Who is ICAN?
ICAN is a global company specializing in the production of carbon fiber bicycle wheels. Founded in China, the company operates around the globe, offering a diverse range of high-quality and affordable road bike wheels to cyclists of all levels. Their unique business model, which involves selling directly to customers from their factory floor, allows them to pass on cost savings to the consumer, making their wheels a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly carbon wheelset【7†source】.
ICAN’s Unique Selling Points
ICAN’s primary selling point lies in its commitment to provide high-quality carbon wheels at affordable prices. Their wheels are extensively tested for reliability and quality, ensuring they cater to various riding styles. ICAN also takes pride in their customer service, handling all parts of the supply chain, including returns and distributor interactions, to ensure a smooth purchasing experience for their customers【7†source】.
Overview of ICAN Road Wheels
ICAN offers a wide array of road bike wheels to suit different riding styles and needs. One of their popular models is the Aero 50 Carbon wheelset, known for its light weight and ability to hold speed well on calm days. However, each wheelset comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses, which will be discussed in more detail in the following section.
ICAN Aero 50 Carbon Wheelset: An In-depth Review
Unboxing the ICAN Aero 50 Carbon Wheelset
Upon unboxing the Aero 50 wheelset, you’ll find the wheels, skewers, carbon brake pads, and standard rim tape. Although these wheels are advertised as being tubeless-ready, note that the necessary tape and valves for tubeless setup are not included in the package【15†source】.
Design and Aesthetics
The Aero 50 wheels carry a ‘race look’ with their deep-section design, transforming your bike’s aesthetics. The subtle decals add to the overall appeal of the wheels, ensuring they look as fast as they ride【17†source】.
Performance
Speed and Acceleration
The Aero 50s hold speed well on still days, making them a good choice for calm weather conditions. However, getting them up to speed might feel a bit sluggish, especially when accelerating from slower speeds. This might be due to the lateral flexing the wheels are prone to, resulting in a soft feel when accelerating
Braking
One area where the Aero 50s struggle is braking. Despite the inclusion of carbon brake pads, the braking performance is inconsistent, with some spots on the rims causing the rear wheel to lock up even under soft braking. This is an area that could be improved in future iterations of these wheels【18†source】.
Stability in Windy Conditions
Crosswind stability is another area where the Aero 50s could use some improvement. The wheels tend to be skittish in breezy conditions, particularly the front wheel. This instability can be a concern for riders who frequently ride in windy conditions or in areas prone to sudden gusts of wind【20†source】.
The Verdict: Pros and Cons
The ICAN Aero 50 Carbon Wheelset provides a cost-effective entry point into the world of carbon wheels. The wheels are light, aesthetically pleasing, and perform well in terms of speed retention on calm days. However, they fall short in terms of braking performance and crosswind stability, which are essential for safe and enjoyable cycling.
Conclusion
ICAN offers a range of road bike wheels that provide value for money, especially for cyclists looking to transition to carbon wheels without breaking the bank. The Aero 50 Carbon Wheelset, despite its limitations, still holds its own in terms of speed and aesthetics. However, potential buyers should be aware of its braking performance and crosswind stability before making a decision.
FAQs
Q1: What is ICAN?
A: ICAN is a company that specializes in the production of carbon fiber bicycle wheels. They offer a variety of wheelsets designed for different riding styles and needs.
Q2: What makes ICAN wheels unique?
A: ICAN focuses on providing high-quality wheels at an affordable price. They sell directly to customers, eliminating the middleman, which allows them to pass on cost savings to the consumer.
Q3: What should I expect when unboxing the ICAN Aero 50 Carbon Wheelset?
A: In the box, you’ll find the wheels, skewers, carbon brake pads, and standard rim tape. However, it’s worth noting that the necessary tape and valves for tubeless setup are not included.
Q4: How does the ICAN Aero 50 Carbon Wheelset perform?
A: The Aero 50 Carbon Wheelset is known for its speed retention on calm days and its sleek ‘race look.’ However, it has been criticized for its inconsistent braking performance and instability in windy conditions.
Q5: Are ICAN wheels a good investment?
A: ICAN wheels provide a cost-effective entry point into the world of carbon wheels. However, like with any cycling product, it’s important to consider your personal riding style, conditions, and needs before making a decision.
