Winspace Launches T1600 Aero Frameset: Love It or Hate It?

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NOTE: I will keep this article updated as new information emerges.

Okay, this is huge! On April 25, 2025, Winspace introduced a new generation of its aero frame called the T1600. And you are among the first to hear about it. Outside of Chinese internet and social media, almost nobody knows about it yet. Based on how this frame looks, I think it’s going to cause a lot of buzz. So let’s take a look at what’s new based on the info I gathered from multiple Chinese videos. Here is my short summary:

Winspace spent a long time thinking about how to improve the T1550, a frame they already considered great. For the new T1600, they found inspiration in fighter jets.

The most unique feature of the T1600 is its D-shaped air duct. These two vent-like openings, which look a bit like gills and should improve aerodynamics and airflow. Winspace claims that: They help the air to pass through different parts of the bike more efficiently. In certain areas, especially when we’re riding at high speed, turbulent airflow can make the bike unstable and waste energy. Our new design not only improves performance but also looks great. They generate downforce to improve stability.

Well, I don’t think cycling speeds are as high, so a bike would need an additional downforce, but I might be wrong. It’s clear that one of the goals was to make the frame stand out and create buzz. Will it work? Time will tell. But I guess they add complexity to the manufacturing process and will discourage some potential buyers.

The frame also features a sharper, more arrow-like head tube designed to improve airflow. The seatpost is thinner than on the T1550 and resembles a razor blade—okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea. It has a 44.82% smaller length-to-width ratio (15.45×50mm vs. 27.41×48.95mm). The seatpost also passed a 100,000-time downward pressure test.

Overall, the T1600 uses sharper leading edges and seems more aggressive. However, an aerofoil is known to create the least drag, so I’m curious about the T1600’s wind tunnel numbers. Winspace seems confident in its design choices, so I hope they prove them with some testing.

UPDATE: The T1600 was tested against the T1550 Gen 2 with Winspace ZERO SL handlebar in the Fuji Aero Performance Centre wind tunnel, and the T1600 (with new handlebar) should be 5.5W faster at 48kph. So, if you were to race a 100 km race at this speed, you would save 160 seconds.

The integrated ‘Kevlar’ handlebars are also new. They have a textured area near the stem, probably for a better grip and a wider cross-section, which is the connection between the stem and bars. Unlike the Winspace Zero SL, the T1600’s handlebars have a glossy finish and pretty sharp leading edges. Their triangular design is inspired by the stealth bombers, like the Northrop B-2 Spirit. The overall weight of the cockpit is around 300g, depending on its size.

The frame is built from a mix of T800, T1000, and T1100 carbon fibers and should be reinforced with Kevlar. This material is used in bulletproof vests and is twice as expensive as the T1100. Winspace claims it makes the frame safer, because the fibers separate gradually and don’t snap in case of damage. It should also make the frame more comfortable and impact-resistant. As usual with Winspace frames, the thru-axles are sealed, contributing to a cleaner design.

Tire clearance appears to be at least 32mm and might even fit wider tires. This is today’s standard, as wider wheels and tires are getting more popular. Considering the recent Winspace frames, I guess the bottom bracket will be the T47.

I also managed to get the geometry chart:

Winspace returned to 406mm chainstays, and the STR value (stack-to-reach ratio) is 1.37. This means that the geometry is more aggressive. For comparison, a STR ratio of >1.5 is characteristic of endurance bikes.

The bike shown at a launch event was equipped with Lún MEGA wheels and a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset. It weighed 7.28 kg, which is impressive for an aero bike. With lighter wheels and components, dropping the weight below 7 kg should be easy. The frame alone should weigh around 900g (unpainted), but this figure is not confirmed yet.

The T1600 is currently available in black, white, and yellow. They have details of the Tour de France stages, which may not suit everybody, so I believe more colors will be introduced soon.

The frameset with handlebars is priced at 19,300 CNY ($2650) in China. Prices in Western markets will likely be higher, possibly around $3000. That’s a pretty steep price tag for a Chinese frame. But maybe it’s time to shift our perspectives on Chinese frames.

I am super curious about how the Western audience will react to this frame and whether it will stir in the same way as SEKA Spear. The unique seatstays alone would make me consider buying one. They would be a great conversation starter.

What do you think? How do you like this frame? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to join my Facebook group to discuss Chinese carbon bikes!