Winspace has been creating carbon frames and wheelsets since 2008 when it started out in contract manufacturing.
Described by their Australian distributor as the ‘BYD of bikes’ the Xiamen-based business has big plans and is one of only two Chinese companies to have invested in its own carbon X-ray equipment.
They’re also currently in the process of adding a multi-million-dollar wind tunnel to their R&D facilities, suggesting we’re likely to be hearing more from them in years to come, not less.
One of the most versatile models in Winspace’s performance road bike range is the SLC5. Ridden at this year’s Tour de France Femmes by French UCI ProTeam Mayenne Monbana My Pie, and set to be used by Australian Pro Continental Team Infusion Network | Meridian in 2027, it slots nicely into the highly competitive aero all-rounder.
So, let’s take a closer look.
First impressions
Straight up, the Winspace SLC5 is easy on the eye. As far as carbon road bikes go the shaping isn’t overly brash, nor does it boast any particularly radical tube shaping.
What it does do is look fast and capable with throughly contemporary styling that makes it the type of bike that will fit in perfectly on almost any bunch ride.
The other thing I immediately noticed is the weight. This bike is very light with the Ultegra Di2 model reviewed weighing just 7kg including bottle cages and computer mount.
On closer inspection it’s also very nicely put together with tidy finishing and a genuine feeling of quality about the build. So far so good.
Frame and geo
In the quest for the holy trinity of stiffness, compliance and low weight, Winspace relied heavily on FEM analysis software to fine tune the aero characterises of the SLC5 frame.
The result is a proprietary combination of four different Toray carbon fibres with optimised layups targeted to different zones and a total claimed frame weight of 705 grams (Medium, unpainted).
To the eye, the top tube tapers gradually from front to rear while the bottom bracket junction is reasonably slender by today’s standards.
Truncated airfoil sections have been refined through iterative shaping and confirmed through wind tunnel testing.
Dropped and flattened seat stays help to reduce drag and, looking at the bike front on, the head tube is sleek and narrow with a deep profile that minimises frontal area while directing airflow in all the right places.
Winspace says the net result of all this is a saving of around 13 watts at 48km/h compared to its predecessor, the SLC3.
Of course given that’s a speed I’ll typically only ever reach sprinting at the end of a race or descending it’s a great stat to throw around at the post-ride coffee stop – yet only mildly useful in reality for most of us mere mortals.
In terms of actual frame geometry, the numbers for the SLC5 are reasonably conventional for an aero all-rounder and sit within 10 millimetres of its more established peers.
The Medium frame reviewed does have a reasonably short and lively 979mm wheelbase with 406mm chainstays, but the one area that really stood out for me was the front end.
With a 535mm stack height and compact 130mm head tube I found the SLC5’s natural riding position was quite low and aggressive, putting you in a forward and race-oriented position even when running multiple spacers.
Half-way through the review Winspace offered to swap in its new Hyper 2.0 carbon integrated aero bars with 40mm of rise so I could compare the two options.
For me the difference was significant in terms of riding position and, for a middle-aged rider who perhaps isn’t as flexible as he used to be, it resulted in a considerably more accommodating (aka sustainable) ride.
Yes, they cost a little more but I think the Hyper 2.0 bars will appeal to plenty of riders who want to go fast but don’t want their nose quite so close to the ground.
As far as rubber goes, maximum tyre clearance for the SLC5 frame is a relatively standard 32mm.
Wheelset and components
While the frame remains the same, one of the great things about the Winspace SLC5 is the ability to spec things just the way you like – and can afford – with an extensive choice of groupsets, wheelsets and cockpit options.
The review SLC5 build came fitted with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset with no powermeter. Dura-Ace and 105 options are available, as is the full SRAM AXS range.
Winspace also has its own in-house wheels and components sold under the Lún and Hyper brand names, and again offers a wide choice of options, sizes and price points.
The review bike featured an impressive Lún Hyper Light carbon wheelset with 50mm rims and ceramic bearings, lightweight Carbon Project 3D-printed saddle and the aforementioned one-piece carbon Hyper 2.0 integrated handlebars.
The ride
Winspace says the SLC5 is ‘engineered for riders who demand speed and control in perfect harmony on the flat and the hills’ and based on my experience that’s a reasonably fair summation.
As already mentioned, the geometry tends to put you in quite a low and forward position so if you prefer a more upright fit be sure to go for the Hyper 2.0 riser bar option which I found enhances comfort without noticeably compromising handling or overall performance.
Whichever bars you choose you can expect the SLC5 to deliver a lively ride on pretty much all terrain.
I found it nimble and quite sensitive to handling inputs – at higher speeds the front end can sometimes feel a little ‘light’ and you definitely need to pay attention – so if you like to be very precise in the way you pilot your bike it’s likely you will really enjoy this bike.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a more relaxed riding experience, or you’re the type of rider who likes to really muscle your bike around, you may find the SLC5 a little bit too sensitive and agile. But to each their own.
Running the 50mm carbon Lún Hyper Light wheelset with 30mm Goodyear Eagle tubeless tyres at around 60psi the SLC5 was smooth and quiet on the road, offering just the right amount of feedback to keep me feeling nicely in tune with my surroundings.
With its light weight and all-round racing characteristics acceleration is very good and it definitely feels aero at higher speeds while holding its momentum well and offering full value for every turn of the pedals.
Climbing performance is also above average with the mid-compact 52/36T chainring and 11-34T cassette on the review bike providing an excellent range of gearing for all but the steepest of ascents.
Summing up
With its lightweight aero frame, sharp handling and accomplished all-round performance, the Winspace SLC5 is one of the most impressive Chinese designed and branded road bikes I’ve come across to date.
It isn’t quite perfect – personally, I’d have preferred the front end didn’t feel quite so ‘light’ on high-speed descents – but its pro pedigree has plenty to offer.
With builds starting from $9,490 the SLC5 feels tailor-made for serious bunch riders and dedicated club racers whose schedule typically involves more than just largely flat criteriums.
Like all Winspace bikes, the ability to tailor the build to your exact specs – and even try before you buy – is also a huge plus. Well worth a look.
Winspace SLC5
RRP: $12,190 (review build)
COLOUR: Monarch
FRAME: Winspace SLC5 – Toray T1100, T800, M65, M46 carbon
FORK: Winspace SLC5
HANDLEBAR/STEM: HYPER 2.0 Hyper Aero Zero SL (carbon, 400mm x 105mm)
SADDLE: TCP Carbon Flow 3D
SEAT POST: Winspace Aero seatpost
GROUPSET: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100
CRANKSET: Shimano Ultegra Di2, 170mm, 52/36T
CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra CS-R8101, 11-34T, 12-Speed
CHAIN: Shimano Dura-Ace
BOTTOM BRACKET: Wishbone Ceramic T47 Inboard
ROTORS: Shimano RT-CL800 Centerlock (160mm front/140mm rear)
RIMS: Lún Hyper Light (carbon 50mm, UD matt with laser decal)
TYRES: Goodyear Eagle F1 R (tubeless ready, 30mm)
CLEARANCE (MAX): 32mm
SYSTEM WEIGHT (MAX): 120 kg
All Winspace carbon frames have a lifetime warranty.
Wheelsets come with a 2-year warranty.
Peter Maniaty
Peter Maniaty - Peter is Bicycling Australia’s senior journalist, and highly respected in the world of cycling. From bike reviews, to destination features and nitty gritty opinion pieces, he’s a gun writer.
