Vision SC48 i25 Review: A 48 mm Carbon Wheelset Built for Gravel Speed

Introduction

Vision is an American wheel manufacturer that first entered cycling in the 1990s, producing aerodynamic components for triathlon. The brand committed to manufacturing wheels in 2007 and today supplies several WorldTour teams. The new SC48 i25 is a performance-focused wheelset, and it is not a road-only design. Vision has built it for gravel as well.

The headline numbers are straightforward. Rim depth is 48 mm, internal width is 25 mm, listed weight is 1,594 g, and the price is £1,149.99. The SC in the name stands for Service Course, which Vision describes as premium carbon wheels at a competitive price point.

Who the Vision SC48 i25 Is For

The 25 mm hooked rim is designed around wider tires, and the 48 mm depth is the more aerodynamic option in the range. Gravel racing keeps getting faster, and as speeds climb, aerodynamics matter more. That points at a fairly specific rider: someone racing gravel, or someone who simply prefers wider tires on a road bike and wants to save watts at speed.

With the wider internal width, a 50 mm tire sits more flush with the rim wall. That reduces drag and helps the tire float over rougher terrain, which is exactly the combination gravel racers are chasing.

If that describes your riding, the SC48 i25 lands in a sensible place. It is a wheelset chosen for speed on mixed surfaces rather than a general-purpose upgrade for every bike in the garage.

Main Strengths of the Vision SC48 i25

Three things stand out on this wheelset: the aerodynamic profile, the handmade construction, and the attention paid to long-term serviceability.

Aerodynamic Depth and Rim Width

At 48 mm deep, the rim carries an aerodynamic profile intended to help you save watts at high speed. That depth is paired with a 25 mm internal width, which is what allows wider tires to sit properly and keep airflow tidy around the rim.

The pairing matters more than either number alone. A deep rim only pays off if the tire matches it well, and the wide internal width is what makes that possible with the gravel tires most riders are actually using.

Handmade Construction and Spoke Pattern

These wheels are entirely handmade and use 24 aero bladed spokes in a 2:1 cross pattern. That lacing arrangement is a deliberate choice rather than a cost-saving shortcut, and it supports the performance positioning Vision gives the Service Course line.

For riders who care about how a wheelset is built rather than only what it weighs, the handmade construction is one of the more interesting details here.

Hub Design and Serviceability

The hubs are Vision Zone V200, running two sealed cartridge bearings in the front and four in the rear. Press-fit end caps are used to improve serviceability, which makes routine maintenance less of a hassle over a long ownership period.

There is also a small QR code on the hub. Scanning it takes you to the Vision spare parts manual, where you can find exactly which bearings, spacers, axles and other parts you need to keep the wheels running smoothly.

That documentation is a genuinely useful detail. Wheels at this level tend to stay in service for years, and knowing the exact part numbers before you need them removes a common source of frustration.

Things to Consider Before Buying

This is a performance-first wheelset, so it is worth being honest about what it is not. The 48 mm depth and gravel-ready width are aimed at riders who want speed on fast surfaces and wider tires. If your priority is something else entirely, the SC48 i25 may not be the obvious pick.

The listed weight of 1,594 g reflects a build centred on aerodynamics and durability rather than the absolute lightest option. Riders chasing minimum weight for pure climbing may want to weigh that trade-off carefully.

Price is also worth weighing against your plans. At £1,149.99 these sit in premium carbon territory, and Vision positions them as competitive at that price point rather than cheap. If you are only occasionally riding gravel, the case for them is weaker than for someone racing regularly.

Buying Advice

If you race gravel or run wide tires on your road bike and you want aerodynamic help at speed, the SC48 i25 is a coherent, well-supported choice. The 25 mm hooked rim and 48 mm depth work together, the build is handmade, and the hub documentation makes long-term ownership more straightforward than it often is.

Before ordering, confirm two things: that your frame and brakes clear the tire width you plan to run, and that a 48 mm deep rim suits the terrain and conditions you ride most. Neither is a reason to avoid the wheelset, but both are worth checking so the first ride matches expectations.

Beyond that, the buying decision is mostly about intent. Riders who want one wheelset to cover fast gravel and wider-tire road riding will get the most from this design. Riders who want a shallow, lightweight climbing wheel or a dedicated road-only race wheel should look at what else the range offers.

Conclusion

The Vision SC48 i25 is a 48 mm carbon wheelset with a 25 mm internal width, a listed weight of 1,594 g, and a price of £1,149.99. It is handmade, uses 24 aero bladed spokes in a 2:1 pattern, and runs Vision Zone V200 hubs with sealed cartridge bearings and press-fit end caps.

Its clearest strength is focus. Vision built this wheelset for riders who want aerodynamic gains while running wider tires, whether that means gravel racing or simply a wider setup on the road. If that is your riding, the SC48 i25 deserves a place on your shortlist.