MASSA MARITTIMA – RS by Vision is the acronym for the segment of wheels developed for competition. This is combined with the iconic name Metron, synonymous with the utmost study in aerodynamics. Vision is among the very few manufacturers in the world to carry out the entire process internally, from the draft to the finished product. We started studying and testing them on the occasion of BCA – Bike Connection Agency, a meeting between companies and the specialized press held in the province of Grosseto.
The new Vision wheels enter the catalogue with two profiles, from 45 and 60 millimeters, both have full carbon rims and bring with them the latest evolution of the PRS hub. And above all the carbon spokesLet's look at them in detail and the first feedback from the preview test.
How are the new Visions positioned?
Before listing the technical features, it is appropriate identify the positioning of the Metron RS. As regards the ASTM (American Society Testing Materials), RS are level 2, that is, they fall into the super performance category, with superior reliability that also winks at a sort of light gravel (intended for example, as dirt roads, where they have been used in secret).
The two versions have a full carbon rim (the fibre lamination process and application of graphics have been renewed to reduce the weight), for both the internal channel is 23 mm wideThey are tubeless ready and also suitable for clincher tires, which means they have a hooked rim (I'm not hookless). The design and performance of the Metron RS were finalized in the wind tunnel in San Diego (USA).
There are carbon spokes
The 60s have a 33mm wide rim, the 45s have a maximum width of 31,1mm, they are both quite pot-bellied. They have the latest generation aluminum PRS hubs. They have a sort of asymmetric/flared V-profile. The rear hub has been designed to offer maximum efficiency and speed of engagement of the toothed system. The internal mechanism has 72 teeth, 5° working angle and everything is CNC machined (much more durable than the 54 tooth generations). The spheres are ceramic. Rear hub compatibility is for Shimano and Sram.
The big news comes from the use of carbon spokes with a sort of T-shape on the rim side, with the head straight towards the hub flanges. In particular, the T-shape is aimed at eliminate the spoke rotation problem (spoke and nipple are not glued, but are mechanically joined). They are assembled and loaded/adjusted with artisanal care, they are 20 for the front, 28 for the rear with crossover in second gearThey have a flat/aerodynamic profile and compared to steel spokes of the same category They are 2,4 grams lighter for each single piece. The use of carbon spokes has made change the circle building process. The holes dedicated to the nipples (external) are not obtained by extrusion. It is the new design of the mold that allows for a sort of single block, with carbon that has no interruption of the fibers.
Wind tunnel tests
Le Vision Metron RSBoth the 45 and 60 mm wheels were used with two tire settings, 28 and 30 mm. In the first situation, a pressure of 4,13 bar was used, for the 60 mm, 3,9 bar. There were seven different angles, from 0,5 to 20°.
As regards the data collected inside the wind tunnel, the RS show a higher efficiency than the top of the range SL and show reduced resistance when impacting air. The new Vision Metron RS sits above the current SL, which will be kept in the catalogue at least until 2025.
Wheels already winning
Vision Metron 45 RS have a declared value on the scale of 1.290 grams in pairs, while the 60 weigh 1390 grams. I list prices of 3.109 and 3.179 euros respectively, which place these wheels in an elite segment.
«These wheels – Giorgio Marra from Vision's marketing department tells us – were delivered to the various sponsored teams since November (These include wheels from XDS-Astana and Ef Education-Easy Post, among others.) The goal was to get the athletes working hard right from the start, to understand the product, and to get the right fit for the optimal wheel/tyre combination. At the start of this season, The new Metron RS have won on several occasions and in different contexts.
«Vision Metron RS is also a sort of confirmation of the evolution of wheels and it's not just about the carbon spokes, a really important plus, but about always creating the perfect match with the tires that have increasingly larger sectionsVision is at the forefront, thanks to active collaboration with different teams, who use different tire brands."
Our first feedback
During the BCA days in Massa Marittima, where the Vision wheels were previewed to the international press, we had the opportunity to travel a hundred kilometers (total), with the 60 and 45 profile. A sort of comparison, where the 45 wheel becomes a confirmation, light and lively, agile and perfect with 30mm tubeless. Very responsive and immediate in her responses, not at all extreme.
The 60 profile struck us in a positive and almost unexpected way, a “big wheel” only in terms of aesthetic impact. Extremely fast when the speed goes beyond 40 kilometers per hour, the wheel appears to provide some assistance with thrust and it is not affected by side winds, a factor which allows it to be reliable first of all, also usable by lightweight riders. It's surprising when the road goes uphill, because it doesn't convey any sensation related to the "heavy" rotating mass of the wheel. It's certainly challenging when going downhill, less than imaginable. Vision Metron RS is a modern-day racing wheel.
