gradient climbs and degraded road surfaces provided an ideal environment to test the wheelset’s structural integrity and ride quality. The following analysis moves from a technical teardown of the physical engineering to a synthesis of real-world performance metrics.
This is the original review video by David Duffield from the Lake District in the UK.
Technical Specifications: Engineering for Versatility
In high-performance wheel design, rim dimensions and rotational mass are the primary determinants of a wheelset’s behavioral profile. The G25 utilizes a modern geometry specifically designed to support high-volume tires while maintaining a competitive weight-to-stiffness ratio.
Core Technical Parameters:
● Material: Professional-grade full carbon fiber construction.
● Rim Dimensions: 25mm internal width, 31mm total external width, and a 50mm aerodynamic dish.
● Weight Profile: 695g (front) and 800g (rear). This sub-1500g configuration minimizes rotational inertia, facilitating rapid acceleration.
● Tire Compatibility: Optimized for 28mm to 45mm widths. During testing, a 700x34c road tire was utilized to maximize comfort without sacrificing rolling resistance.
The Mechanical Advantage of Internal Width: The 25mm internal width is the pivot point of the G25’s versatility. By expanding the tire’s base, the rim increases effective air volume and allows the tire to sit with a more supportive, U-shaped profile. This is a critical performance benefit: it enables the rider to run significantly lower tire pressures without the risk of "burping" the tire or experiencing lateral squirm during high-load cornering. This mechanical stability makes the G25 a genuine "one wheel to rule them all" solution for mixed-surface endurance.
Ride Dynamics: Responsiveness, Stiffness, and Dampening
A premium wheelset must reconcile the opposing forces of lateral stiffness for power transfer and vertical compliance for rider longevity. The G25 achieves this through a sophisticated carbon layup that prioritizes efficiency under torque.
During 15%+ gradients in the Lake District, the G25 exhibited efficient power transfer, responding immediately to high-torque out-of-the-saddle efforts. This "punchiness" is matched by a predictable stiffness during technical descents, where the wheels maintain tracking precision without deflection.
Vibration Dampening and Rider Fatigue: Contrary to the misconception that deep-section carbon wheels are inherently harsh, the G25 excels at attenuating high-frequency road chatter. The wheels "take up the crap" of the road—absorbing the micro-impacts of potholes and broken tarmac that would typically vibrate through an alloy rim. This vertical compliance directly correlates to reduced musculoskeletal fatigue, allowing for higher performance levels over extended durations.
Auditory Feedback: The ICAN proprietary hub provides a distinct, high-quality mechanical engagement sound. In direct comparison to industry-standard options, the auditory profile of the ICAN hub is more pronounced and refined, offering a premium sensory experience during technical coasting.
Durability and Structural Integrity Under Load
Reliability is the ultimate metric for carbon components sourced from professional manufacturers. To validate ICAN’s manufacturing tolerances, the G25 was subjected to high-stress testing on unpaved trails and heavily potholed secondary roads.
High-Load Validation (18-Stone Test Case): The structural integrity was validated by an 18-stone (114kg) rider, providing a rigorous real-world test of the wheelset’s 130kg weight limit. Despite the substantial load and aggressive terrain, the wheels remained perfectly true throughout the four-week period, with no evidence of spoke tension loss, surface cracking, or mechanical degradation. This performance confirms that ICAN’s engineering is robust enough for high-load cyclists who require lightweight performance without compromising safety.
Hub Architecture: A Comparative Analysis (ICAN vs. DT Swiss)
The hub is the mechanical heart of the wheelset. ICAN offers the G25 with either their proprietary system or an upgraded DT Swiss configuration, presenting a choice between value-driven performance and brand-name heritage.
|
Feature |
ICAN Hubs |
DT Swiss Hubs |
|
Engagement System |
Pawl-based system |
Star Ratchet system |
|
Price Point |
~£639 |
~£1,000 |
|
Acoustics |
Sharp, premium engagement |
Subdued ratchet sound |
|
Maintenance |
Standard pawl service |
Specialized tool-free service |
Longevity vs. Brand Recognition: While the DT Swiss Star Ratchet is often cited as the gold standard, branding is not a total guarantee of longevity in harsh environments. The tester’s previous experience with DT Swiss hubs required bearing replacements after just four months of Lake District riding, whereas the ICAN pawl-based system remained flawless.
Selection Criteria:
● The ICAN Hub is the recommended choice for the majority of enthusiasts. The cost savings are substantial, and the performance is indistinguishable in a standard service cycle.
● The DT Swiss Hub is recommended only for high-mileage riders (exceeding 100 miles daily) or semi-professional racers who prioritize the marginal weight gains and the "tool-free" field serviceability of the ratchet system.
Final Verdict: Market Positioning and Value Proposition
The ICAN G25 represents an exceptional value proposition in the current market, retailing in the £637–£639 range. It challenges the necessity of "big brand" premiums by delivering equivalent technical performance and durability.
Final Statement: The ICAN G25 is a masterclass in modern all-road engineering. By combining a 25mm internal width, a 50mm aero depth, and a robust construction capable of handling 114kg+ riders, it achieves its goal of being a premium, high-performance upgrade that excels on both the tarmac and the trail. For the rider seeking elite performance without the "brand tax," the G25 is a superlative choice.
Wheelset upgrade：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. Available in both European and American warehouses, with free shipping and postage, shortening delivery time.
