Quick Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong carbon wheels & frames | Not sold in local bike shops |
| Lower cost than big brands | Some models sell out fast |
| 2-year warranty | Assembly/tuning required |
| Fast shipping from US & EU | Limited color options |
| Easy-to-follow guides & support | Direct order only |
Why I Tried ICAN Cycling
If you’ve ever shopped for carbon wheels or frames, you know the pain. Big brands charge a small fortune—sometimes more than the bike itself. I’d been eyeing a carbon upgrade for years but couldn’t justify dropping $2,000+ on wheels alone.
That’s when I came across ICAN Cycling. Their pitch was simple: UCI-certified carbon wheels and frames at direct-to-consumer prices. At first, I was skeptical—could they really deliver quality at half the price? But after reading a string of positive Trustpilot reviews and seeing they ship from a U.S. warehouse with a 2-year warranty, I decided to give them a shot.
Ordering & Shipping Experience
I ordered the ICAN G25 Carbon Gravel Wheelset. The site was clear and easy to navigate. Checkout took only a few minutes, and I immediately got tracking info.
Shipping was faster than expected. Since they shipped from their U.S. warehouse, my wheels arrived in just under a week. The packaging was tight and secure—foam padding around the rims, everything protected. Nothing looked cheap or rushed.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the wheels looked fantastic. Glossy finish, solid build, and light in the hand. They definitely had that “premium” feel you’d expect from wheels costing twice as much.
Mounting them was simple. I’m no pro mechanic, but with a basic bike tool kit, I swapped out my old alloy wheels in under an hour. The fit was snug, and the tolerances felt precise.
On the Road
The first ride was a real eye-opener.
- Power Transfer: With my old alloy wheels, I always felt some “flex” when sprinting. The ICAN wheels felt stiff and direct—every push on the pedals translated into speed.
- Handling: Cornering felt sharper and more confident, especially downhill.
- Comfort: Despite being stiffer, the ride didn’t feel harsh. On gravel, the wheels absorbed chatter better than I expected.
- Durability: I’ve put around 500 miles on them now—no cracks, no warping, and they’re still perfectly true.
Honestly, I kept waiting for something to go wrong. It hasn’t.
Small Drawbacks
To keep this review real, here are a few things I noticed:
- No local shops: You won’t find ICAN at your local bike store, so you can’t see them in person before buying.
- Setup: If you’re not comfortable with basic bike maintenance, you might need a shop to install and tune them.
- Limited choices: They don’t have flashy colorways like some big brands, unless you order custom paint.
But for me, these were small trade-offs compared to the performance and price.
Who ICAN Is For
From what I’ve seen, ICAN works best for:
- Performance Riders: If you race or push hard, you’ll notice the stiffness and handling.
- Weekend Warriors: Riders who want a serious upgrade without paying boutique prices.
- DIY Upgraders: People who like upgrading their bikes themselves and appreciate good value.
Final Verdict
After riding with ICAN for several months, I can say they’ve won me over. The quality is real, the performance is noticeable, and the price makes sense. I don’t feel like I compromised by not buying from a “famous” brand.
Yes, you may need to handle some assembly, but the payoff is worth it: carbon wheels and frames that feel pro-level without pro-level prices.
👉 If you’re curious, check them out here: https://icancycling.com/?ref=555. They’re offering a special discount right now, which makes it the perfect time to try ICAN for yourself.
