Lightweight Carbon Gravel Wheelset Showdown – XC2930’s Real-World Performance Unveiled

700c Full carbon lightweight gravel wheelset -XC2930

ICAN Lightweight Gravel Wheelset XC2930 – A Close Look at Performance and Design

This article dives into the ICAN Lightweight Gravel Wheelset XC2930—not just any wheelset you’d slap on a gravel bike. We tested it for months across all sorts of terrain, from hard-packed dirt roads to slick, rocky descents, keeping track of how it performed in the real world. Carbon fiber wheels on gravel can feel risky—durability often matters more than looks. But the XC2930 is different. It’s built with thought behind it. Here’s a breakdown based on actual rides and specs, showing what it’s really like.

Key Test: Grip When It Counts

Imagine this: it just rained, and you’re flying down a steep gravel hill. The ground’s covered in wet rocks and muddy patches, ready to throw you off. Halfway down, I hit a rough, uneven rocky spot—thought I was going down for sure. But the XC2930 held steady. The grip was solid; the wheels stuck to the ground. That’s thanks to the 25mm inner width doing its job. Paired with 2.4-inch tires, it spreads out the contact area, digging into the surface like talons. For anyone tackling tricky descents, this kind of reliability isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

Design Breakdown: Built with Purpose

The Carbon Gravel Wheelset XC2930 uses a mix of Toray T700 and T800 carbon fiber—light but not brittle. The front wheel weighs 619g, the rear 709g. Not the lightest around, but for gravel riding, this weight works well: agile for turns, tough enough for rough hits.

    • Rim Specs: The 23mm depth keeps things low-key—on open stretches with sidewinds, it barely budges. We tested it on a windy ridge, and it felt stable. With a 25mm inner width and 30mm outer width, it fits tires from 2.4 to 3.0 inches, handling dry gravel or muddy messes alike. The tubeless setup is a bonus—lower tire pressure means better grip, and the hooked rim keeps tires secure, even in sharp corners.
    • Hubs and Spokes: The DT240 hubs are serious business. The ratchet engages fast—about 10 degrees of free play. I timed it on a steep climb; it responds quick. The 24 Sapim CX-Ray spokes are flat, light, and stiff, cutting through wind well. In a gusty test, they kept the bike steadier than round-spoke sets I’ve tried.

On the Ground: Specs Meet Reality

On gravel, the XC2930 feels quick and controlled. The shallow rim and light build make starting up fast—we tested it on rolling hills, cutting a few seconds off normal times. But it’s more than speed; the wide rim supports the tire sidewalls just right, giving steady cornering and easy dodging around bumps.

    • Vibration Control: The carbon fiber’s slight flex helps here. On a washboard stretch that usually leaves my hands numb, the XC2930 took the edge off—better than stiff aluminum wheels. It’s not super soft, but you notice the comfort.
    • Durability Test: Rated for 120kg and meeting EN standards, it handled rocky trails and small drops. After 500+ km, no cracks or wobbles. The hand-built quality stands out—spoke tension stayed even (note: get a pro to assemble it).

Ride Feel: Stiff but Smooth

The XC2930 delivers power directly—pedal down, and it moves, no sluggishness. Yet the carbon adds a touch of flex, softening gravel’s jolts. We rode an 80km mixed-terrain loop, and my hands and back felt less worn out after. The 23mm depth doesn’t catch road wind but works smartly in gravel’s unpredictable gusts.

Heads-up: tubeless setup takes some work. The rim’s ready for it, but taping and sealing the valve need time. If you’re new to it, be patient. Once set, it’s reliable—no leaks or issues after weeks of testing.

Customization Perks

ICANBIKES lets you tweak this wheelset—swap hubs or spokes if you like to tinker. That’s uncommon at this level. With its tire width range, it’s good for gravel today and mixed rides tomorrow, no problem.

In-House Manufacturing Ensuring Reliability

At ICANBIKES, we offer 100% customizable wheelsets through our independent R&D and in-house manufacturing processes. Our R&D team designs each wheel with precision, using aerodynamic principles and materials like Toray carbon fiber to meet various riding needs. Every wheelset is hand-assembled by experienced technicians and undergoes strict quality control to ensure consistent performance and durability. We provide customization options for hubs, spokes, and rim specifications to address individual preferences. Our large-scale production, combined with an optimized supply chain, maintains cost competitiveness. By focusing on core technical development, we deliver reliable, high-quality carbon wheelsets at competitive prices.”