WINSPACE SLC 2.0 Review // Carbon Expert's Opinion.. QUALITY or CHEAP CHINESE CARBON?

Hey all, Winspace SLC 2.0 review after 2500km and 33,000m PLUS I take the frame to a carbon specialist to see if it's decent or cheap 'Chinese carbon'?
www.winspace.cc/product/slc2-...
www.winspace.cc/product/lun-h...
// Cycling eBook: www.ilikemountains.cc/s-h-o-p
// Instagram: / katiekookaburra1
// Strava: / strava
// My Zwift Club: tinyurl.com/4wusdwxp
// Patreon: / katiekookaburra
Well chuffed to have the following brands support me and my ol' cycling adventures. So you will see some of their products I choose to use in my content :)
www.shimano.com/en/
www.garmin.com/
www.zwift.com/uk
exposurelights.com/
Precision Hydration 15% off here: visit.pfandh.com/katiek
Shokz: Use KATIE2023 for £10 off: shokz.cc/3Sq4IXJ

[@io8787]

to add a bit to your feedback, since I have a year experience with it in disc brakes..I built my SLC 2.0 last March disc with Dura Ace 12 speed, paired with a pair of WheelsFar Feder 40mm with DT180, didn't go fancy shopping for super light components (seatpost and handlebar) and ended up with a 6.6kg in size M..if I had the money to go for Darimo's seatpost and handlebar I guess I could reach 6.4kg, maybe 6.3kg but honestly I really don't care at this point I live close to Chambery and roughly do 10 thousand meter elevation per week, this bike is a weapon, such a pleasure to ride, both uphill and downhill..I have raced in it all season and I can also attest for its rigidity, despite its light weight...I am fairly light too (66/67 kg for 178cm) but I can push some watts and never felt any loss..definitely recommend the brand and this frame in particular

[@malcontent510]

If you can swing it, I recommend (again) the *HED Ardennes Black* wheels. They're alloy, light, & have an *_excellent_*_ textured braking surface_ for your rim brakes. No more descending anxiety!

[@zypang1447]

It's a great frame, I'm loving mine.

[@user-cl5ru4ng3y]

direct mount rim brakes, solid aluminum wheels, di2 groupset, and a solid finishing kit. Nothing is better!

[@juliannejameson8987]

Just bought a Winspace G2 - demo model - so excited and based my purchase on your praise of the brand xx

[@stevenbird1431]

Great little video, lovely bike 🚲 Keep up the great work 👍

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Hi Katie (a.k.a. our Favorite Super Influencer 😊), I love ❤️ that your highlighting more affordable, but solid performing, options for cycling. Also, I love ❤️ that you are drawing attention to your GRX drivetrain. I think many riders would be much better served by the gearing offered in the GRX line and it's frustrating that is not offered as an option in most fully built-up road bikes sold by manufacturers. Having said that, since you are a Super Influences 🎉🎉🎉, maybe some manufacturers watching your videos will get the hint and consider offering GRX in their road bikes. I loved ❤️ your last video (so much love here 🤣). It's awesome when you swear with us, just like you're one of the gang. 😘

[@petertreadway]

Great review Katie. Looking forward to seeing how it fares over time but am sure it’ll remain a cracking bike. I ride a Trifox X16 carbon fibre frame (another cheap Chinese brand) and it has ridden faultlessly for over 3000 miles now. So long as you do your research, there are some incredibly cheap frames out there from reputable Chinese companies.

[@SuperDodoe]

Thanks for the excellent review

[@markhall6026]

Great review i also have the slc rim forget the price this is a brilliant frameset mine is 2 years old now i have mine slammed it makes a big difference when descending but it doesn't suit everyone i love mine.

[@elchram]

I love my SLC 2.0 disc (in white) as well. It descends very nicely too for me, quite stable. Just very good all round and comfortable bike! With the 50mm deep winspace hyper it is also good on the flats. And it was great to build it myself and learn more about bikes 🤓

[@janhofmann7414]

Do you have pictures on Instagram of the build? :)

[@elchram]

105di2, Hambini Racing BB, all internally routed, Winspace Hyper SE 50mm, 28mm GP 5000, Garmin Rally pedals total weight incl. bottle cages, garmin mount & pedals 7,7kg

[@elchram]

@@janhofmann7414 I‘m not sure it takes my reddit link here - I posted it with the capture Winspace Slc 2.0 u/Sepunt

[@Vinzent711]

@@elchram Very good weight with 105 di2 ! Enjoy your ride

[@melbournecyclingsegments7510]

Why are all these lightweight climbing bikes still heavier than my 10 year old TCR?

