Fabric or hardtop? In principle, both would be conceivable to close the interior of the TWIKE 5 above the head area. Influenced by the positive experience with the fabric deck of the TWIKE 3, we didn’t question it at all at first. However, if you list the advantages and disadvantages, you will find a solid reason.
The appearance of the roof surface, whether executed in fabric or, for example, in a thermoformed polycarbonate, is more a matter of taste and should not be evaluated. Reliable tightness also played a subordinate role in the assessment; it must be ensured in any case, regardless of the variant. The decisive advantage lies in the uncomplicated stowability during the journey. If a sufficiently large storage space had to be kept free in the vehicle for a hardtop, a fabric top rolled up in the vehicle to save space finds a suitable place in several places. This means that even on the road during a tour, the roof can be opened for a topless ride and also closed again in the event of a sudden change in the weather.
The side convertible beams allow captive attachment to the vehicle hood and stretch the fabric roof to the required tension during installation. Integrated into the beams are the upper window well seals of the side windows. If the fabric roof is removed and the side windows are lowered, the window and roof space opens to the maximum and the view upwards is only restricted by the center bar of the roll bar.
By the way, the suggestion for the possible removal of the convertible beams came from the TWIKE community and we are very grateful for it. We are also looking forward to your feedback on the TWIKE blog!
We look forward to your feedback on our TWIKE blog.
