Slowly but surely, the TWIKE 5 is approaching series production. Despite challenges in the industry. Then there are also decisions to be made such as. Fabric or hardtop? This refers to the option of closing the interior of the TWIKE 5 over the head area. Based on the positive experience with the fabric top of the TWIKE 3, the decision should have been clear. But then we gave it some thought.
Because there are various advantages and disadvantages to consider. The TWIKE team initially states that the appearance of the roof surface, whether in fabric or, for example, in a thermoformed polycarbonate, should not be evaluated, as this is more a matter of taste. Reliable watertightness 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 can be rolled up in the vehicle in several places to save space. This means that the roof can also be opened during a tour for a topless ride and closed again if the weather suddenly changes.
TWIKE also explains that the side convertible beams represent the captive attachment to the vehicle hood and bring the fabric roof into the required tension during installation. The upper window shaft seals of the side windows are integrated into the beams. 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 central bar of the roll bar. Seemingly minor details that make all the difference.
Source: www.elektroauto-news.net
