3X3 NINE 9-Speed Internal Gear Hub – 142 mm Thru Axle, 32 Holes
The 3X3 NINE is a sealed, grease-lubricated 9-speed internal gear hub made in Germany by 3X3 (H+B Hightech GmbH): 554% gear range, up to 250 Nm input torque, about 2 kg. It is also the rear hub of the Booda Bike Alpine 3x3.
3X3 NINE at a glance
| Manufacturer | 3X3 (H+B Hightech GmbH), Adelmannsfelden, Germany |
|---|---|
| Version in the Alpine 3x3 | 142 mm installation width, 12 mm thru axle, 32 spoke holes |
| Manufacturer order number | 000227 (3X3 NINE SP.32.142: 142 mm thru axle, 32 holes) |
| Gears | 9 |
| Gear range | 554% (554.35%) |
| Gear step | approx. 24% |
| Maximum input torque | 250 Nm |
| Maximum system weight | 250 kg (rider, bike, clothing, luggage, trailer and its load) |
| Weight | approx. 2 kg |
| Colour | Black |
| Shift control | 3X3 E-Shift (electric, Bluetooth trigger; actuator on the right side only) or 3X3 Rotary Shift (two cables) |
| Drive | Chain sprockets 24 / 26 / 28 / 30 teeth, or belt pulleys 28 / 30 / 32 / 34 teeth (Gates Carbon Drive belt only) |
| Frame standards | 135 mm quick release (5 mm axle), 142 mm thru axle (12 mm), 148 mm thru axle (12 mm) |
| Brake rotor mount | 6 × M5 × 10 (TX25), bolt circle 72.25 mm, centering diameter 61.5 mm; rotors 180 / 200 / 203 mm |
| Spoke holes | 32 or 36 (flange diameter 134 mm, spoke hole 2.8 mm) |
| Rim sizes | 18" to 29" |
| Lubrication | Permanent grease, no oil change |
Key features
Nine gears, 554% range. Evenly spaced gears of about 24% each, from a very light first gear to a tall ninth gear, built for steep climbs, heavy loads and long distances.- Sealed and grease-lubricated. According to the manufacturer, the hub is fully sealed against dirt, water and dust and runs on permanent grease, so there are no oil changes and no gears to readjust.
Shift anytime. You can shift while stationary, under load and across several gears at once.
Electric shifting. The 3X3 E-Shift actuator on the hub is controlled wirelessly from a trigger; 3X3 also lists a TRP Hywave version for drop-bar bikes.
Disc brake only. The hub carries a six-bolt brake rotor on its own mount; coaster brakes are not compatible.
Torque support required. The hub may only be used with a torque support and a Gates Carbon Drive belt if a belt is fitted.
Shifting from the drop bars
3X3 lists an electric shift version for TRP Hywave levers, aimed at drop-bar bikes. The Alpine 3x3 uses this combination: the shift buttons sit in the brake levers and the hub is shifted wirelessly.
Gear ratios
Internal ratio of the hub and development per crank revolution, as published by 3X3 for a 55-622 tyre, a 46-tooth pulley and a 30-tooth sprocket.
| Gear | Internal ratio | Development (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.53 | 1.86 |
| 2 | 0.65 | 2.31 |
| 3 | 0.81 | 2.86 |
| 4 | 1.00 | 3.52 |
| 5 | 1.24 | 4.38 |
| 6 | 1.54 | 5.42 |
| 7 | 1.90 | 6.69 |
| 8 | 2.36 | 8.30 |
| 9 | 2.92 | 10.29 |
The primary ratio (chainring or front pulley to rear sprocket or pulley) must be chosen so that the 250 Nm input torque limit is not exceeded.
Compatible parts
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gates CDX rear sprocket for the 3X3 hub (28T / 30T / 32T) | Belt pulley that fits the hub driver; 3X3 lists belt pulleys of 28, 30, 32 and 34 teeth. Torque: 40 Nm on the lockring. |
| TRP Hywave HD-S8130E brake-shift set for 3X3 | Electric shifting from the brake levers; 3X3 lists "Electric Shift TRP.Hywave" for drop-bar bikes. |
| TRP / Tektro 203 mm × 2.3 mm rotor for the 3X3 NINE | Fits the hub's brake rotor mount; the manufacturer lists rotors of 180, 200 and 203 mm. |
| TRP TR-57M 160 mm 6-bolt rotor | Used on the Alpine 3x3. The manufacturer's data sheet lists rotors of 180–203 mm. |
| Brake rotor screws | 6 × M5 × 10 (TX25), head height at most 2.7 mm – always use the screws supplied; tighten to 6 Nm. |
Frequently asked questions
Which version of the 3X3 NINE do you sell?
The hub is sold on its own in the 142 mm version with a 12 mm thru axle and 32 spoke holes. 3X3 also makes a 135 mm quick-release version, a 148 mm thru-axle version and 36-hole versions; ask us if you need one of those.
Which hub version is fitted to the Alpine 3x3?
The 142 mm version with a 12 mm thru axle and 32 spoke holes (3X3 order number 000227).
Is the NINE maintenance-free?
3X3 describes it as maintenance-free: it is sealed, filled with a permanent grease and needs no oil change. Care is mainly limited to the belt or chain, the pulley or sprocket, the brake rotor and the actuator. The manufacturer asks for regular checks of the screws and recommends a yearly service by a dealer. Do not open the hub – this voids the warranty.
Why does the hub click when I stop pedalling?
According to 3X3, this is normal. Several clutches work together inside the hub, and in freewheel mode the discs slide over each other, which makes the clicking sound. The sound changes with speed and gear, and it becomes quieter after the first 500 km.
Can I shift while standing still?
Yes. A 3X3 hub can be shifted while stationary and across several gears at once.
What about the auto-downshift?
The E-Shift actuator can shift back to a start gear when the bike stops, but according to the manual this currently works only with the Bosch Smart System. A Booda Bike has no motor, so the function is not used.
Can I clean the bike with a pressure washer?
No. 3X3 advises against pressure washers and aggressive cleaners. Take care that no cleaner reaches the brake rotor.
Which belt can I use?
If the hub is used with a belt, only a Gates Carbon Drive belt is permitted.
Made for the workshop
The hub is mounted with a torque wrench: the sprocket or pulley lockring to 40 Nm, the axle plate to 4 Nm and the rotor screws to 6 Nm. The thru axle must not exceed 16 Nm.
About 3X3
3X3 is a brand of H+B Hightech GmbH in Adelmannsfelden, Baden-Württemberg. According to the manufacturer, all 3X3 products are made in Germany and around 60% of the components are produced in-house.
3X3 NINE in use
