Over the last couple of years we’ve reported on the long-awaited Vision Metron time trial groupset on several occasions. At Eurobike 2012, though, we were assured it’s been finished and is on its way to us for testing. Vision’s stand had the group on show, alongside some interesting new wheels.
Metron front mech
While outwardly appearing fairly standard, the new Metron front mech uses a carbon swing link and a wider body spacing for a more powerful and positive shift. The carbon construction helps keep the weight down to a claimed 135g.
It’s capable of taking up to a 56t ring and allows for a wider drop of 16 teeth between ring sizes.
Metron rear mech
Made from thermoset moulded carbon fibre with massively oversized jockey wheels, and with a shape that’s been honed for aerodynamics, the rear mech has seen the most development over the Metron groupset’s genesis.
The carbon main body is complemented by DuPont Zytel jockey wheels, ceramic bearings and titanium hardware. With a claimed weight of just 135g it’s one of the lightest rear mechs we’ve seen and, yes, it’s Shimano compatible.
Metron shifter
These bar-end mounted units may look like aero brake levers, but they’re actually shifters. The main trigger blade allows for movements of up to three cogs at a time throughout their travel, while the button on the front of the housing handles downshifts. The shifters are Shimano compatible.
Metron chainset
The new BB386 Metron chainset uses a hollow carbon construction that, along with the rest of the group, has had its design honed in a wind tunnel. The construction method means a low weight of 730g – impressive for a chainset with a solid outer ring.
Designed with an oversized 30mm axle, the chainset is Metron’s stiffest yet. It’s available with 53/39, 54/42 or 55/42 combinations and lengths between 170mm and 180mm in 2.5mm increments.
Because it uses the BB386 standard from partner company FSA, a complete range of bottom brackets is available, ensuring that the chainset will fit any frameset on the market barring Rotor’s BBright.
TFA handlebar
To complement the new group, Vision have also produced the impressive TFA bar. Its fully UCI compliant yet is still the fastest bar Vision have ever produced. It’s a full carbon construction, with integrated brake levers, and tips the scales at an impressive claimed weight of 818g.
Despite that low weight, Vision haven’t skimped on adjustability, with 56mm of width adjustment in the armrests and a further 32mm fore-aft. The head tube interface (what would normally be a stem) can be adjusted between 71, 72 and 73 degrees for the optimal fit, and comes with extra spacers should you want to raise the arm rests.
Metron 81 wheels
As the name suggests, the Metron 81 is an 81mm deep, full aero tubular wheelset. The new shape of the rim also increases bed width to 24.5mm.
The front hoop features a straight-pull hub design complete with ceramic bearings, with Vision’s PRA (Preload Reduction Assembly) ensuring the expensive bearings run smoothly.
The rear wheel features the same hub technology, and paired with the front weighs in at a claimed 1,590g – impressive for the depth. The wheels come complete with carbon handled quick-releases, carbon specific brake pads, valve extenders and a padded dual wheel bag.
Vision Tri-Spoke
The radical looking Tri-Spoke has a 50mm deep rim section and sculpted direction blades. It’s completely hand assembled using a combination of unidirectional and 3K woven fibres. Vision claim impressive aero results for the front and rear combo, and even better numbers for a Tri-Spoke combined with the Metron disc wheel.
Bottom bracket standards
BB386, the oversized standard from FSA, has proven mightily impressive. Its light, stiff and allows you to use 386 chainsets on any frame design – all great features. The only problem is that, until now, the standard has only been available on FSA’s top-end SL-K and K-Force.
For 2013, though, FSA have brought the design to the much more affordable Gossamer level. The new Gossamer 386 also receives improved machined chainrings and a full suite of compatible bottom brackets.
