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Vision Eyes Road Market with Metron Aero Wheels, 4D bar, Stem and Seatpost

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Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0803

What better way to show off a new wheel than with Peter Sagan wheelie-ing across the finish line on his Vision Metrons? That was the case when Sagan wheelied across the line with his new Metron wheels, a new line of aerodynamic wheels from Vision that was introduced last year and are slowly trickling out to the public. Originally known for their aerobars and tri accessories, Vision is expanding into the road and even a bit of cross with the new Metron Disc wheels. Like a number of other companies at this point, there was a high degree of CFD used in developing the aero profile of the rim, but the wheels are really designed as a complete wheel system with the hubs and spokes contributing greatly to the design.

Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0805 Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0804

One unique aspect of the Metron hubs is their PRA or Preload Reduction Assembly that keeps the bearings spinning smoothly once you clamp down on the skewer. The hubs use a specially designed cone and a locking collet to ensure that once the preload is set, the skewer won’t increase the load on the bearings. The PRA system is available on all of the Metron hubs with the exception of the disc hub for now.

 Metron 40 Metron 55 Clinchertos 067

The carbon Metron line is offered in both clincher and tubulars in 40, 55, and 81mm heights as well as a UCI compliant Disc and a Tri spoke wheel. All of the spoked wheels use a 2:1 lacing pattern with 14 drive side and 7 non driveside spoke for the rear (again with the exception of the disc wheel). Excluding the Sapim Cx-ray bladed spokes, everything is made in house to Vision’s specifications. Designed specifically for high cross wind situations, the wheels are developed to handle 0-30 degrees yaw in normal use.

Available in both red or the more subdued black color way, the wheels are all 11 speed compatible and retail from $2199 to $2799 for the set.

Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0796

Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0798 Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0797

In addition to the wheels, Vision is introducing the Metron road cockpit set which includes the 4D compact bar, road stem, and seatpost. The 4D bar is a sculpted work of art with almost every section of the bar tweaked for ergonomics. In addition to a slight rise, the bar has a 10 degree forward sweep from the stem to put your hands in a more natural position when riding on top of the bar. You just stuck out your arms to see how your hands naturally rest, didn’t you? The 4D also offers a cut out where your palms would normally rest while riding the hoods, and a second cutout on the drops, all to give your hands more surface area and fewer pressure points. Finally, the drops themselves are kicked out just under the hoods to put your fingers in a more natural position when using modern shift and brake levers – especially the larger hydraulic options.

4D bars are offered from 40-44cm in Black or Red for $369.

Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0799

The carbon stem is a full monocoque design that ships with Ti hardware. The interesting bit here is that the stem is sized for 1 1/4″ steerers like Giant’s Overdrive 2 but it includes a spacer to run on a 1 1/8′ steerer. Stems are only offered in 100-130mm lengths with -6 degree rise in red or black for $319.

Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0801

Finally, the Metron seatpost uses a two bolt head and will be available in a Di2 battery version or a standard post. The battery mount is not interchangeable. Posts will be sold in 27.2 or 31.6mm diameters with a 0 or 25mm offset and in 350mm or 400mm lengths for $219.

Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0809 Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0808

Vision high end road fsa metron wheels 4d bar metron stem seatpost20140130_0806

On our scale the components came in at 240g for the bar (42cm), 154g for the stem (100mm), and 234g for the post (25mm sb, 31.6, 350mm, Di2).

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Endpoint
10 years ago

In before someone calls out that it’s rebranded stuff from sister company FSA.

I for one like it a little better anyway.

mellon
mellon
10 years ago

That’s a heavy stem.

Vision Staff
10 years ago

Thank you Zach for the great write up.

The overall goal of the Metron line is to produce a full on aero kit based directly on racers needs using racers input. The wheels have been well received (with wheelies!) and we hope to continue with that trend in 2014.

As per the stem comment above; ask any sprinter what is the #1 wanted trait of a stem is and the answer is always stiffness, sheer burly stiffness. The weight is in line being that it is a monocoque and it’s face plate is all business.
We do have several lighter stems in stock if weight is your #1 priority. We hope to be part of your decision if you are ever in the market for a stem or other item that we produce.

We are based in Mukilteo Wa (north of Seattle) and if you ever need any assitance please reach out to us. In our neck of the woods? Lets ride since that really is the passion that drives us all.

Thank you, Vision USA

Flavourfleighve
Flavourfleighve
10 years ago

154g for a carbon stem is heavy?

