Winspace T1600: Long Term Review
I have spent the last few months racing and training on the Winspace T1600. This is not a short spin around the block. This is six thousand kilometres across Germany, the Netherlands and plenty of grim British roads. It has been in the wind tunnel, it has carried more wheel tests than most bikes ever see, and it has done all of it without complaint.
The short version is simple. Winspace has moved from making frames for other brands to producing a very serious race bike of their own. The T1600 is the clearest sign of that shift.
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Build quality
The frame, fork and integrated cockpit went together without drama. No sanding required. No odd fits. Nothing that needed a grinder. The only slow part was the brake line routing because the cockpit is fully internal, but that is standard for this kind of design.
The bottom bracket is T47-86.5, it has used a Hambini T47 in that time. Even on filthy northern English roads the headset has been completely trouble free.
Aero features
One of the talking points on this frame is the set of winglets beside the head tube. I have not been able to test the frame without them so I cannot say they give a clear gain, but they follow the same logic seen on other modern aero frames. Subjectively the front end feels slightly stiffer when you try to twist the frame although that is more feel than science.
The real aero magic comes from the new hyper bars. These made a very clear difference in testing. If you buy the frame you should get these bars with it. Anything else will cost you speed.
There is some scope for improvement around the head tube shape, but that would need a different bearing arrangement and that is a separate design challenge.
Geometry and fit
Here is the only warning. The geometry can be awkward if you are tall. Winspace uses a size label that does not line up exactly with the top tube length. My own frame is the biggest one they do (at the time of writing) but the reach is longer than expected. If you are tall or on the edge of two sizes, get your numbers sorted before ordering.
Wheel choice
The T1600 is very sensitive to wheel selection. Deep wheels and narrower tyres bring out the best in it. A wide tyre and rim setup will cost you more aero than it saves you in rolling resistance. With the right wheels and these bars the frame can deliver very strong numbers.
The Nine Velo CD series works well. The Elite Drive works well. Some of the budget wheels I have tested surprised me. I would avoid shallow rims unless you ride on terrible roads and have no choice.
Ride and handling
Handling is good once you match the stem length to your frame size. The slightly smaller frame I am using along with a longer stem has taken a little of the razor sharp feel out of it, but it gives extra comfort on longer rides. Stiffness is solid. Nothing vague. Nothing soft.
Aero data and comparisons
I have compared the T1600 against the SLC 5 and other fast bikes. The T1600 is simply quicker with the right wheels.
Full charts, raw test figures and aero plots are available to Patreon users only. These include controlled wheel comparisons, angle sweeps and setup notes. Patreon users get the full data pack.
Everyday use and durability
This bike has been raced on closed roads, dragged through rain, used on long rides and battered by the usual British winter nonsense. It has not developed any creaks or rattles. The headset is still smooth. The bottom bracket is still fine. Nothing has come loose.
Warranty
Buying direct from Winspace gives you local warranty support. They have coverage in the UK, mainland Europe and the United States. You order it, it turns up and if something goes wrong you deal with the regional contact.
Final verdict
Winspace has stepped out of the OEM shadows. The T1600 is a true race bike. It is fast, stiff, well made and brutally effective with the right wheels and bars. It is not perfect for tall riders, and you should check your sizing carefully, but as a value for money race machine it is very hard to beat.
If you want something that performs like the expensive flagship aero bikes without throwing silly money at the problem, this should be on your list.
Leave a comment if you have ridden it or if you want to see more wind tunnel work and deeper tests.
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Discount Codes
You can get money off a Winspace wheelset, frame, handlebar with the use of discount codes which are available here – note they are regularly updated.
