Thok, based in Alba, Cuneo, Italy, has launched its new TP4 e-MTB, a 160mm/150mm travel bike, which, the brand points out, can be promoted as “Made in Italy”.
TP4 is, like all the models of the Thok range, a bike entirely designed in Italy. The difference for TP4 is the bike is also built, painted and assembled within country borders.
As a unique product with an interesting development story, befitting of TP4, positioned as “not a mass product”: Each bike is built one by one, by experts who make a limited number of models every month.
Starting from the frame: The Revolution of 3D printed prototypes
The TP4 is, Thok claims, the very first full-suspended e-bike in carbon fibre for which, during prototyping, metal 3D printing, an aerospace technology, was employed.
This approach – 3D printing an alloy frame- was taken to make the prototyping stages shorter, enabling the engineering team to create the first model in rideable and functional aluminium (as shown at Eurobike).
This approach enabled Thok to turn a design on paper into a finished product in just one and a half years of work, following extensive testing sessions with the prototype.
Carbon fibre frame production
The TP4 frame is made through an autoclave printing process, which Thok states is “the most developed system for advanced compound materials, guaranteeing top results in terms of resistance and performance”.
As has quickly become an expected, the frame is fully UDH-compatible
Two Geometries in one
With the use of a Flip Chip system, TP4 riders 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.
This approach – High and Low settings – means the TP4 is a “cross-cutting bike: its versatile geometry makes it the link between an all-mountain and an enduro bike”.
- High position, “is verticalised at 79°, while the head tube angle is at 64.5° making the TP4 more pedalling efficient, even when taking on extreme climbs, ensuring maximum traction.
- Low position, lowering the centre of gravity, coincides with opening the seat tube and head tube angles by half a degree, with the bike taking on a more enduro ride characteristic
Suspension Platform
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.
Bosch CX Motor and modular battery
Power comes from the fifth generation Bosch Performance Line CX, with 85Nm and 600-watt peak power.
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.
Riders can also add the Bosch’s 250 Wh plug-and-play PowerMode range extender.
Two Models
The TP4 comes in the TP4-R and TP4 LTD versions, available in four sizes (S, M, L and XL)
- TP4-R features the 160 mm FOX Float 36 Performance fork, the 150 mm FOX Float X rear shock, the Magura MT5 brakes and the Shimano XT 12s gearshift, with DT-Swiss aluminium wheels.
- TP4 LTD – 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, whilst the geometry is compatible with a mullet set-up: it can therefore also use a 27.5” rear wheel, thanks to the Flip Chip.
Pricing and availability
The TP4-R is immediately available in Cloud Dust Grey colour and four sizes (S, M, L and XL), at £ 5,998 (including VAT, excluding duties and shipping to the UK)
The TP4 LTD, also in four sizes, comes in the Iridescent Snow colour with yellow details, at £ 8,752 (including VAT, excluding duties and shipping to the UK)
*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.
*The price also includes the TP4 box, which includes the pump for the suspensions, the multitool, the UDH dropout, the torque wrench, the water bottle and bottle cage and a series of branded gadgets.