Psi Squared
Psi Squared
10 years ago

It’d be nice if FSA/Vision gave a bit more information about heat management and braking in their Metron clinchers. After all those are the two weak points for CF clinchers. Other companies say quite a bit about their braking and heat management, but there doesn’t appear to be anything addressing those issues on the Vision website. FSA/Vision, care to comment?

greg
greg
10 years ago

forward sweep for better ergonomics? was it Odyssey or Peregrine that offered a forward sweep bar in the very early 90s? either way, forward sweep doesnt sound appealing.

Vision Staff
10 years ago

Flavourfleighve – as for the weight, this stem is designed with the focus on stiffness for sprinters over weight savings. FSA our other brand has the Energy 109g stem for your light weight pleasure sir. Vision in general is for team racers w/ an aero focus. This stem is more stiff then aero but other parts in the line up are more aero and stiff. Thanks for writing a comment.

Psi Squared – Industry Standard for testing Carbon Rims and braking is 2 Cycles of 75 watts (300+ degrees of applied heat at the rim). After 2 full cycles you can’t have any cracks, delamination, fishers, or any visual concerns. Most companies test their wheels to that limit. Vision is trying to see how far our wheels can go against this testing. We use a very high temp resin for this reason. Our wheels typically go up to 10 to 12 cycles before showing any signs of wear. The Tc-50 can get up to 20 cycles without visible wear. We are going beyond what the industry is asking for. Thanks bud for asking!

On a side note, we had a shop in Arizona have a 235lbs (not fat) guy test our Metron 55 clincher. He reported it was the first time riding where his brake pads did not rub when sprinting aggressively. He bought the “demo” wheels right on the spot… this after taking of a competitors wheels off which costs $1K more… and rubbed of course.

Vision Tech
10 years ago

greg – I agree w/ you as well when I first heard about the forward sweep. However upon holding them and having it explained to me by fitting-gurus we consult w/, I quickly changed my mind. If I might quote Nicolas Cage… these bars are “truly dazzling.”

safety_third
safety_third
10 years ago

i have seen these Vision products at my LBS, they are stunning! Vision has always been a rad race brand, but these wheels and bars i am super excited about! I wonder if Vision will offer more demo chances like they said they did above?! I would love to test before dropping the cash! either way, excellent execution Vision!

McDo
McDo
10 years ago

I’ve read some really good reviews about the new clinchers. Performance is just as good as Zipps but at a more competitive price. Now if I can just get approval from the Mrs, I’d be a happy camper!

norm
norm
10 years ago

Is there an epidemic of friction caused by closed skewers?

Maybe the idea is that it’s a unique solution to an engineering problem that most every good wheel manufacturer has another solution for? It’s great that they’re doing something in their own way, but just saying something is a unique design for doesn’t seem worth noting.

But maybe I’m wrong and lots of wheels take-on on some friction when skewers close-up on them. It really could be the case for all I know. However, I will put my old 2008 Fulcrum hubs up against any wheel for a comparison and my Fullies will reign supreme smooth.

Vision Tech
10 years ago

Norm – We understand how looking at one aspect of our wheel system can seem like we have over thought QR issolation. We all pick up a wheel and spin it to “check” how good the bearings spin. However if a hub design does not isolate the closed QR, there will be a noticeable side load upon the bearings. We have found it saves over 10% drag over our non – PRA hubs. Yes you are correct there are a “few others who also do the same. There are many more who do not. When a rider wants an elite wheelset we give them one of the stiffest, light weight, durable, aero wheelset creating a highly efficient wheelset for the price. We have to think about making all aspects of the wheel the best we can. Thanks for the comments, we appreciate clarifying our wheel system.

Vision Tech
10 years ago

Sean – We do not have a weight limit but if a wheel breaks and does not have a defect, then it is not under warranty. However we will always work with dealers on crash replacement deal. We view heavy and/or large people in general as hard on everything whether it’s a pair of shoes, wrist watch, etc… I myself weigh 225lbs and ride road bikes like a BMX’er and ride the Metron 40 clinchers. These wheels are tough… oh and yes, I kill 2-3 wrist watches a year.

jOHN
jOHN
10 years ago

Vision Tech:
How stiff are the Metron 81s? Looking at a back-up/TT wheelset, and I’m a biggish 190lbs sprinter. I know it’s not a probölem for TTs but criteriums and finishing sprints at >1700W do they flex?

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