Please note: Our texts are translated automatically. Errors may occur during this process.
Convertible or T-Top Targa? Fabric or hardtop? In principle, both were conceivable in order to close the interior of the TWIKE 5 over the head area. Influenced by the positive experience with the fabric top of the TWIKE 3, we didn’t question it at all at first. However, if you list the advantages and disadvantages, you will find tangible reasons.
The appearance of the roof surface, whether in soft top fabric or, for example, with a carbon fiber shell, is more a matter of taste and should not be judged. Reliable tightness also played a subordinate role in the assessment; it must be ensured in any case, regardless of the variant. The key requirement is uncomplicated stowability during the journey. If a large hardtop requires a sufficiently large storage space in the vehicle, a fabric soft top, for example, can be rolled up in the vehicle in several places to save space. 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.
While we therefore pursued the implementation of a convertible top material for a long time during development, we also recognized the challenge of a reliable seal over the service life. Upon further analysis, we realized that the same advantages and more could be achieved by dividing the roof shell into two wind-resistant individual elements: Reliable tightness, better aerodynamics, lower wind noise and even lower weight.
The upper window shaft seals for the side windows are integrated into the top shells. If the shells are removed and the side windows are lowered, the window and roof space opens up to the maximum. The view upwards is then only restricted by the center bar of the roll bar.
The suggestion to possibly remove the side top surfaces came from the TWIKE community and we are very grateful for it.
We look forward to your feedback on our TWIKE blog.
