Vision SC 48 i25 Wheelset Review: Real-World Gravel & Road Performance Tested

Words and Photography by James Ion

Pros

• Exceptional value - At $1300 / €1398, it delivers carbon aero performance at an accessible price point

• Rapid acceleration - Pawl hub engagement reacts quickly on hard-packed gravel, getting you up to speed fast with noticeable responsiveness

• Low rolling resistance - 48mm aero profile maintains momentum efficiently, with measurable "free speed" gains in coast-down and fixed-power testing

• Wide tyre compatibility - 25mm internal width accommodates 28-50mm tyres tubeless, ideal for mixed road/gravel use and bikepacking

• Strong crosswind stability - CFD-optimised 48mm depth handles gusts confidently

• Maintenance-friendly design - Press-fit end caps create easier hub servicing access

• Versatile freehub options - Compatible with SH/XDR/MS/CAMPA standards and Centerlock rotors for multi-bike flexibility

• Excellent spoke tension retention - Holds true over 1000km of mixed gravel with minimal truing needed

• Lightweight - 1590-1594g total weight balances performance and durability

Cons

• Potential crosswind twitchiness - 48mm depth can feel slightly unstable in strong gusts for some riders

• Limited colour options - Only available in black, restricting aesthetic customisation

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Vision SC 48 i25 Wheelset Review

The Vision SC 48 i25 wheelset offers strong hybrid performance for road and gravel, featuring a 48mm carbon rim, 25mm internal width, and a total weight of 1590-1594g, all for around $1300 / €1398. This makes it a smart value pick. Its hooked rims support tubeless tyres from 28-50mm, paired with responsive V-200 hubs, positioning it well for endurance and bikepacking demands, using PRO. Gravel Magazine's super dooper testing parameters, I put these wheels through a comprehensive real-world evaluation to create the Vision SC 48 i25 wheelset review.

Installation Details

The wheelset comes with compatibility for Shimano/SRAM (SH), SRAM XDR, Campagnolo (CAMPA), and Micro Spline (MS) freehub standards, offering broad drivetrain flexibility across different bikes. For testing, I used the XDR freehub with my SRAM setup, which worked absolutely fine throughout the evaluation period.

The V-200 hubs feature Centerlock rotor mounts for secure brake disc attachment, while press-fit end caps simplify hub servicing and maintenance access. The availability of multiple freehub body options means the wheelset adapts seamlessly to different drivetrain configurations, making them versatile for riders with multiple bikes.

Tubeless setup required standard tape and 60-90ml sealant, completing in under 30 minutes without complications. The 24 aero-bladed spokes in 2:1 lacing held even tension straight out of the box, and at 1590g total weight, they felt reassuringly solid without excess bulk.

Performance Insights

Acceleration impressed me immediately—on hard-packed gravel, the rear hub's pawl engagement reacted noticeably quickly, surging me up to speed fast before the low-drag 48mm profile maintained momentum with excellent rolling resistance. During coast-down tests from 35km/h on compact gravel, I recorded longer distances than my previous wheelset, while 200W flat segments yielded measurable "free speed" gains that I could feel. Crosswind stability held firm even in gusty conditions, and vertical compliance smoothed washboard sections effectively without feeling harsh. Lateral stiffness supported out-of-saddle sprints and high-speed corners without noticeable flex.

Maintenance Overview

The V-200 hubs feature press-fit end caps that make servicing straightforward—I appreciated the maintenance-friendly design that eliminates the need for preload adjustments. After over 1000km of mixed gravel riding, spoke tension retained exceptionally well with only minimal truing needed using a 5.5mm wrench. The sealed bearings performed well against mud and moisture throughout testing.

Design & Aesthetics

The matte black carbon finish withstood weather exposure well during my testing period, integrating seamlessly with modern gravel bike aesthetics. Hand-built quality conveyed a premium feel, with the 48mm depth balancing aero efficiency and gravel versatility without looking overly aggressive.

Real-World Applications

I tested these wheels across high-mileage training rides, structured race simulations including intervals and VO2max work, and winter conditions with salt and moisture exposure. The tyre flexibility from 28-50mm allowed me to adapt quickly between road training and gravel adventures, delivering consistent feedback across varied terrains. At $1300 / €1398, I found the value proposition compelling for riders seeking carbon aero performance without premium pricing.

Drawbacks Noted

I tried to find real faults with these wheels, but limitations proved minor. The 48mm depth occasionally felt slightly twitchy in exceptionally strong crosswinds, though this was rare. Colour availability is restricted to black only (but to be honest, it looks cool!)

Recommendation

I recommend the Vision SC 48 i25 for gravel riders seeking aero efficiency at an accessible price point—ideal for training, racing, and mixed-terrain bikepacking, provided the 48mm depth suits your typical riding conditions. With the added plus of being equally at home on your road bike, these could be the "One Wheelset" to rule them all.

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For more information, visit Visions' homepage HERE

*Disclosure: All our reviews are independent, we do not accept a "fee" to review products, once reviewed (unless we dont have to), the products are sent back. We test the products on our local routes and give you our personal, honest opinion, which, of course, is subjective. It is rare for products to be bad, but on those occasions when the product sucks, we will tell you.