Vision is part of the Full Speed Ahead (FSA) family, which is mainly known for aero Time Trial, Track and Triathlon components. Vision produces a great line of wheels, handlebars, stems, seatposts, cranks, brakes and aero bars along with a full aero group set.
I have always ridden with aluminum handlebars in the past, so I was excited to use the full carbon bar and stem combo handlebar. After spending some considerable time on the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars, they were a fantastic fit for my Fuji Transonic Elite. The Fuji Transonic Elite is a semi-aero road bike that offers an aero road advantage, so it seemed like a logical fit to use them on the build. With most major bike companies offering aero road bikes, you are seeing more of this style of aero handlebars and integrated stem combo as the aero bike segment becomes more common place in the peloton and group rides. In addition, companies are starting to integrate the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars on their aero bikes.
The Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars are some of the cleanest looking bars on the market in terms of aero road bars. Aside from the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars sweet looks, these handlebars are functional, as well.
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Features
The Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars offer many features. The Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars are integrated with a clean look, with Vision using a continuous carbon construction. The top part of the bar that flattens out actually arcs outward 10 degrees to create a more aero and comfortable position. The cable groves are hidden underneath and offer a sleek hidden integration for the Shimano DI2 junction box under the bars. The Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars also comes with an aero computer mount. Vision even made the area where the levers go reinforced and textured for a nonslip surface. The drop of the bars actually cant out just slightly, as well.
Testing on the Road
The Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars definitely feel more aero than just a regular bar stem combo. You can almost feel the wind slipping through the bars and stem, almost as if the center of the bars and stem aren’t even there. The drops on the bars are slightly deeper than my previous FSA Energy road handlebars. Â Since the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars are full carbon, they offer excellent comfort when you hit harsh road conditions. When getting out of the saddle on the hoods and on the drops, the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars felt very stiff but not overly stiff. Â If you watched any of the Tour de France this year, there were quite a few of the riders that used the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars and put the bars to the test under extreme conditions.
If your considering an upgrade or if your building that new bike up and you want to step up a level in the handlebar stem combo, the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars are worth checking out. But keep in mind, just like a high end bike, these bars are high end, so the price is a premium price as well with a MSRP of $549.99.
For more information on the Vision Metron 5D Integrated Handlebars please visit VisionTechUSA.com.
Review by Frank Sarate, SoCalCycling.com
