These Wheels Prove You Don't Need Carbon Spokes to Be Ultralight
Tom Bowers Cycling
June 21, 2026
These ICAN Aero 50 MK2 wheels do something most ultralight carbon wheels can't: they hit around 1250g without using carbon spokes. Instead, they run standard Sapim CX-Ray steel spokes, which means a comfier ride and repairs you can get done at any bike shop, not a proprietary part you have to chase from the manufacturer.
I've had them on the bike for a couple of months now, including a hard day out in the Lake District up the Struggle, so this is a proper long-term ride impression, not a spec sheet read off a press release.
The short version: nothing about them is mind-blowing in isolation, but they're good at everything, with no real weak spot. For the money, I think that all-round consistency makes them a genuinely easy recommendation.
ICAN reached out and sent these over for review. As always, all the opinions here are my own, and they had no say in what I said.
If you want to get yourself a set, ICAN have offered me a 5% off coupon TOMBOWERS, which will also support the channel:
https://icancycling.com/?ref=THOMASBOWERS&utm_source=affiliate
Chapters
00:00 The claim: ultralight without carbon spokes
00:33 Unboxing
02:01 On the scales: how much do they weigh?
03:13 The spokes: why these are different
04:56 Bearings, rim bed and rim width
05:50 What do they cost?
06:45 Two months of riding
07:25 Crosswind stability
08:00 Steel vs carbon spoke ride feel
09:27 Final thoughts up the Struggle
11:09 The verdict: how they stack up
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Got a question about them? Drop it in the comments, and I'll answer what I can.
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Parts Mentioned
ICAN AERO 50 II Disc Carbon Road Bike Wheels For All Use
WheelsICAN AERO 50 II Disc Carbon Road Bike Wheels For All Use
Created: June 21, 2026The reviewer is impressed with the ICAN AERO 50 II Disc Carbon Road Bike Wheels, highlighting their excellent value for money, lightweight build, and comfortable ride. He notes that the wheels use Sapim CX-ray steel spokes instead of carbon, which improves comfort and repairability. The wheels are praised for their stability in crosswinds and overall performance, making them a strong recommendation for endurance riding and training.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Very affordable at $799 (USD) or £620 (UK), with a 2-year warranty
- Lightweight: 1231.9g for the set (without tape/valves)
- Uses Sapim CX-ray steel spokes, which are easy to replace and more comfortable than carbon spokes
- Good rim profile: 23mm internal width, hooked rim, suitable for 28-30mm tires
- Stable in crosswinds (tested in 30-40 mph winds)
- Comfortable ride, especially on rough roads
- Looks smart and well-finished
Cons
- Rims not pre-taped; tubeless tape and valves included but need installation
- No spare spokes included; must source separately
- Hubs have no grease from factory (common issue with many brands)
- Not the lightest wheels available (some competitors are similar weight or lighter)
- Not as cheap as some budget Chinese wheels (e.g., Core wheels)
Where to Buy
ICAN AERO 50 II Disc Carbon Road Bike Wheels For All Use