[@peteevans2256]

Wow unfortunately a bike like that will be a dream for me. Waiting for a knee op so not working so i'll have to keep pedalling my old and very cheap 2nd hand carrera. Love the channel, keep up the fantastic work 👏👏

[@darrenchubb6926]

Hi Katie glad you like the frame Injoy your bike have a good weekend be safe

[@darrenchubb6926]

Thanks Katie you always make cycling fun it should be

[@darrenchubb6926]

Thanks

[@kennedystuart5685]

Very nice. Enjoy the new ride

[@jameslewis7479]

I agree about building bikes. As once you have components, switching a frame isn’t as expensive compared to buying a whole bike with poor components. However it is daunting building first bike as the head tells you it’s a risk as you have not been able to ride the final setup, however if it doesn’t work out you can flip the frame

[@matt_acton-varian]

I'm not surprised you have been so happy with the bike. Winspace have made OEM specified and open mould frames for big brands for over a dexade before deciding to make frames under their own banner. They already had the knowledge on how to use carbon, and had a good idea on appropriate geometry for a bike's intended purpose. There are Chinese framesets at half the price of the Winspace but they don't have the expertise and quality control that Winspace use, hence it's possible to find issues (Jourdain Coleman cut a Trifox frame up to see inside and the poorer quality is noticeable, and Trace Velo has often had small issues and niggles to fix on cheap frames in order to build or use a bike)

[@jwfisher3]

Thanks so much for your review - you've got me interested in this frame. If I can ask a question about your build - is your GRX group mechanical or electronic? Why'd you choose the type you did? Last question - I know you ride a 46/30 crank - what's your cassette 11-40? 11-46? Thanks for being an inspirational figure in the cycling community !

[@brianward7724]

Nice review, Katie! I'd be interested in what you think of it after 5 years (if I last that long!). The wheels are definitely too pricey for me. My current road wheels are 'old' Fulcrum Racing 5s. It's almost 10 years since I bought them and, once I sorted out the rear hub and trued them properly, I can honestly say they're the best wheels I've ever ridden - and only $399.

[@waynehiggins899]

Winspace hyper 23 rim brake wheelset for the win. Incredible wheels

[@user-ik3vw9kw2h]

Hi, great video but wondering what happened to ribble! Ive got an endurance and love it just wondering why youve changed?

[@msPaulaA1]

What speed cassette are you able to squeeze into the frame? Im looking to build a 12speed climber.

[@zedddddful]

It looks good do they do a lacquered finish find my current matt carbon bike an absolute git to keep clean.

[@longerranger]

Nice review. I built up a disc Winspace SLC 2.0 in summer of 2022. The inspiration behind my first disc brake road bike was Mohoric's win in the Milan San Remo of that year. I even added a dropper post as he did, although I now mainly use that for my gravel bike. I really like the SLC and the main adjective I would use to describe it, apart from light, is "smooth". It's a very comfortable bike. Great for climbing ( I live in the Alps) and very fast on flowing descents. I much prefer it on descents over my Bianchi Oltre XR4. Quite similar feel on descents to my older Emonda SLR = "FAST"!. Perhaps not as hyper reactive on climbing sprints as the SLR but definitely on a par with the Bianchi. Quality is excellent as Hambini has also confirmed. Amazing value for money :0) Here's a video of my "Alpine" SLC build in case of interest : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ3Hepafa8SJpqcsi=Gvzq8PdWUtq9rkTu

[@alexfirth]

Currently ride a Tarmac SL6 rim brake. If (god forbid) anything ever happens to that frame, the SLC would be my first choice to replace it, without question. Also own a pair of the older Hyper wheels (38mm depth). They're fantastic.

