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Integrated cockpits have come a long way. Once the domain of pro mechanics and team-only rigs, they’re now an everyday upgrade. Nearly every high-end road bike comes with an integrated bar/stem combo. But what if you want one for an upgrade? Where do you start? Vision’s latest Metron 5D ACR EVO is a great option that matches most frames and will cap off a build.
The new version retains the same DNA that made the original 5D a standout, including its signature wing tops and cool forward sweep, while trimming weight, lowering stack height, and broadening fit options. Add in updated internals for entirely hidden routing, and you get a lighter, stiffer, and more comfortable cockpit that fits more bikes and more riders than ever.
What’s New vs Old Vision Metron 5D
The new Vision Metron 5D looks the same(ish) from afar, but it’s actually far more refined. Vision reworked the carbon layup, shaving about 40 grams—a claimed 320 g for a 110×420 mm. For a one-piece bar/stem with aero tops, that’s pretty damn impressive. At the same time, the new structure is designed to be stiffer yet better at muting vibration, so you don’t have to trade comfort for grams.
They also dropped the stack by 15 mm, smoothing airflow around the head tube and giving you a slightly sleeker front end. One complaint of the previous model was how it looked slightly “out of place” no matter what bike it was on. Now the updated version looks like a stock piece of kit on pretty much any rig.
Signature Shape | Tuned for Fit
The 5D sweep remains. That 10° forward angle opens the chest and elbows, a subtle but welcome detail on long climbs when you’re trying to stay aero-ish without suffocating yourself. The drops still carry a 5 mm outward step, which makes sprints feel wider and more stable without going full gravel-flare. Geometry stays compact with an 80 mm reach, 125 mm drop, and -6° stem angle across the range. This somewhat conservative reach and drop keep the Metron 5D within the realm of all riders, and not just professionals, though they still make the 140mm stem length.
Two Top Profiles
Not every rider has the same hands—or the same preference for aero tops. Vision now offers two ergonomic profiles: EVO-L and EVO-XL. Riders with larger hands or those who prefer unwrapped tops will appreciate the deeper XL profile, while the L (I went for the L) remains slimmer. Both were shaped with feedback from WorldTour athletes and the design team at Vision, meaning they’re meant for more than just pro flexibility.
Internal Routing Cleaned Up
As the “ACR” name suggests, routing is entirely internal. Hoses and wires extend into the bar, pass through internal channels, and drop into an upper headset cone for a fully concealed system. It works with hydraulic, mechanical, or electronic drivetrains and even includes an integrated Di2 junction box compartment (though you won’t need that for long).
Vision has adapters for 30+ major frames, making aftermarket installs smoother than in the past. If your frame isn’t on the list, you might still pull it off, but the cleanest results come with an ACR-compatible headset.
What World Tour Teams Ride These?
Several WorldTour squads have already put the Vision Metron 5D series to work. I like seeing what the pros are riding, and it’s nice to see spec that we think of OEM, being in the World Tour. Team Jumbo-Visma has been a visible early adopter (though they now use a Cervelo-specific bar), rolling with the Metron 5D, the same setup as Wout for cyclocross season.
More recently, teams like Bahrain Victorious and XDS-Astana have stepped up to the EVO and 5D-EVO versions on their race bikes. It’s convincing proof that the bars are a solid piece of kit and not just something that’s an OEM spec on higher-end builds.
Road Feel
On the road, the forward sweep really stands out—it encourages a semi-aero position that feels less cramped than flat-topped aero bars. The move to the hoods is natural, and there is a slight divot (or drop, or scoop) that helps cradle the larger part of the hand. It’s a nice touch, and you can feel your palms sink into the bars rather than “fit them”. It’s a very comfortable fit, and the drops give you just enough extra leverage with the outward flair when sprinting or climbing out of the saddle.
Vision’s new carbon layup does feel different: it damps road chatter more than some of the other bars I’ve used, but that can also be attributed to the nice sunk-in feeling of my hands into the bars/shifter body. Either way, it’s nice and feels smooth on the road, without dulling steering feedback. For certain, it’s stiffer when you’re on the gas, but more forgiving when the road surface gets ugly.
Some Routing Issues
While the Vision Metron 5D ACR EVO cockpit delivered on stiffness, comfort, and fit, I did run into some routing quirks when installing it on a Standert frame. Specifically, with the stock top cap, the hoses don’t tuck as cleanly as you’d expect, leaving them slightly exposed.
It’s purely an aesthetic issue; the performance and ride quality are unaffected, but the final build would look sharper with a more aero-styled top cap. As it stands, you can see the hoses sneaking out, which takes a little away from the otherwise clean, fully integrated look Vision (and I) was aiming for.
Vision Metron 5D- Sizing & Options
Vision expanded the fit grid with stems from 80–140 mm and bars from 36–44 cm (c-c at the hoods). Between the L and XL top profiles, there’s a realistic fit for everyone from junior racers to tall sprinters. Just remember: the 10° forward sweep changes the effective reach. Always compare the “virtual” stem length against your current setup before pulling the trigger.
The Metron bar features a Vision out-front computer mount (compatible with Garmin/Wahoo plates), as well as a GoPro-style underside tab for mounting lights or cameras. It’s darn sturdy and will be fine to hold your crit-camera on, no problem. Split ACR spacers are also included, letting you tweak stack height without re-bleeding brakes. As always, check what’s in the box before buying—mount kits can vary by region.
Vision Metron 5D EVO Weight & Pricing
Expensive? Oh-yeah, this thing is bonkers expensive at nearly $700 before tax. However, if you’re looking for WorldTour-level integration that actually works for everyday riders, the 5D ACR EVO is worth considering.
The Metron 5D ACR EVO shows just how far integrated cockpits have come. It’s lighter, sleeker, and easier to fit, with vastly improved ergonomics and sizing options. Add in broader headset compatibility, and Vision has created a cockpit that’s no longer pro-only exotica; it’s a serious upgrade for anyone chasing a clean, aero setup without sacrificing comfort.
Visiontechusa.com
