Winspace SLC2.0 Review: Gravity Defying, But Affordable

CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links (learn more).

Are you considering SLC2.0 for your next build of a lightweight climbing bike? Then, you are in the right place.

In this Winspace SLC2.0 review, I interview one of the owners of this frameset, who has experience with many bikes from mainstream brands such as Specialized, Scott, Giant, and more.

You learn valuable insights on what to expect from this frameset, and you get a 10% discount on winspace.cc website.

Let’s dive in.

About Samson

Hi Samson, could you please introduce yourself?

As a keen amateur cycling enthusiast, I’ve been chasing every marginal gain possible using every means possible to get my hands on the fastest claimed flagship road bikes. 

The bikes I’ve owned and ridden over an extended period include Specialized Tarmac SL7, Giant TCR SL 0, Scott Foil Premium, and the Cannondale SystemSix HM. Needless to say, I’ve been spoiled rotten by the choice of race-ready machines. 

Just as with the majority reading this review, I don’t necessarily race with my livelihood on the line, but having the edge at the local club race just feels so good. My peers call me the tech nerd or the embodiment of “Aero is Everything,” but at some point, that just becomes a compliment when you drop them all.

Samson’s Winspace SLC2.0 Build Summary

Winspace SLC2.0 is a lightweight road bike frameset with a performance geometry similar to Specialized Tarmac. It’s one of the best Chinese lightweight road bike frames.

The SLC2.0 comes in multiple color options, and it is a frameset perfect for building an ultimate climbing bike.

Its asymmetric chainstays and bottom bracket area should, according to Winspace, improve the stiffness and provide better energy transfer.

The difference between SLC1.0 and SLC2.0 is mainly the improved stiffness.

Below is a summary of Samson’s build’s main features.

NOTE: Winspace sizing is a little bit different from other manufacturers. Their sizes go by seat tube instead of top tube length. For example, the M size has a ’49cm’ seat tube, but the top tube is 53.5cm.

Winspace SLC2.0 Pros & Cons

Here, we summarized the pros and cons of the SLC2.0 frameset. 

Winspace SLC2.0 Build Experience

Could you describe your experience with the build? Did you encounter any issues when building your SLC2.0?

The SLC 2.0 was one of the most straightforward build processes imaginable. There are pre-routed brake hoses and gear cable housings with all the required grommets types for different groupsets. 

Although it used a threaded press fit BB, it was a PF86 standard which is the most common. Sourcing and installing it was extremely easy. Tolerances were spot on, so there were absolutely no issues or surprises that cropped up, unlike my previous SystemSix. 

Even a complete amateur could build this frameset up with ease regardless of what groupset they would be using, perfect for the home mechanic looking to upgrade their race machine. 

Winspace SLC2.0 Riding Experience

Below, you learn more about Samson’s riding experience with SLC2.0 and how he compares this frameset with other bikes he owned.

Could you summarize your overall impressions from riding Winspace SLC2.0?

Over an extended period, I’ve owned and ridden the Specialized Tarmac SL7, Giant TCR SL 0, Scott Foil Premium, and the Cannondale SystemSix HM. I’ve been spoiled rotten by choice of race-ready machines. 

One standout riding characteristic of the SLC 2.0 compared to the other bikes I’ve ridden is how solid the bike feels. The BB stiffness is in a different league; there’s virtually no lateral flex. It even manages to feel more responsive than the TCR SL 0, which is universally acclaimed to be the stiffest race-ready frameset.

It’s hard to judge a bike’s speed without lab testing. However, the way it accelerates out of corners and how it maintains speed in a draft feels very similar to my old S-Works SL7. 

Combined with its low weight and aero optimization makes it a complete race-ready package at any level, it’s truly rapid. 

Comfort is subjective, but I can say that the use of a sloping top tube allows for a more exposed seat post which allows for more vertical deflection against road vibrations and impacts, allowing for a smooth but connected riding feel.

The geometry inspires confidence in cornering and high-speed stability; it has just the right amount of twitch. The stack to reach ratio allows for an extremely aggressive fit that maximizes aerodynamic and handling benefits.

Winspace SLC2.0 Alternatives

When writing this article, Winspace had only one lightweight road bike frame on its offer.

If you prefer more known brands at a similar (or higher) budget, you can consider Giant TCR, Merida Scultura, Canyon Ultimate, etc.

Winspace Carbon Products FAQ

Summary

Samson, would you recommend the Winspace SLC2.0 frameset? Is it worth its price?

I would say it’s perfect for anyone looking for something different. It’s a very compelling package with its featherweight and modern aero-optimized integration and tube shapes. When riding the bike, you can feel the zero compromises mentality that the engineers at Winspace employed while designing and constructing the frameset with virtually no lateral frame flex for maximal pedaling efficiency while being compliant vertically. 

The geometry inspires a lot of confidence in cornering and high-speed stability; it has just the right amount of twitch, racers have the ability to get an extremely aggressive fit while amateurs can get comfortable and have the confidence to go fast in bunch rides.

What are the overall costs of your build?

The overall costs heavily depend on your availability of groupsets. However, although the massive global shortage, my build cost remained equal if not much cheaper than similarly specced bikes from major bike brands, which provide a massive discount on groupsets due to economies of scale.

If you like this Winspace SLC2.0 review, please, comment below or share it with your friends.