Vision Team Aero Gravel I23 on test: Vision rounds off its Gravel segment with a solid wheelset whose "semi aero" rims are tailored to wider tires.
An all-round solid Gravel wheel set with an attractive price comes from Vision. The Team Aero Gravel I23 costs 379 euros, although it is even cheaper in mail order. What does the accessory giant FSA offer for this?
"Semi aero" rims and round spokes
The wheelset is built with 30 mm deep semi-aero rims, which with an internal width of 23 mm are all-round suitable for Gravel, but also accept modern racing tires. In the classic manner, cranked spokes are threaded into the hub flanges, whereby the spoke pattern is not quite usual: eight radial spokes are used at the rear left and at the front right; 16 double-crossed spokes on each other side of the wheel. On the front wheel, the higher flange on the left ensures an even spoke inclination and thus tension. With the uneven distribution of the spokes, the equally uneven load on the two sides of the wheel should be taken into account, whereby the drive forces are important at the rear and optimal stability when braking at the front.
Vision Team Aero Gravel I23
Despite the nickname "Aero", round spokes are used on this wheel set, which of course are not really "aero"; one can console oneself with the fact that this does not play a major role at typical gravel speeds. Should a spoke ever need to be replaced, it is easy to find a replacement; In addition, the round spoke does not have to be held tight when tension is built up, since it does not pose an aerodynamic problem if it twists. To install new spokes, however, the cassette must be removed and possibly also the brake disc - this should be considered when touring with luggage. Tubeless tires were easy to install, with one wheel leaking some air through the rim seam until the sealant blocked the gap.
In practice, the Vision are unobtrusive - they are stiff enough, but not too sluggish when it comes to acceleration and handling. The weight of 1.930 grams with tubeless tape is not a problem. Incidentally, Vision has a wheel set that is almost 300 grams lighter in its range with the Trimax Aero Gravel I23, which costs 617 euros and is really “aero” all around with tangentially inserted flat spokes.
Specification Vision Team Aero Gravel i23
| rim type | hook rim |
| jaw width | 23 mm |
| rim depth | 30 mm |
| Rim width | 27 mm |
| Spokes | Round spokes, cranked, threaded |
| spoke count | 24 RV / 24 HR |
| lacing | 2:1 pattern, 3-crossed / radial |
| freewheel type | pawls |
| tire width | kA |
| Front wheel weight | 870 grams |
| Rear wheel weight | 1.060 grams |
| Price | €379 |
