FAQ: frequently asked questions

All our products are Made in Germany – from development and production to assembly. Around 60% of the components are manufactured in-house, while the rest comes from regional suppliers that meet the same high-quality standards as we do at H+B Hightech GmbH. Only a few components are sourced elsewhere in Europe. By relying on regional Industry 4.0-level suppliers, we ensure quality, sustainability, and short supply chains.

The NINE hub gear is a fully enclosed system, sealed against environmental influences. This makes it maintenance-free and highly resistant to wear, with durability designed for several thousand kilometers. Its nine gears are perfectly graduated, ensuring fast and precise shifting. With a gear range of 554%, the NINE hub gear offers the widest range compared to other hub gears, providing enough flexibility for both steep climbs and fast descents. In addition, it is designed for an input torque of up to 250 Nm, making it capable of handling the demands of powerful motors and heavy loads with ease. Unlike oil-lubricated hub gears, the NINE operates with permanent grease lubrication, eliminating the need for regular oil changes.

VPL Vapor Propulsion Labs is the contact for the American region. Contact VPL here.

Retrofitting the 3X3 NINE is possible under certain conditions. This requires consultation and inspection by a 3X3-certified dealer. Please note:

• Retrofitting with the mechanical shifting system is straightforward.

• The dealer will first check whether the frame is suitable for retrofitting.

• The 3X3 NINE offers different options for torque support. The dealer will select the appropriate solution for the specific bike.

• Retrofitting the E-Shift is only possible in combination with the BOSCH Smart System and requires prior coordination and approval by the bicycle manufacturer.

Our products are designed for a very long service life and maximum durability. Our suppliers meet the same high-quality standards that we apply ourselves at H+B Hightech GmbH. We also prioritize short supply chains, preferably working with regional suppliers. Our own production is designed to be as sustainable as possible, for example through one of the largest solar panel installations in the Stuttgart area, covering 10,000 m², as well as heat recovery from our machining processes.

On our website you can find a list of all dealers and distributors under: https://www.3×3.bike/en/dealer/

The noise in the freewheel is completely normal. Inside the hub, several clutches work together, but in freewheel mode mainly one of them takes over the function.

Due to the interaction of forces, a second clutch may briefly make contact.

This is technically intended and can sound slightly different depending on speed and gear.

The overall sound results from the freewheel principle. Just like with a ratchet freewheel (e.g. DT Swiss), springs press the toothed discs together while pedaling. In freewheel mode, the discs (clutches) slide over each other, creating the characteristic clicking sound.

Yes, that is an advantage of gear hubs over derailleur systems. They can be shifted even when standing still and also multiple gears at once. As an example: If you are cut with a fully loaded cargo bike and thus forced to decelerate heavily, it is very difficult to get into a lower starting gear with a derailleur system. In addition to endangering road traffic through lurching starts, this is also bad for the material and further increases wear.

Yes, shifting several gears at once or even shifting while standing still are no problem with the 3X3 NINE gear hub.

Thanks to its compatibility with all common thru-axles and quick-release systems, the NINE can be integrated into almost any bicycle. With high efficiency and a gear range of 554%, it is suitable for both touring bikes and mountain bikes. The input torque of up to 250 Nm makes the hub particularly well-suited for e-bikes and cargo bikes with powerful motors. Its long service life combined with maintenance-free operation also makes the NINE attractive for frequent everyday riders who do not want to regularly take care of their bike’s technology.

The NINE hub gear is approved exclusively for installation in the rear wheel. Other installation types must be reviewed and approved in advance by H+B Hightech GmbH. Use is permitted for bicycles that, in accordance with §1 paragraph 3 StVG, are not classified as motor vehicles and that comply with generally applicable safety standards.

554,35%

An automatic function is not available at this time.

Due to the shifting logic with two cables, this is currently not technically or economically feasible and is therefore not planned in the near future.

The 3X3 NINE is protected against moisture ingress according to the latest standards. However, you should not clean the bicycle with a high-pressure washer. Aggressive cleaning agents can also damage the hub. Use qualified bicycle cleaners and follow the application instructions provided. Pay special attention to the disc brake: contamination, including cleaning agents, can significantly impair braking performance.

