With the World Ironman Championships on its doorstep, Kona-based Vision has had the ideal proving ground for its aerodynamic expertise since 1995. Vision’s integrated aero bar helped speed Lance Armstrong to his 2000 and 2001 Tour victories, and now years of research and FSA ownership have culminated in a range of aero wheels.
Using a 30mm alloy clincher rim, the TriMax Pros join the crop of shallow aero wheels offering everyday benefits while remaining reasonably light. Ultra-glossy black rims are laced with slim, bladed, straight-pull Sapim spokes, 20 radial at the front and 24 rear, crossed twice on the drive side and radial on the other. The spoke nipples are external, sacrificing minimal drag for adjustment convenience.
Vision’s storm grey anodised hubs spin on six sealed cartridge bearings, two at the front and four at the back to resist drivetrain torque, but externally their most notable feature is the narrow rear hub. The flanges are only 44mm apart, creating a rear wheel with no dishing and a reduced frontal profile. Another benefit is shorter, equally tensioned spokes, which result in a stiff and responsive wheel. Positive-feeling aluminium and steel quick release skewers, an aluminium freehub body, nylon rim tape and stretch rim covers complete the package.
On the road the stiffness of the TriMax Pros offers superb acceleration. Whether from a standing start, surging uphill or sprinting, there was very little lateral flex, just increasing speed. Handling is precise and predictable, comfortably coping with direction changes mid corner, and despite their rigidity, the ride quality over broken surfaces is firm but not harsh. The 30mm profile is barely affected by cross winds, making it a good choice for all conditions, and at 1655g per pair with skewers and rim tape (130g), they are as light as the immediate competition, and more aerodynamic.
A CNC-machined braking surface gives consistent stopping performance when the road points downwards, and so far Vision’s boast about building the wheels entirely by hand is proving its worth. If you want a fast, light, semi-aero wheelset with triathlon DNA, the TriMax Pros are a definite contender.