Presented at the Sea Otter Classic (United States) on April 19th, the Vision SC60 wheels they update the aero proposal of the brand founded in 1995 by Peter Fraiman, which has been part of the FSA universe since 2003.
Speed is engraved in the DNA of this one set Service Course (SC), which is positioned one step below the Metron range, those used by the Pros so to speak.
The objective, together with the Vision SC45 (HERE our presentation article) is to “give every cyclist the perfect product” for their needs.
Will Vision have succeeded? Let’s find out together…
1 – Technical details
– Rim characteristics: 8.5
There is a rather close relationship with the Metron wheel range which this season equips the bikes of 3 World Tour teams: Astana Qazaqstan Team, Bahrain Victorious and EF Education-EasyPost.
The SC60 carbon fiber rim inherits in all respects the dimensions and specifications of the Metron 60 SL rim. Height from 60 mm, 21 mm internal channel (the “minimum wage” by current standards) with shoulder equipped with hook and external width of 33 mm.
The groove is sealed with the appropriate tape which makes the wheel tubeless ready (configuration of this test). 21 holes for the front rim, 24 for the rear rim.
As often happens, by importing top-of-the-range materials and technical solutions, the right prerogatives are created to offer a high-performance product that only pays off a few grams more on the scale, to the benefit of the wallet…
– Spoke characteristics: 9
Reliable materials and consolidated standards.
THE Stainless steel aero spokesdouble butted with straight head, are distributed with two different crossed-radial mounting schemes.
A construction which, combined with the external aluminum alloy nipples, simplifies any maintenance and replacement operations without forgetting the first assembly which is done strictly by hand.
– Hub characteristics: 8.5
As with the spokes, the aluminum alloy hubs also relaunch solutions already widely tested on the market and in the previous SC product generation.
The steel bearings are sealed while the Shimano HG freewheel body (the Sram XDR version is also available) has a traditional keying three pawls (no PRS).
Freewheel engagement has always proved precise and punctual in all conditions. One of the points in favor of these wheels compared to the competition.
There is no fine adjustment ring. The bushings they can be removed by hand.
– Weight: 7.5
Declared weight: 1,690 gr. Weight detected: 1.657 gr.
Technical data sheet in hand, the Vision SC60 pays off only 100g more compared to the Metron 60 SL. This delta remains substantially unchanged if we compare the latest Vision innovation with recent solutions from other brands, including higher-end ones.
Of course, a pair of wheels that exceeds the 1,600 g barrier cannot be truly defined as light. However, if we cross-reference the dimensions of the rim, the weight detected and the aerodynamic benefits emerge a wheel that deserves attention.
Last but not least, the Vision SC60 wheels equal the weight of the previous generation product (with 55 mm rim and 19 mm channel).
– Price: 8.5
The wheels are offered in the price list 1,349 euros with one street price which is close to 1,100 euros.
Conditions that make the SC60 comparable from a technical and economic point of view to the Shimano Ultegra R8170 C60 wheels.
– Warranty: 6
The coverage is 2 years.
Final score (from 1 to 10): 8
2 – Performance
– Climbing behavior: 7.5
They were not created to tackle double-digit gradients and you can feel it.
The Vision SC60s equipped with Schwalbe Pro One Aero tires and mounted on a bike designed for this terrain (Cube Litening Air) make the structure more mushy and less reactive.
If you have a minimum of leg and you like to push, the matter takes on another nuance.
On non-extreme slopes between 5 and 7% at speeds between 25 and 16 km/h the extra weight is forgiven: the dragging effect of the high profile with favorable wind coming from intermediate directions also helps uphill .
– Downhill behavior: 8.5
Any aero wheel on this terrain is comparable to a high fashion dress: you have to know how to wear it.
Once the measurements have been taken, the Vision SC60s are pleasant and stable. The front is sensitive to sudden gusts of wind, but not to the point of triggering repercussions on the steering.
In my opinion there is just a tricky situation at this juncture. Do you know when you are about to enter the wake of the runner in front of you or are you 10/15 meters behind a vehicle?
Wheels tend to be particularly sensitive to this turbulence. The 21 channel with 28 Schwalbe coverage generates a light light bulb effect between the tire and the rim which does not facilitate stability.
In these conditions the steering feel is similar to that of a 50 mm wheel with a narrow channel (18 mm) always set up with a 28 mm tire.
– Torsional rigidity: 10
It’s difficult to find a weak point in this respect…
– Smoothness: 9
They were born for speed and they don’t disappoint.
At the threshold of 40 km/h it is impossible not to detect the sail effect generated even in moderate crosswind conditions.
Traveling along the usual roads and knowing my values at certain speeds I can tell you that above 40 km/h with a favorable or slightly transverse wind for the same expressed watts the tendency is to gain almost 2 km/h more compared to carbon wheels have a lower profile.
Yield could increase thanks to a slightly wider channel which would shorten the tire’s footprint for the benefit of lower rolling resistance. The future it will also be for the SC range at 23 mm?
– Comfort: 7
If you are looking for comfort, the SC60 is not the wheel for you. In this case it is better to take into consideration SC45.
It’s true, the Schwalbe road tire has slightly stiffer carcasses than those of other manufacturers (such as Vittoria), this does not change the fact that on poor asphalt the wheel is particularly “deaf”.
In this case the trend is to have a bike more nervous. An effect that could be reduced by using a “softer” cover and adjusting the pressure. But to what extent?
– Toughness: 9
Nothing to note. The wheel is usual and resists even light dirt roads.
The 23 mm channel, in addition to the advantages already mentioned, would allow for greater protection of the rim shoulder while also increasing comfort…
Final score (from 1 to 10): 8.5
OVERALL RATING (from 1 to 10): 8.25
Vision SC60 Wheels: Bottom Line
An aero wheel Interesting especially for the value for money.
It is not a solution for everyone and as said “you have to know how to carry it”.
If you love i fast routesflat and undulating with climbs generally almost never above 7%, this set could be for you.
Another factor to take into consideration is the wind. If you find yourself pedaling in particularly prone areas with lots of uphill and consequent downhill riding, the 60 mm wheel could soon reveal its disadvantages.
The 21 mm channel of these SCs is in line with the market, but the repercussions on aerodynamics, comfort and downhill stability in certain situations are evident and end up limiting a wheel that does its job very well on the flats. elevating performance of the cyclist at the threshold of 40 km/h.
Why buy them
- On flat terrain around 40 km/h and on fast climbs you perceive a greater drag capacity (sail effect).
- The structure is solid and counteracts torsional forces well.
- Easy maintenance and practical assembly of the tubeless tire.
- Aerodynamic advantage in relation to weight and price.
Why not buy them
- Subject to downhill turbulence near a wake.
- Some driving sensitivity is required.
- It’s not very comfortable.
- The 21mm channel limits aerodynamics, comfort, rim protection and rolling resistance.
For more information: visiontechusa.com/it
HERE all the news, tests and insights regarding Vision.
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