[@ConorMayling]

What about the gravel bike? Do you have one and/or looked into the Winspace one? I'm looking into getting a gravel bike as my second bike soon - I'm a hardtail MTB first

[@MarcHamlin]

Hi Katie, I'm looping back to this video because I remember your review and I'm thinking about an SLC 2.0, but how is it holding up? if you're a few months down the road with this bike, are you still satisfied with it? Would pull the trigger on the purchase yet? Thanks for your initial review. I just need. some perspective about how this frame holds up. Could you talk a little about the geometry? How's the reach? Is this more of a racing frame or an endurance frame. I'm not getting any younger, so I'm leaning more towards endurance geometry.

[@marcustan5868]

Nice video. Thxs

[@jameseastwood402]

Lun Hypers here for a lightweight/aero build on a Yoeleo R12. Can't want to test it out in the spring.

[@kevinlyon9501]

Well as your an advocate for rim brakes and with mainstream manufacturers featuring them less, makes the frame a good option. Though I'm not a fan of having carbon as the braking surface I'd stick with alloy.

[@enricomancarella3339]

try Dura Ace c24 wheels if you can get them, they are alloy carbon hybrid

[@The2808erik]

You would love The HED Ardennes Wheelset it is probably the best alloy Wheelset money can buy.

[@jaredlash5002]

Every bike I get that is pre-built is an exercise in trying to find the right balance between acceptable components that come stock with the bike and components that I'll need to swap out in order to make my price point. 3 times up Ventoux in one ride! There is a ride next July in Colorado called the Triple Bypass, perhaps you'd enjoy taking part in that.

[@jimpeyton1459]

I did Triple Bypass in 2022. Challenging...Colorado weather is unpredictable 😅

[@jaredlash5002]

@@jimpeyton1459 It is a 2024 goal of mine. I've never biked at altitude, and never climbed any mountain passes. I'll be staying out there for a few weeks prior to get acclimated to the altitude, and using Zwift to simulate the climbing.

[@Sorgalimluar]

@@jaredlash5002 this looks like fun. been to Leadville twice to climb mt. massive with kids and wife and we failed both times. looks like i was doing the wrong challenge 😂. if i decide to do it it’ll keep me busy in winter months for sure.

[@meneersjonnie]

Yep another happy vid from my fav 😊

[@meneersjonnie]

How did they know your frame geo measures . And How light was the bike including the Wheelset?😊

[@thomasabildgaard9230]

Why did you choose rim brakes nowadays? Just curious to hear your opinion. I have old 2014frame also with rim brakes and have a set of alloys for the mountains because of security not wish to explode the carbon wheels on descending. That happened for Rolf Sørensen after his professional career but luckily he landed on an ascending grassfield that worked as a natural brake otherwise he would have been killed.

[@pedoncule36]

Will you review their new model :the "Agile"? Interested tknow the differences between these 2..

[@LakeDistrictcyclist]

Can you do a video on what happened with Ribble? Lost sponsor or just changed

[@StevieJD74]

The bike looks great and rides fantastically. For you to say it is the best bike you have ridden is really saying something.

[@thecoffeeblog]

Aero benefits start being relevant at 40 km/h or more while weight benefits are always relevant. I have a rim bike shy of 6kg and I would never change it for something heavier.

[@thecoffeeblog]

Additionally, if you measure your power-to-weight ratio by adding the weight of your bike. Aero bikes are a drag.

[@Vinzent711]

​@@thecoffeeblog For 3 years, the bike industry said "aero is everything", that was the argument, because disc brake tanks with Dura Ace weights around 7,5-8kg. And now, they continue with disc brakes but make framesets super light (Tarmac SL8), which will affect stiffness and resistance... They create a problem and create the solution few years later, which in turn creates another problem

[@user-bj6rf3yx6e]

​@Vinzent711 bro I have endurance road bike 7.670 kilos and I can ride 40 khm per hour cause of dura ace crankset keep in mind wheels are aluminum 6.640 kilo

[@NeoPayneHK]

04:33 what about the seatpost you dont like? i dont get it. with a traditional 27.2mm seatpost, you can buy any spec of seatpost you want~

[@slowiss]

Hi Katie, would you consider adding a bit of extra weight to gain the benefit of disc brakes worthwhile?

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

There would be no advantage to putting on weight.

