Vision Launches New Metron 91SL Wheelset, TTW Disc, TFE Team Edition Aero Extensions

Just in time for one of, if not the biggest days in the triathlon world, the Ironman Kona World Championships, Vision has brought us some goodies that will up anyone’s triathlon or time trail game with new aero extensions and a disc wheel, along with a new deep wheelset that could also find double duty on a fast crit course or flat sprinting stage.

Vision and Kona have a long history together. In the 1990’s, the brand pushed innovation to help athletes reach new levels of performance with their aerodynamic focused products. Over the next three decades, they continued to expand their lineup to include wheels, base bars, extensions, stems, drop bars, and other products for road, triathlon and time trial. Vision continues to test their products, first using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) during the design phase, before taking them to the wind tunnel and testing them on the road with the worlds top pros, like the EF Education-EasyPost Pro Cycling Team.

For 2024, the new range continues to push the boundaries in aerodynamics in a pursuit of speed.

Metron TFE Team Edition Aero Extensions

Based on the TFE Pro, the new TFE Team Edition Aero Extensions are the next step in the evolution of aero extensions for Vision. Three years on from the Pro, the Team Edition improves aerodynamics further, while also improving ergonomics for the rider to help them ride further, more comfortably.

Vision took a complete rider and bike system approach to designing and testing the TFE Team Edition. During CFD testing, their goal was to reduce drag while improving rider comfort. In testing, Vision found the Team Edition reduced drag by 2.3% over the Pro, saving 6.84 watts at 46.8 kph. The comfort metric is just as important though, because it allows riders to spend less energy supporting and holding their position. Even from a mental perspective, a comfortable rider will be a stronger rider.

To aid in comfort, the bars are available in three sizes, 300mm, 320mm, and 340mm, each with a refined, sculpted cradle with extended full length padding for the arms. They continue with the 20 degree upward angle which has proven to be very efficient for both time trials and triathlon. They offer 75mm of reach adjustment, starting at -7.5mm from the centerline of the basebar, and can come as far back as -82.5mm in 7.5mm increments. Arm rest width, measured from outside to outside, can be adjusted from 210mm to 330mm in 15mm increments. You can also adjust the rotation by up to 13 degrees.

The new extensions are made to work with the Metron TFA and Vision TriMax Carbon base bars. Weights run from 380-392g, depending on the length. The new extensions will set you back $679.00.

Metron TTW Disc

Next up is the updated Metron TTW rear disc wheel. Along with an updated PRS (Power Ratchet System) Ratchet hub found on the Metron 60SL that we have in for testing, the new wheel is build on the Metron 45SL, allowing for the use of wider tires with a better transition from the tire to the wheel.

The previous disc wheel was based on their 55SL with fairings molded to the sides. The new Metron TTW Disc takes a similar approach, but uses the newer Metron 45SL for the wider rim, increasing the internal width from 19mm to 21mm. Vision tested multiple versions of drive side and non-drive side fairing shapes to create the lenticular disc shape that worked the best with the wider tires (28mm). The results reduced drag by 20% over the previous model, while also allowing you to see gains in rolling resistance and comfort from running wider tires.

The wheel also uses their new PRS Ratchet hub. The new hub features 5 degrees of engagement and 72 engagement points to provide quick engagement for fast acceleration. Instead of traditional pawls, like the 6 found in their earlier hubs, the new hub uses a ratchet system that is not only simpler, but also has less drag on the rear wheel. It makes for a more reliable hub that has a bit of a buzz saw sound to it when you coast. Personally, I don’t mind the sound, but if you are looking for an ultra-quiet wheel, the PRS hub might not be for you.

The new TTW disc is only available for disc brake set ups, using a centerlock disc mount. Two options are available, one with a standard Shimano 10-12 speed freehub, or an XDR 12 speed driver. Weight is a claimed 1,008 grams and pricing is $1,815.

Metron 91SL Wheelset

Finally, Vision also launched their Metron 91SL wheelset. This is your option if you are looking for every aero advantage you can in the TT or on the bike leg of your triathlon, but maybe don’t want to go with a disc in the back. The front is also a great match for the TTW disc.

The new wheelset is the evolution of the Metron 81 TL, but went through over 100 design iterations in CFD simulations to come up with the final result that was then tested in the wind tunnel. The 81 featured an 81mm depth, with a 26.8mm overall width and 19mm internal width. The 91SL is now 90mm tall, with a wider 33.6mm external width and 21mm internal width.

In testing, the 91SL beat the previous Metron 81, showing a reduction of 9.2 watts across various YAW angles. Compared to the new Metron 60SL we have in for testing, it saves 5.7 watts, and 3.6 watts over a unnamed direct competitor. All of this testing used a 25mm tire, but the wider rim should will better support a wider tire that will also help reduce rolling resistance and add comfort, just like we saw in the TTW Disc.

The 91SL also sees the upgrade to the new PRS Ratchet hubs I mentioned on the TTW Disc and Metron 60SL wheelset we have in for testing. The front wheel uses 21 bladed spokes on the front and 24 on the rear. All spokes are direct pull. The hubs use centerlock mounts for the discs and the freehub is available in Shimano 10-12 Speed and Sram’s XDR driver. Vision claims the weight for the set comes in at 1,850g. The 91SL will be available as a set, or as a front only to pair with the TTW Disc. The front wheel will run $922 while the rear will be $1,540.

The System

To tie it all together for a fully integrated triathlon set up, Vision also has their Metron Crank and Metron Drinking System II. The Metron crank is available in a few different lengths and creates a smooth outer cover over the chainings using a carbon fairing. This small detail could help to smooth air passing though a turbulent area by at least removing the shaping that you find on crank arms from other brands. Up top, the Metron Drinking System is made to fit between your arms to either relocate your hydration and allow air to smoothly flow over the frame, unimpeded by bottles and cages, or add additional hydration for longer days in the saddle. The drinking system is made to integrate directly into your front send set up with the Metron TFA base bar

All of the new Metron products are available from your local Vision dealer or online through their website.

www.visiontechusa.com