Vision Metron Carbon Wheels Reviewed: Metron 40, 60 & 81 RS SL Compared

Vision Metron RS SL carbon disc wheelsets occupy one of the most compelling positions in the current performance road wheel market — delivering genuine aerodynamic carbon disc wheel performance at price points that sit meaningfully below Zipp, Lightweight, and other premium tier brands, without the quality or performance compromise that cheaper carbon wheels typically involve.

This review compares the three core Vision Metron RS SL disc wheelsets available at Eminence Cycle Co. — the Metron 40, Metron 60, and Metron 81 — and helps you decide which rim depth suits your riding, your local terrain, and your performance priorities.

Who Makes Vision Wheels?

Vision is the performance wheel and cockpit brand within the FSA (Full Speed Ahead) group — a major component manufacturer with a long history of supplying original equipment to complete road bikes across the performance range. Vision Metron wheelsets are fitted to complete road bikes by multiple manufacturers as standard specification, and are used as training and race wheels by professional teams.

The RS SL designation denotes the current top-tier Vision Metron line — RS (Race Series) SL (SuperLight) — built on wider internal rim profiles that are tubeless ready as standard, disc brake specific, and engineered for compatibility with Shimano HG and SRAM XDR freehub bodies.

Vision Metron 40 RS SL — The All-Rounder

The Metron 40 RS SL is a 40mm deep carbon disc wheelset — the versatile choice within the Vision Metron range and the depth most suited to UK road cycling conditions where wind and varied terrain make the handling demands of deeper wheels a meaningful consideration.

Specifications:

•       Rim depth: 40mm

•       Internal rim width: 21mm (tubeless ready)

•       Construction: full carbon, disc brake track

•       Freehub: Shimano HG or SRAM XDR

•       Claimed weight: approximately 1,480g (pair)

Performance:

At 40mm depth, the Metron 40 RS SL sits in the sweet spot between weight and aerodynamics for mixed UK riding — deep enough to provide meaningful aero advantage over aluminium or shallow carbon wheels at road cycling speeds, light enough to climb without the weight penalty of 60mm+ options, and manageable in crosswinds that would require caution with deeper sections.

The 21mm internal width runs modern road tyres — 25c to 32c — at their designed profile, enabling the lower pressures that tubeless road cycling delivers in terms of rolling resistance and comfort. This is not a compromise wheel. It is the right choice for most performance road cyclists riding varied UK routes.

Vision Metron 60 RS SL — Committed Aero Performance

The Metron 60 RS SL steps up to 60mm depth — a configuration that prioritises aerodynamic performance over crosswind handling and weight. At 60mm, this is a wheel for riders who spend significant time on flatter or more sheltered roads, or who are building a dedicated fast-road or sportive bike where aerodynamic advantage is the primary wheel priority.

Specifications:

•       Rim depth: 60mm

•       Internal rim width: 21mm (tubeless ready)

•       Construction: full carbon, disc brake track

•       Freehub: Shimano HG or SRAM XDR

•       Claimed weight: approximately 1,600g (pair)

Performance:

The Metron 60 RS SL delivers noticeably greater aerodynamic benefit than the 40mm version at the speeds where aerodynamics become significant — roughly above 35km/h on flat roads. The deeper section creates more forward drive per pedal stroke, and many riders describe the sensation as the bike accelerating more freely at speed.

The crosswind sensitivity at 60mm depth is real but manageable for experienced riders. On UK roads with typical wind conditions, most riders will find the Metron 60 comfortable in all but the most exposed conditions. It is not a wheel to take carelessly onto mountain exposed ridge roads in strong winds, but it is entirely appropriate for fast club rides, sportives, and flat road racing.

Vision Metron 81 RS SL — Maximum Depth

The Metron 81 RS SL is a specialist product — an 81mm deep carbon disc wheelset for riders who want the maximum aerodynamic advantage available from a production road wheel, and who ride primarily in conditions where crosswind management is less critical.

Specifications:

•       Rim depth: 81mm

•       Internal rim width: 21mm (tubeless ready)

•       Construction: full carbon, disc brake track

•       Freehub: Shimano HG or SRAM XDR

Who the Metron 81 is for:

Time triallists who ride on closed or protected courses. Riders competing in flat road events where crosswinds are not a factor. Cyclists who want the experience of the deepest practical road wheel section and are comfortable managing crosswind behaviour. Track-inspired road builds.

At 81mm, this is not an everyday road wheel for UK conditions. It is a specialist choice for specific applications — and within that context, it delivers the aerodynamic performance it promises.

Vision Metron RS SL vs Zipp — How They Compare

The honest comparison for UK buyers choosing between Vision Metron RS SL and Zipp's NSW range is primarily about price versus brand heritage and technology.

Zipp NSW wheels benefit from more advanced rim profile engineering — particularly the dimple technology and the asymmetric profiles on the 454 NSW — and carry the marketing weight of Tour de France wins. Vision Metron RS SL wheels deliver comparable real-world aerodynamic performance at a significantly lower price point, from a manufacturer with genuine pedigree in professional road cycling.

For riders building a performance road bike who want proven aero carbon disc wheels without paying the premium for Zipp NSW, Vision Metron RS SL is the most compelling value proposition currently available.

Browse the full Vision Metron RS SL range at Eminence Cycle Co. in our carbon road bike wheels collection.

Also considering Zipp? See our complete Zipp wheels collection including the 303 NSW, 353 NSW, 404 Firecrest and 454 NSW.

Buying Advice: Which Depth Should You Choose?

Choose the Metron 40 RS SL if: you ride varied UK routes with climbs and crosswind exposure, you want a single wheelset that performs well across all conditions, or you prioritise all-round versatility over outright aerodynamic performance.

Choose the Metron 60 RS SL if: you ride primarily on flatter or sheltered roads, you want meaningful aerodynamic advantage over an all-round depth, and you are comfortable managing a deeper wheel in exposed conditions.

Choose the Metron 81 RS SL if: you time trial, race on flat closed circuits, or want maximum aerodynamic depth for specific applications where crosswind is not a concern.

Finance is available on all Vision Metron wheelsets at Eminence Cycle Co. Contact us at eminencecycleco.com/pages/contact-us for specific availability and build advice.