Winspace SLC3 Bike Review
A Lightweight Marvel for All-Terrain.
Unleashing the SLC3
Are you looking for a lightweight, versatile bike that performs beautifully on different terrain? Meet the SLC3, the third-generation lightweight climbing road bike frame from Winsapce. This bike combines cutting-edge technology, high-performance components, and sleek design to deliver an exceptional riding experience. Let’s dive into what makes the SLC3 a standout choice for cycling enthusiasts.
Key Feature (Bike Set Up)
- Frame The heart of the SLC3 is its SLC 3 (S) frame, weighing an impressive 699g (medium size, unpainted). This feather-light frame is designed for serious climbers and those who demand precision and agility from their ride.
- Groupset Equipped with a Dura-Ace mechanical hydraulic brake, the SLC3 provides great shifting performance and exceptional stopping power. It ensures safety and gives confidence on precision shifting.
- Crankset The bike features a 165mm Neutron crankset paired with an Xcadey power meter, perfect for cyclists who want to monitor their performance and optimize their training.
- Chainring and CassetteThe Rotor 52/36 chainring and Neutron 11-28 cassette provide a versatile gear range, making climbs easier and maintaining speed on flats more efficient.
- Disc Calipers and Rotors Fitted with Lewis (standard version) disc calipers and Galfer Road rotors, this braking setup enables modulable and amazing stopping power in all conditions.
- Wheels and Tyres The bike rolls on Hyper 3 D45 wheels, paired with 28mm Pirelli P ZERO Race clincher tyres and TPU tubes. This combination delivers exceptional aerodynamics, grip, and durability, enhancing overall ride quality.
- Total Build Weight The complete build weighs just 6.94kg, including pedals (6800), 2 bottle cages, and a computer mount. This ultra-lightweight setup ensures maximum efficiency and a premium riding experience.
Why choose SLC3
Exceptional Climbing Performance: Designed for riders who thrive on challenging climbs, the SLC3’s lightweight frame and efficient gearing make uphill rides a breeze.
Versatile All-Terrain Capability: The SLC 3 can take on the city flats, the mountain climbs and the more urban adventure. This bike adapts to various conditions and opens up more opportunities for all purpose of riding.
High-Performance Components: From the Dura-Ace groupset to the Hyper 3 D45 wheels, every part of the SLC3 is designed for performance.
Durability Meets Elegance: The premium materials and craftsmanship ensure the bike’s durability without compromising on aesthetics.
Bike Test
We put the Winspace SLC3 through a range of tests, from steep climbs to fast flats, and long-distance comfort. Whether you’re a competitive cyclist looking for top performance or just someone seeking a reliable all-around bike, this review breaks down how the SLC3 performs across different terrains, highlighting its strength, agility, and overall ride quality. Let’s see how it holds up!
Climbing Performance
We tested the SLC3 on three climbing segments: two short efforts and one constant effort. In the short efforts, the SLC3 performed slightly better than the control bike. This was partly due to its shorter crank length, which allowed for a higher cadence, resulting in more power and better acceleration. When tackling a constant climb, the SLC3 showed a significant 29-second improvement over the control bike. Both bikes climbed well, but the SLC3 had the edge thanks to its comfort and smooth pedaling, making those long ascents feel easier.
Flat Terrain Speed
Worried about speed on flat stretches? Don’t be. The SLC3 can easily hold speeds of around 50 km/h on flat terrain (such as the Corso Grind test). If you add D67 wheels, you’ll see even more aero benefits, making the SLC3 a solid option for speed as well. Despite being designed as a climbing bike, the SLC3 performs incredibly well on flats, proving it’s a true all-purpose bike.
Comfort Over Long Distances
We tested the SLC3 over a 110km, 4.5-hour ride. While we couldn’t fully replicate the rider’s ideal position, we made adjustments to get as close as possible. Even with a slight variation in setup, the bike felt fantastic. It’s responsive and lively when riding out of the saddle, and it handled well overall. We experienced no back or knee pain, even after hours on the bike. It’s designed for weekend warriors who want to ride hard and fast, and it’s sturdy enough for comfortable descending.
Statistics
Note: 165mm vs 170mm Crank Length
In our testing, we found that switching from a 170mm crank to a 165mm crank resulted in an average difference of about 10 watts over a 70-minute ride. We also noticed that power meter readings can vary between brands. Other studies and forums suggest a 10-15 watt difference when going from a 165mm to a 170mm crank length.
Analysis:
Gladstone Road:
The SLC3 showed a higher power output (350 watts vs. 313 watts) and completed the climb slightly faster (1:33 vs. 1:36). This suggests the SLC3 is more efficient on short, steeper climbs.
Wynnum Rd ‘C’ Hill:
On this longer, gentler climb, the SLC3 again performed better, producing more power (278 watts vs. 245 watts) and completing the climb faster (2:00 vs. 2:07). The SLC3 seems to excel at maintaining power over slightly longer efforts.
Mt. Coot-tha Back:
On this longer and steeper climb, the SLC3 maintained a higher power output (245 watts vs. 236 watts) and finished nearly 30 seconds faster (11:53 vs. 12:22). This shows the SLC3’s capability in tackling challenging, sustained climbs with better power and efficiency.
Summary:
- SLC3: The Winspace SLC3 consistently delivered higher power output and faster times across all climbs, showing its advantage in efficiency and handling on both short and long climbs.
- TCR 2021: While the TCR performed well, it needed slightly more effort (lower watts) to achieve its times, making it slightly less efficient on these climbs.
Overall, the Winspace SLC3 proved to be the faster and more powerful bike across different types of climbs, despite the very close weight comparison
Verdict + Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent climbing ability
- Great speed on flat terrain
- Sturdy and responsive handling
Cons:
- Can feel a bit bumpy on rough terrain
Verdict
The Winspace SLC3 strikes a great balance between performance and value, making it a standout option for cyclists looking for versatility. It shines on both climbs and flats, offers responsive handling, and provides a comfortable ride. The SLC3 is also highly customizable, all while being competitively priced. However, the ride can feel harsh on uneven roads, which could be a downside for those frequently riding on rough terrain. Overall, the SLC3 is an excellent choice for riders transitioning to disc brakes, prioritizing efficiency and control on a variety of surfaces, without breaking the bank.
Pedal Passion
Pedal Passion is a dedicated bicycle shop in Brisbane, offering a bespoke and professional service experience for road, triathlon, gravel, and commuter bikes. Specializing in high-quality repairs and servicing, they bring their expertise directly to your home or office, or you can visit their well-equipped workshop at Runcorn.
They pride themselves on personalized, one-of-a-kind service tailored to each rider’s needs, backed by certified expertise. Whether it’s servicing individual bikes or offering end-of-trip services for corporate clients, they ensure clear communication and a flexible approach. Pedal Passion is committed to improving every bike that comes through their doors, ensuring your ride is in top shape.
