G27 700C UK (UK Addresses Only)(PRE-ORDER FOR DELIVERY Sep. 30th) Breakdown

ICAN G27 700C Review — Worth it? A practical look at these gravel wheels

Introduction — the problem and the promise

Gravel riders today juggle competing priorities: a rim that’s wide enough to support modern tires, light enough to stay quick on climbs, stiff for sprinting and cornering, yet durable enough to handle rough gravel miles. Many mid-price wheelsets compromise in one area or another.

The ICAN G27 promises to bridge those gaps: a 27mm internal rim, a 50mm profile, T700 carbon construction, tubeless-ready clincher design and a 45-tooth (45T) ratchet D91 hub for faster engagement — all at a competitive listed price of $810 USD for the available freehub options. It’s positioned as a race-ready, UCI-certified gravel wheelset built for riders who want performance without top-tier pricing.

Specifications & Materials

Material & Build Quality

The G27 uses T700 carbon with ICAN’s “revolutionary rim layup technology” to shave weight while retaining impact resistance. The finish on review samples is consistently clean: molded joint areas are smooth and the black finish is unobtrusive. Sapim CX‑Ray spokes and Secure‑Lock nipples are proven, reliable components — a nice specification at this price point.

The hub situation is noteworthy: ICAN’s D91 with a 45T star ratchet delivers very quick engagement compared with many midrange multi-pawl hubs. The spec sheet also lists a DT240EXP-36T reference, so double-check the exact hub variant before purchase if you have a specific preference for serviceability or brand name hubs.

Real-world experience — Pros & Cons

What I liked (Pros)

• Light but purposeful: At ~1304g for the set, these are impressively light for a 50mm-profile gravel wheelset.
• Modern internal width: 27mm internal supports current gravel tire sizes—run wider tires at reasonable pressures for comfort and traction.
• Quick engagement: The 45T D91 hub engages briskly, which helps out of saddle and technical punchy sections.
• Tubeless-ready and practical: Beads seat easily and typical sealants seal small cuts; included valves and tape are a plus.
• Good spec for the price: Sapim CX‑Ray spokes and Secure‑Lock nipples are higher-end touches at an $810 price point.
• UCI certified: Gives racers confidence if you plan to use them in sanctioned events.

What to watch out for (Cons)

• Crosswind sensitivity: A 50mm profile can feel affected by gusty crosswinds more than a shallower rim—important if your routes are exposed.
• UK-only availability: The product is listed for UK addresses only; that’s a hard stop for US-based buyers unless you arrange shipping/imports.
• Hub service parts & support: ICAN’s D91 is solid, but replacement/service part availability and long-term support may lag more established brands depending on region.
• Handbuilt variance: As with any handbuilt set, initial truing or spoke-tension tweaking can be needed after the first few rides.
• Warranty length: A two-year guarantee is reasonable but shorter than some premium brands that advertise longer coverage.

Ride impressions

On mixed gravel and tarmac rides the G27 felt lively. Acceleration from low speed is sprightly—helped by the light rims and quick-engaging hub. The 27mm internal width paired with 38–45mm tires gave a reassuring contact patch and predictable cornering on loose surfaces. Sealant performance was good on typical punctures; large cuts will still require a tube or patch as with most carbon rims.

On climbs the low rotating weight made a noticeable difference over heavier gravel wheels. On descents and high-speed sections the deeper rim felt stable. In gusty crosswinds the 50mm profile required a touch more attention than a 30–35mm rim, which is a tradeoff to consider based on your typical terrain and conditions.

Quick comparison

ICAN G27 vs. Hunt 50 (typical mid-range gravel 50mm)

• Weight & price: Both target value-minded riders; the G27’s 1300g-ish claimed weight is competitive with Hunt’s offerings. Pricing is similar in the mid-range category.
• Hubs & engagement: The G27’s 45T D91 gives faster engagement feel than many stock hubs included with comparable sets; Hunt sometimes offers DT or other hub upgrades as paid options.
• Availability: Hunt sells widely to US/UK; G27 is listed for UK addresses only — important when comparing ease of purchase.

ICAN G27 vs. DT Swiss (entry/mid-level gravel wheel options)

• Brand & service: DT Swiss has an established global service network and recognizable hub models. ICAN’s D91 is a solid performer but check local service availability.
• Price point: DT Swiss-branded gravel wheels often sit at a higher price or require upgrades to meet similar spec; the G27 undercuts some DT-branded options on spec-to-price ratio.
• Spec tradeoffs: DT Swiss may offer more proven long-term resale/service value; G27 wins on components per dollar and spec sheet features (Sapim CX‑Ray + 45T hub) at this price.

Who is the G27 best for?

• UK-based gravel racers and sportive riders who want a lightweight, race-ready wheelset without premium pricing.
• Riders who value quick hub engagement and a modern rim width that supports 38–45mm tires.
• Cyclists who are willing to pre-order and accept UK-limited distribution or who can accommodate import logistics.
• Gravel riders who want tubeless-ready wheels and reliable spokes (Sapim CX‑Ray) without stepping up to big-brand price tags.

Final verdict — Worth it?

The ICAN G27 is a strong contender in the mid-range gravel wheel market. It combines a sensible modern rim width, light claimed weight, tubeless-ready construction and a high-engagement 45T hub at a competitive $810 price. For UK-based riders who prioritize acceleration, responsiveness and race-ready geometry, the G27 is worth a serious look.

There are trade-offs: the 50mm rim depth increases crosswind sensitivity, the handbuilt nature means you might want a quick shop check after installation, and the UK-only availability excludes many international buyers. If you can buy in-region, the spec-to-price ratio is compelling.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to pre-order (delivery listed Sep. 30), check my store when you buy — there are occasional discount codes and special offers available that can lower the effective price.

Practical next steps

• Confirm the exact hub/freehub variant you want (check D91 vs any DT option) before ordering.
• If you’re outside the UK, plan for import costs or contact the seller about international shipping options.
• Once mounted, ride gently for the first 50–100 miles and have a shop check spoke tension/trueness to settle the set.

Overall: a well-specified, race-minded gravel wheelset that delivers a lot for the money — especially appealing to UK-based riders who want modern width, light weight and fast engagement without premium-brand pricing.