For end customers: Complaints are handled through the retailer. Please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the product.
For retailers: In the event of a warranty claim, please use the complaint form at the following link to report the case: https://www.3×3.bike/warranty/

No, otherwise the warranty will be voided.

The statutory warranty in Germany is 2 years.

The 3X3 NINE hub gear is protected against dirt and water by a special sealing concept and, thanks to grease lubrication, does not require oil changes. Nevertheless, you should regularly clean the gearbox and drivetrain. The necessary maintenance intervals depend on usage time and weather conditions. In addition, regularly check all bolts (except the gearbox housing screws) and the shift cables. Once a year, you should take your bicycle to a specialist dealer for a full service to ensure that all safety-relevant components such as the frame and brakes are checked for wear.

A little play in the twist shifter is necessary for proper function. If there is too much play, you can reduce it by evenly tightening both adjustment screws.
If shifting into a lower gear is delayed: readjust the shift cable at the upper adjustment screw (1).
If shifting into a higher gear is delayed: readjust the shift cable at the lower adjustment screw (2).

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These include the sprocket, chain, chainring, belt, belt pulley, tensioner pulleys, shift cables, grip rubber, and brake discs. Have the drivetrain of your bicycle checked regularly by a specialist workshop.

Currently, brake discs from the manufacturers Fahrwerker, Magura, and Tektro are available.

Please contact your Dealer: https://www.3×3.bike/en/dealer/

Check the following points:

1. Is the distance between the frame and the nut at least 2 mm?
2. Was the nut tightened with 40 Nm torque?
3. Is the seal carrier properly seated in the cover behind the sprocket

In the gear shifts from 3 → 4 and 6 → 7, a change of planetary stages takes place. Because additional parts are moved in the process, the shifting force is slightly higher. This is normal and does not represent a fault.

Yes, there is a spoke adapter. It is available for 135 mm quick release as well as 142 / 148 mm thru-axle.
With the adapter, you can lace and true the wheel without first having to install the shifting mechanism, the actuator, or the axle plate. In addition, the gear hub can be held in place when replacing the adapter.
CAUTION: The spoke adapter must not be used to loosen or tighten the sprocket.

If abnormal freewheel noises occur, proceed as follows:

1. First perform a calibration ride (see the Auto Calibration tutorial).

2. Check whether the M38 nut is tightened to 40 Nm and the chain sprocket is securely mounted on the drive.

3. If there is no improvement, submit a warranty claim including the purchase invoice, the serial number on the housing, and a detailed error description. Use our complaint form on the website at the following link: https://www.3×3.bike/en/warranty/

The 3X3 trigger is equipped with a CR2032 button cell. Depending on the frequency of shifting and connection with the service tool, the battery life is approximately 0.5–1 year. When the battery voltage drops, the trigger signals this by illuminating the LED with every shift and displaying a warning message on the BOSCH display. Replace the battery promptly to ensure proper functioning of the 3X3 NINE E-Shift. Re-pairing of the trigger and actuator is not required.

If the trigger no longer functions, you can shift manually using the 3X3 Service Tool. The procedure is described in our video tutorials and in the 3X3 User Manual.

The service tool can be accessed via the URL service.3X3.bike. The requirements are as follows:

1. A Bluetooth-enabled device (iOS systems are not supported on mobile devices)

2. Internet connection (once the service tool has been loaded, it also works offline, but the latest software will not be searched for automatically)

3. Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge internet browser

4. A switched-on and functional e-bike with activated HPP and the correct Bosch E-Shift software.

If your 3X3 NINE is still within the 2-year warranty period, contact a certified 3X3 service partner (https://www.3×3./dealer/).

Yes, with the 3X3 E.TR CMD.
It shifts like a conventional thumb shifter from the MTB sector.

es, you can access our service tool at service.3X3.bike (not compatible with iOS devices). Requirements:

1. A Bluetooth-enabled device (iOS systems are not supported on mobile devices)

2. Internet connection (once the service tool has been loaded, it also works offline, but the latest software will not be searched for automatically)

3. Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge internet browser

4. A switched-on and functional e-bike with activated HPP and the correct Bosch E-Shift software.

For this, the latest software must be installed on the actuator using the service tool. Afterwards, the new triggers must be enabled for the actuator.