Cheap Chinese Carbon Gravel Wheels - ICAN G25 - 1000 Miles Later

Earlier in the year I showed you these, the ICAN G25 gravel wheels. One of the cheapest gravel wheelsets on the market. We did a detailed workshop evaluation of them, and on paper at least, they looked amazing…… almost too good to be true. I promised I’d put them on a bike, and give them a bit of a kicking. Well here we are, 4 months and a thousand miles down the line, and how have these cheap wheels coped, well lets take a look.

*Links to other videos mentioned:*
My first workshop review of the ICAN G25 wheels:

The @PeakTorque ICAN Wheel Video:

The @Hambini ICAN Wheel Video:

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*Website Links, Affiliate links, and or products/tools in this video*
Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission.
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The ICAN G25 Gravel Wheels (The wheels tested in this video):
5% Discount Code💰: RIBBLE

Spoke Tension Tool:
 
Wheel Truing Stand:

*Ride footage shot using the Insta360 X3*

*About Ribble Valley Cyclist:*
I am a regular road cyclist based in the North West of England. I have been a cyclist my whole life, and try to get out every day. The purpose of my YouTube channel is to share the knowledge I’ve built up in my 40 years as a cyclist.

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[knorkainho]

I've been running ICAN G25 wheels for about 2200km on my Trek Domane SL6 as an allroad type wheelset. 32mm GP5000s fit perfectly with the 25mm internal width. I got them on Amazon for 705€, that includes valves and rim tape (that you have to apply yourself btw). I'm really happy with them so far, no issues at all!

[ForrestNH]

Your deep dive videos are fantastic. Thank you for your work!

[fergaltreacy]

I have used these wheels for two years now, and would recommend them.(5000Km +) I will buy these again. They have been used for bikepacking races (Race around Rwanda, BikingMan and Gravel Birds Portugal =super dusty and dry) Two issues have arisen.
Firstly the fine dry dust of Africa has got through the bearing seals and into the bearings. They are not terrible but they will need to be replaced at some stage. This is probably not going to be an issue in the UK.
Secondly, the rear rim has a rough matt finish which has stained from dust and the odd drop of oil that's dripped off the chain. No amount of cleaning can get rid of the marks. Again its not terrible, you only notice the staining on close inspection. I was thinking that on my next set I might spray a coat of car matt lacquer to seal up the surface.
I've probably hammered these wheels more than anybody out there and they are still true and super strong.
If you are thinking of a new set of wheels just buy ICAN.

[koyot_mtb]

I'm pretty conflicted. On one hand, this review seems honest and is in fact very thorough. On the other hand, the company sent you a pair deliberately for tests, which could mean they haven't skimped on the QC. But on the other-other hand, I've personally used 2 Chinese carbon frames for a gravel bike and a downcountry (this one takes regular thrashing) and can't say a bad word about them.

Regardless, I think it's a good wake up call for big brands like Hunt or Elite (or maybe even Trek and Scott, they also sell wheelset under their own sub-brands) that they can't hike up the prices as they please and have to touch some grass once a while and be competitive. This may change however once China gets hit by increased custom rates (they still get special treatment for being a "developing country" but reality is they surpassed EU/USA in some areas and are just abusing the system).

Great review and I'm considering buying myself a set of ICANs!

[BamBamzx]

I’ve just received a set of the ICAN G25’s after buying following your first video. I spec’d the DT Swiss 240 hub, they have arrived and they are as immaculate as they were described in the review, beautifully finished. I paid the shipping as I customized and they came direct from china. Now I have them in my hands I agree with you and from my non expert view there is nothing to complain about here, on the face of it you get great bang for your buck. Like for like they were more cost effective than anything else I could find (even with the shipping). So I’m going to take them for what they are - a high quality product at a great price - nice one ICAN for once I don’t feel like I’ve paid for ‘the marketing tax’. Thank you for the reviews Jon they are very helpful

[Tastybytesgames]

Just took delivery of my G22 wheelset. Can't wait to give them a go. Thanks to Jon for the deep dive reviews!

[geneavallone]

I weigh 100kg and ride year round in upstate NY in all kinds of weather. I use ICAN wheels on everything but my fat bikes. I also use their frames. I would highly recommend their products. I have never had an issue with anything I've purchased from them and they have always been very responsive when I've had questions.

[npdf]

Excellent honest review as always dude.. I must I do trust your reviews and opinions. Thankyou for your great work and channel 😊 Pete 🚴🏻👍

[mister_ray]

I have used ICAN wheels for many years. FL40, G25 (650), G24, and now Vortex. All have and continue to work well.

[robertosantoro]

Thanks for this very well-made and informative review

[Mickwhyer]

I have 1500km on my ICAN G25 wheels (d21 hubs). So far I am very pleased with them. My only little complaint is the free hub is bit loud for my taste. On the positive side, the sound definitely turns heads and saved me a few extra grams by removing my small bell :D

[hlobend]

Awesome information. GREAT follow up to your first video ( workshop). Thanks.

[davidholloway]

I have been using the Ican Aero 40 wheels on my Supersix Evo for 😊3 years and I am very pleased with them. They are very light (1400ish g) and are stable in cross winds. I have replaced the bearings for a small nominal amount of money but that is it. I have put at least 18k miles on them and they have been great climbing wheels. 😊

[tomhilbi]

I replaced my stock Fulcrum RapidRed with Newmen Evolution SL X.R.25. Which are made of aluminium and weight just about 1400g (without tires and cassette), which is about 600g lighter than the Fulcrum and cost also around 700€ 😎
Great review, I just love your sense of humor 😎

[andrewosborne]

Great review. I have the exact same Hunt Wheels and I’m seriously thinking about upgrading to the G25’s.

[elhior]

They look pretty clean to have never been cleaned after a 1000 miles of gravel and riding in the rain. Wildly clean in fact. They look like what my wheels look like after one single short ride when it is wet off pavement.

[shepshape]

I love that $800-$1, 200 wheels are considered "cheap".

[StGosch]

Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪And thanks for the effort and the good advice 👍🚴🏻‍♂

[steppings]

Excellent video Jon. I like my handbuilts, always have done.

[jusuflazami]

YOU SHOULD BE A HOLYWOOD ACTOR😂😂😂💪💪💪man u make me Laugh