ICAN P1 Full Suspension Carbon MTB Bike Test: A Trail Weapon Built for Speed and Control

The ICAN P1 full suspension mountain carbon bike showcases the brand’s expertise in carbon fiber bicycle engineering with its unique design philosophy and outstanding performance. As the ICAN team puts it: “We listen to riders’ needs and build the bikes they truly want.” This Trail bike combines a lightweight carbon frame with an efficient suspension system, delivering an exhilarating experience for riders chasing speed and precision. We conducted a two-day test to thoroughly evaluate the ICAN P1’s performance, and here is our detailed review.

ICAN P1 – Overview

The ICAN P1 is a precisely positioned Trail full suspension mountain bike featuring a carbon fiber frame with 130mm rear travel and 140mm front fork travel, balancing climbing efficiency with descending prowess. Equipped with ICAN custom components and a Sram NX Eagle groupset, it offers reliable performance and a personalized riding experience. While not inexpensive, its aluminum version provides similar riding characteristics, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious riders.

Key Features:

• Frame: ICAN Trail Full Suspension MTB Frame P1, carbon fiber, 130mm travel, 12x148mm Boost standard, BSA73 threaded bottom bracket.

• Sizes: XS / S / M / L, test bike in M size (Art Red/Gray colorway).

• Suspension: RockShox Monarch RT 200×51 HVI ML3 rear shock, paired with a 140mm travel RockShox Yari fork.

• Drivetrain and Brakes: Sram NX Eagle 12-speed groupset, 180mm front/160mm rear Disc SRAM rotors, DB LVL BLK brake system.

• Wheels and Tires: AM29-40C-791/902-32H wheelset, paired with MAXXIS MINION DHR II 29×2.3 tires.

Design and Technical Highlights

The ICAN P1’s design language can be described as “fluid yet aggressive.” The designers have paid meticulous attention to every detail, from internal cable routing to protective elements, reflecting ICAN’s commitment to quality. The carbon fiber frame achieves a balance of lightweight construction, stiffness, and comfort through optimized wall thickness. During testing, the M-size frame’s Reach was approximately 472mm, with a wheelbase (Radstand) of about 1213mm, showcasing geometry tailored for stability in Trail riding.

Frame Details:

• Internal Cable Routing: Clean internal routing reduces cable friction noise and enhances aesthetics.

• Protective Design: The frame includes chainstay protection pads and a downtube guard to prevent rock strikes and chain slap.

• Adjustable Geometry: The P1 offers adjustable chainstay length (430mm or 440mm via replaceable dropouts) and head tube angle (66°-67° via angle adjustment spacers), allowing riders to fine-tune geometry to their riding style.

• Threaded Bottom Bracket: The BSA73 threaded bottom bracket minimizes creaking and simplifies maintenance.

Suspension System:

The ICAN P1’s suspension is based on an efficient single-pivot design, paired with a RockShox Monarch RT rear shock (200x51mm, HVI ML3 tune), delivering smooth damping and moderate progression. During testing, the Monarch RT’s 320 D3 compression tune excelled in climbing, minimizing pedal bob, while providing sufficient support for descents. Compared to higher-end shocks (e.g., Fox Float X2), the Monarch RT is somewhat basic, but with precise tuning, it handles diverse Trail terrain effectively.

Geometry and Handling

The ICAN P1’s geometry emphasizes a longer front triangle and low center of gravity to enhance high-speed stability. The test bike (M size) geometry is as follows:

Forward Geometry Application:

The ICAN P1 is equipped with a ST35-35×50 stem and a Full Carbon Handlebar HB15 (35x800mm), offering precise control through a shorter stem and wider handlebar. During testing, the 50mm stem maintained stable weight distribution during high-speed descents, while the 800mm handlebar enhanced steering control. For riders seeking a more aggressive setup, ICAN offers shorter 30mm or 40mm stem options.

Components and Performance

The ICAN P1’s component selection prioritizes practicality and value, utilizing the Sram ecosystem:

• Drivetrain: The Sram NX Eagle 12-speed groupset (CS PG1230 11-50T cassette, CN NX Eagle chain, FC NX Eagle 170mm 32T crankset) offers a wide gear range suitable for climbing and descending. The NX Eagle provided smooth shifting during testing, though slight chain noise was noted in extreme muddy conditions.

