Sport | THOK E-Bikes
THOK E-Bikes presents the TP4 - The versatile e-MTB entirely Made in Italy
| 2024-10-29 |     |
THOK E-Bikes presents the new TP4, available in the R and LTD versions: with this e-MTB THOK introduces a new product category for the Italian brand. The TP4 is a bike that can be proudly defined as “Made in Italy”: entirely designed in Italy, like all the models of the THOK range, but also built, painted and assembled within country borders. Starting from the frame, in carbon fibre. The new model falls under the “MIG” range, which at THOK includes the all-mountain models in aluminium, and the enduro line, which features the products of the “TK01” and “GRAM” series.
With a full power motor and battery, this new THOK e-MTB is an extremely versatile bike: an enhanced all-mountain with an enduro side to it. Designed to take on the toughest climbs, it remains a great option for high-performing descents, typical of the brand’s DNA. It features the brand-new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, with a modular 800 Wh battery and Flip Chip technology, which enables the cyclist to change the seat tube and head tube angles, and consequently the bike’s behaviour, adapting it to the various riding styles and types of terrains.
THE REVOLUTION OF 3D PRINTED PROTOTYPES
The TP4 has been the very first full-suspended e-bike in carbon fibre for which, during prototyping, metal 3D printing, an aerospace technology, was employed. This innovative technical solution has made the prototyping stages shorter, by creating a first model in rideable and functional aluminium. Immediately testing the geometries, suspensions and component integration has enabled THOK to turn a design on paper into a finished product in just one and a half years of work, despite the development of technical solutions that were very different from the initial ones, following the many testing sessions carried out on the prototype.
ITALIAN DESIGN AND CRAFT
The exterior project, like with all THOK bikes, was developed by Aldo Drudi’s D-Perf, an internationally renowned designer who was able to develop the frame’s carbon lines and highlight the technical choices with exciting profiles, typical of Made in Italy products. The TP4 is not a “mass product”: these e-MTBs are built one by one by careful, specialised experts, who make a limited number of models every month.
HIGH MODULE CARBON FIBRE PRINTED IN AUTOCLAVE
Various carbon fibres are used to create the frames, including the high-module T1000 ones, mostly used to strengthen the parts of the frame that endure the greatest amount of stress (back end, head tube area...) because they include fibres with a high degree of resistance to breaking. The bike is made through an autoclave printing process, the most developed system for advanced compound materials, thus guaranteeing top results in terms of resistance and performance.
TWO GEOMETRIES IN ONE AND HIGH-QUALITY DETAILS
The TP4 is a cross-cutting bike: its versatile geometry makes it the link between an all- mountain and an enduro bike. With the Flip Chip system, the rider can adjust the head tube angle, the seat tube angle and the centre of gravity, to adapt the bike’s geometry to the rider’s needs. It includes two types of adjustments: High and Low. In the High position the tube is verticalised at 79°, while the head tube angle is at 64.5°. This setting makes the TP4 an excellent “climber”: the cyclist’s position optimises the pedalling process, prevents unwanted wheelies even when taking on the most extreme climbs and ensures maximum traction. The bike therefore has an all-mountain structure, ideal for long adventures on trails, including very challenging ones, both up- and downhill. In the Low position, lowering the centre of gravity coincides with opening the seat tube and head tube angles by half a degree. In this case the bike takes on a more enduro spirit, making it mainly suitable for fun downhill riding.
It has a UDH (“Universal Derailleur Hanger”) dropout: compatible with all the systems on the market, easy to maintain and find, it safeguards the transmission’s integrity, improves the gearshift’s performance and prevents the chain from getting stuck between the frame and the cassette. The dropout with brake calliper is mounted directly onto the frame, without having to use adapters, for increased braking power and efficiency. The TPS-2 suspension system designed by THOK E-Bikes guarantees an excursion of the rear wheel that is extremely progressive, absorbing every type of obstacle downhill, while also guaranteeing maximum traction uphill. Finally, a blocking system is integrated into the headset: it prevents, in the event of extra rotations of the handlebar, from tearing cables or damaging the frame in carbon fibre.
BOSCH CX MOTOR AND MODULAR BATTERY
The fifth generation of the Bosch drive unit, the Performance Line CX (BDU384Y): weighs just 2.8 kg - is extremely quiet - has a max torque of 85 Nm, 600-Watt peak power - has a smooth output and response predictability - has a pedalling amplification up to 340% - has a 1.6-inch Purion 200 display, LCD colour display - has a six-dimension inertial measurement unit to recognise uneven or sloping terrain - has a walk mode with an integrated hill-hold function.
The TP4’s down tube houses an integrated and removable 800 Wh battery. The system is also compatible with 600 and 400 Wh batteries, thanks to a battery cradle designed to enhance the vertical tube and enable the housing of lower capacities, while maintaining a low centre of gravity. The TP4 can also be purchased, upon request, with one of the batteries with lower capacities, for riders who opt for less autonomy in exchange for less weight. Riders can also add the PowerMode, Bosch’s 250 Wh plug & play range extender, thus offering 6 different combinations of battery capacity, which range from 400 to 1050 Wh.
The TP4 LTD, with only 30 models made, mounts Ohlins suspensions, Renthal handlebar in carbon fibre, Magura brakes in the MT7 version, SRAM GX Eagle T-type gearshift, fixed directly onto the frame and powered by the bike’s battery, DT-Swiss wheels in carbon fibre, Fizik saddle with multitool storing area (included) and helium cans to inflate the wheels in the event of a puncture (not included), Crankbrothers pedals.
Both models have 29” wheels, but the geometry is compatible with a mullet set-up: it can therefore also use a 27.5” rear wheel, thanks to the Flip Chip. The two models also mount Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro tyres, designed for an all-round enduro, e-MTB and DH use and feature an innovative radial structure that increases its deformation capacity as it reacts to uneven terrain, and therefore its grip. This tyre has been developed with the great stimulations of e-bikes in mind. The bike is approved for transport of cyclists weighing up to 120 kg.