[@HamRadio200]

What size are you riding? What cranklength do you use?

[@user-oc2oh4zn9i]

Hi Katie, I'm 155cm would you know if this model can fit to me the XS? Hoping you could help me. Thank you!

[@jeremyprodger6766]

I have an bike with Microshift (Chinese) and I’ve grown to love it’s clunky simplicity. TBH that might be the allure of Winspace - just a basic Carbon frame done really well. New bike prices for the big brands just got out of the reach of your normal working person.

[@lukaszbbbb]

I have 3 of them,and 3 sets of hypers, and done heaps and heaps of climbing...keep in mind I've ridden and sworks SL8,and Cevelo, and I would never buy anything but winspace. There bikes are super sick,and I put they're stuff through hell,no problems...sworks for example, BREAK!

[@brianboschma]

Hey, you copied the look of my new Elves frame! I switched from an old Trek 5200. Weight of new bike all up is similar to your WS. My opinion is the wheels , both the aero and weight gives the bike a super nimble feel as they have so little rotational momentum. I kept it light with mechanical everything, light tires, TPU tubes. I have tubeless tires and disc on other brakes and am sick of goop, and brake fluid plus difficult field maintenance. Thanks for the review. PS , first few descents were a bit frightening as the wind pushing the steering startled me.

[@gaza4543]

The problem I have with the bike and does look a nice bike don't get me wrong, is the BB86 standard, if you're a sram user dont touch it. Unless you're still running GXP cranks. This frame needs to be updated to the T47 standard to allow better brand support. Though I have a feeling this wont get updated as the agile frame set seems to toe the line between a climbing bike and aero bike. And thats really the only the only bike id touch as sram user, life is to short to be dealing with cables and or hidden batteries from Shimano. edit and the tyre clearance isn the best these days.

[@lukaszbbbb]

With 50mm carbon wheels,ultegra groupset, it weighs 7.0kgs.Lighter than a $20,000 sworks Tarmac.

[@treyquattro]

nice update Katie of a nice bike. Have you considered going to disc brakes for safer and more reliable fast descending? Peak Torque is my go-to channel for super-technical information on wheels, etc., especially Chinese direct sourced materials and he has very good things to say about Winspace.

[@sccxvelo]

Buy frame then build as want too for the same reasons. Less hassle pulling of parts you do not and selling or storing them, finding the desired parts and wheels when buying compete bikes stock. Then fine tuning contact points for fit during bike setup not later all makes easier long term. short term pains long term gains and ease of mind.

[@mudonsunday]

hey Katie!!! how does it compare to the Ribble?

[@KatieKookaburra]

I loved the Ribble - and did so many adventures on it… but I had never ridden an SLC at that point and this is so much lighter! Considerably actually esp on climbs :)

[@andygoldensixties4201]

Well, it looks a beautiful bike (though I must say, the gear is a bit smally-biggy and also the inclination of the saddle is questionable, but this doesn't affect my trust in one of my favourite influencer) (ah ah...😁) Sorry: I have no experience in carbon frames, I have no prejudice against, but I begun with steel frames, then passed to aluminium, and the cost of a "tailorized" carbon frame ( they sell just 3 sizes) always kept me doubtful. Can you explain a little more the feel in descent? Is it flexy, or it's safe but one must get just accustomed?

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

🤣🤣🤣 I got it.

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Is that you Katie ? Couldn't quite see through the Red Mist in last vid. All l could hear was Liam dropping F bombs ! :) Someone over on the Hollywood Red Carpet trying to "Rock the look" of the Kookaburra, but she can't complete the All Points North in a Monsoon, or climb Ventoux 3 times back to back ! There's only 1 Katie B ❤

[@word20]

What is the cost of the bike with all the different parts?

[@paulcuthbert8353]

Pleased that you’re back fighting fit after you’re justified (in my opinion) rant in your last video, Katie! A great deal of frames are made in China & the Far East from manufacturers selling bikes three or four times the price of your Winspace so I don’t think it is that relevant! As long as you’re happy with the bike is the main consideration in my view! ❤👍🚴

[@paulinblack9036]

Been toying with one of these for a while, but, being a big bloke I'm torn as to whether it will help me up hills - Perhaps losing weight would have much more affect and cost a lot less! Got any +6ft heavy friends who've got one? What did they think?

