With the 9-speed internal gear hub from 3×3, we’ve added a new, extremely low-maintenance shifting system to our line-up—perfect for commuting or touring.
“Three times three makes nine…” and shifting with this hub really is that simple. It’s intuitive to use and robust enough to be paired with powerful e-motors—making it a very interesting alternative to the Rohloff.
But are nine gears really enough to get you over the steepest climbs? With a gear range of 554%, which is impressive, you’re looking at gear steps of around 24%. That would be quite sporty on a non-electric bike, but when mounted on the Elektriker, the 3×3 hub easily handles steep ascents. This makes it a true alternative to the Rohloff for a wide range of uses—especially considering the price point.
In terms of maintenance—or rather, lack thereof—the 3×3 doesn’t have to hide behind the Rohloff. Quite the opposite: according to the manufacturer, no oil changes are needed—unlike with most other hub gears. The reason? It’s lubricated with grease instead of oil. Cleaning and lubricating the drivetrain, or adjusting the shifting, is unnecessary. The 3×3 is factory-calibrated for life.
The NINE works under all conditions—whether stationary, in snow, or mud. The planetary gear system is securely sealed from the elements and shifts with the same precision and reliability even after thousands of kilometers.
We offer this hub with both the E900 frame and the E900-TD frame (with low step-through). You can choose either chain or belt drive.
3×3 places a strong emphasis on compatibility, so the hub works flawlessly with the Shimano Steps motor used on our Elektriker. However, Shimano Di2 is not compatible with the 3×3 hub, so we only offer the mechanical version. The hub also fits standard axle widths and thru-axles, meaning it’s compatible with all frames with 135 mm or 142 mm dropout spacing and all disc brake types.
The 3×3 NINE is extremely robust, low-wear, and low-maintenance. It can handle up to 250 Nm of input torque, making it especially suitable for e-bikes.
Sustainability is central to 3×3, a brand by H+B Hightech GmbH, a highly specialized engineering and manufacturing company focused on future-ready solutions—based in Adelmannsfelden, Baden-Württemberg. That’s just about 100 km from velotraum HQ in Weil der Stadt, which also means: short supply chains and fast, sustainable part sourcing for us. The 3×3 is fully designed, developed, and manufactured in Germany.
The 3×3 is compatible with...
...all disc brakes and frames
3×3 also provides its own proprietary twist shifter for this mechanical version: the 3×3 SHIFT R9.S. It gives direct tactile feedback when shifting.
Note: the gear indexing is inside the gearbox, not in the shifter. The grip feels great in the hand, thanks to premium materials and an optimized cable routing system.
After an intensive testing phase, we’re proud to offer a reliable, regionally produced product from a brand that aligns with our values and quality standards. On top of that, the 3×3 offers a more affordable alternative to Rohloff, which will be especially interesting for e-bike fans who don’t necessarily need super-fine gear increments.