• Brake System: Equipped with DB LVL BLK front brake (800mm hose) and DB LVL SJ BLK rear brake (1800mm hose), paired with 180mm front/160mm rear Disc SRAM rotors. Braking performance was solid for lighter riders, but for riders over 90kg in high-intensity descents, the 180mm rotors felt underpowered. Upgrading to 200mm rotors or a higher-tier brake system (e.g., Sram Code RSC) is recommended.

• Wheels and Tires: The AM29-40C-791/902-32H wheelset (Shimano 11-speed hub) paired with MAXXIS MINION DHR II 29×2.3 tires offered excellent grip and self-cleaning in loose and wet terrain.

• Seatpost and Saddle: The EXA DROPPER seatpost provides flexible height adjustment, paired with the SD10 saddle, which offers comfort for long rides.

• Fork: The RockShox Yari 140mm travel fork (110x15mm axle, 51mm offset) performed well in Trail conditions but has less refined damping compared to higher-end options like the Fox 36. Upgrading to a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate is recommended for more complex terrain.

Downhill Performance

During testing, the ICAN P1 demonstrated impressive balance on descents. The RockShox Monarch RT rear shock provided ample support in loose terrain and high-speed compressions, complemented by the grip of the MAXXIS MINION DHR II tires, which maintained excellent traction on wet roots and rocky sections.

For heavier riders (90kg+), the Monarch RT’s compression tune felt slightly soft under repeated high-impact scenarios, suggesting a need for increased compression damping or an upgrade to a higher-end shock (e.g., RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate). The 140mm Yari fork handled small jumps and quick turns well, but for extreme steeps or large drops, a 150mm-160mm fork would boost confidence and control.

The P1’s geometry shone in high-speed descents, with the 68.5° head angle and longer Reach ensuring stability, even in muddy conditions where the frame quickly regained traction. We experimented with various air pressures and damping settings, finding that slightly higher compression damping and moderate rebound speed best balanced speed and control.

Climbing Performance

The ICAN P1 performed admirably on climbs. The 74° seat angle and 430mm chainstay length provided efficient pedaling, with a centralized riding position keeping the front wheel grounded on steep sections. The Sram NX Eagle’s 11-50T cassette offered ample low-end gearing for technical climbs.

However, the longer wheelbase (1170.7mm, M size) felt slightly cumbersome on slow, tight climbing trails, particularly on singletracks requiring frequent turns. Riders need to maintain momentum to avoid balance issues. For dynamic climbers, the 430mm chainstay setting is ideal, while those prioritizing control may opt for the 440mm setting for added stability.

Shortcomings and Improvement Suggestions

While the ICAN P1 excels in Trail scenarios, there are areas for improvement:

1. Brake Performance: The 180mm front/160mm rear rotors perform well for lighter riders, but heavier riders or aggressive descents reveal their limitations. Upgrading to 200mm front rotors or a higher-tier brake system (e.g., Sram Code RSC) would enhance stopping power.

2. Fork Upgrade: The 140mm RockShox Yari is suitable for most Trail riding, but for more aggressive Enduro scenarios, a 150mm-160mm RockShox Lyrik Ultimate or similar fork would improve handling.

3. Shock Tuning: The Monarch RT’s tuning range is somewhat limited for heavier riders. Offering a higher-end shock option like the RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate would enhance performance in demanding terrain.

4. Low-Speed Handling: The P1’s long wheelbase and Forward Geometry-inspired design can feel unwieldy in tight, low-speed sections. Offering shorter Reach or smaller frame size options would cater to riders prioritizing agility.

Component Specifications

Test Conclusion

The ICAN P1, with its lightweight carbon frame, flexible geometry adjustments, and reliable Sram NX Eagle groupset, stands out as a strong contender in the Trail category. It delivers exceptional stability and grip on high-speed descents while offering efficient power transfer on climbs. Although low-speed handling and brake performance could be improved, strategic upgrades (e.g., higher-end fork and brakes) position the P1 as a potential “ultimate Trail bike.”

For riders chasing speed and control, the ICAN P1 is a worthy investment. Its design encourages pushing limits at higher speeds, while adjustable geometry and diverse component options cater to various riding styles. During our Leogang test, the P1 repeatedly pushed us to break speed barriers, showcasing its immense potential in Trail and light Enduro scenarios.

Tester Profile:

• Name: David

• Height: 1.90m

• Weight: 92kg (with riding gear)

• Riding Style: Seeking the fastest line, adept in rough terrain

• Preferences: Firm suspension setup, progressive suspension curve, longer chainstays (~430mm), flatter head angle.