[@stevenbroxham5859]

Get in touch with Als Bike Shed in South Wales. Distributor for Winspace UK. Has an XL built up to test 😃

[@paulinblack9036]

@@stevenbroxham5859 Many thanks for the info. Have been looking at Alex's website and have asked a couple of questions. 😎

[@Sorgalimluar]

Was pushing 190 pounds a little over two years ago. started eating better, riding and walking more especially to/from work instead of car and just sitting in traffic 😭. kept my weight at 174 since. my steel road bike used to be 23 pounds but is now (magically) 7 😂! not going to lie, being from chicago there are no climbs but just did a ride in Iowa this past summer that had some great hills, especially coming out of some of these towns and i was like a kid in a candy store grinding up them. won’t be same for everyone for sure but i did have sense of pride tackling them and still wanting more when i got to top of each.

[@manwithnoname6580]

@@stevenbroxham5859I second that. Bought my Winspace wheels from Al, he’s the go-to for any questions on the Winspace brand.

[@gregkane8635]

No queries just health to enjoy. For mountians would you not consider trying the disc brake equivalent (😱😱 oohh disc brakes lol)

[@DjEvolux]

Is it UCI approved? 🤔

[@oheso]

Did the bloke actually inspect the frame?

[@TheMoodyedge]

No. Too busy being French.

[@timtaylor9590]

the 28mm tire clearance seems wrong considering what other brands are doing now

[@yonglingng5640]

This is pretty much the widest you can go on a rim brake road bike due to the brakes.

[@timtaylor9590]

@@yonglingng5640 that's what I thought but I see older road bikes that easily go over 30mm. Maybe there are some calipers that would give more clearance that aren't 30 years old.

[@deadpool8340]

Bring back the OG Giant bike and do it up !!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Ay…. you been in my house or what?! 🙃🙃🙃

[@deadpool8340]

@@KatieKookaburra haha !!

[@sahasrangshuutube]

What all components

[@jeffhorner6917]

I would go with 4 piston disc brakes, especially if you're doing downhill riding. Brake pads on carbon wheels can be somewhat dodgy!

[@rodmilankov8966]

Unles your expert did an x ray scan, there is no way to tell if there are micro cracks in your frame. It is a well known fact that carbon fiber fatigues diferently than other materials and nothing will tell you that the total breakdown is imminent. That is the very reason I will never buy a second hand carbon fiber bike. By the waу, there is a video about the same subject where "an expert" cut both expensive and cheap frames ih half and the diffference in quality was clearly visible.

[@leslie7922]

Rip ribble

[@chriscross5689]

Are you no longer sponsored by ribble? Ive been away from your channel for a while..

[@KatieKookaburra]

I’m not with Ribble anymore, no. Welcome back Chris. Don’t leave it too long next time yeah??

[@job9902]

It's pronounced Ethos, the æ is a dipthong, like encyclopaedia

[@fisharefriends598]

I wouldn’t buy those types of frames.. I prefer bikes ready made so you can try out for size. They need a shop

[@manwithnoname6580]

They have a UK distributor in Wales. Al’s bike shed. Top bloke.

[@gj8051]

Cheap Chinese carbon comparing to ''other big brands'? 😂 They are all made in China 😂

[@yonglingng5640]

Not all Chinese carbon frame manufacturers are equal.

[@acl812]

He didn't look inside your bike! It isn't what carbon was used, its the assembly, the thickness of the carbon, etc. Looking at the outside tells us nothing about the frame. other KZbinrs are looking inside and even cutting open frames to see what is REALLY going on. so thanks, but next time, know the real story is occurring where you can't see!

[@KatieKookaburra]

He didn't cut it open but tested it - but I was there 9 hours!! I can't share 9 hours in a ten min video. But also I should have explained that in this video so good for the future :)

[@whichypoohs]

I’d rather lay more for a bike NOT made in China

[@spookyspxxky9413]

Good luck finding one

[@supersaiyankitsune5192]

Lol I’m not sponsored by them but I got a free bike from them hmmmm sounds like a conflict of interest….. 🚮🗑️

[@stfu6397]

Yup