3X3 Gear Hubs & bike components

What 3X3 Gear Hubs & bike components does

3X3 (operated by H+B Hightech GmbH) is a German precision bicycle component manufacturer headquartered in Adelmannsfelden, Baden-Württemberg, specializing in fully sealed internal gear hubs for premium and heavy-duty applications. The company develops and produces two core platforms: the 3X3 NINE (9-speed, 250 Nm input torque, 554% total gear range) targeted at cargo bikes, high-load e-bikes, and extreme terrain, and the 3X3 SIX (6-speed, 160 Nm, 292% range) targeted at urban commuters. Both hubs use a permanent grease lubrication system and fully sealed housing that eliminate oil changes and protect against water, dust, and dirt ingress. Shifting control is offered as mechanical Rotary Shift or electronic E-Shift, with the latter integrating into the Bosch Smart System ecosystem and supporting an Auto Downshift function that returns the bike to a predefined start gear when stopping. Manufacturing is conducted at a roughly 10,000 m² Adelmannsfelden facility with approximately 60% in-house component production and the remainder sourced from regional German Industry 4.0 suppliers.

Revenue is generated through hardware sales of gear hubs and aftermarket components (axle plates, sprockets, brake discs, shift cables, approved spokes) combined with B2B partner services. The go-to-market is a hybrid model: OEM integration into bicycles during manufacturer assembly (over 15 named premium and cargo brands including Nicolai, Tern, SUGG, VICTORIA, VELLO, QiO, Cylan, Gudereit, YOONIT, Muli, Portus, Max & Mäleon, CargoFactory, GoLo, and MiTech) and an aftermarket channel served by 260+ certified 3X3 Service Partners across 21+ countries. North America (USA and Canada) is handled exclusively by Vapor Propulsion Labs (VPL) since September 2023. Pricing is quote-based through dealers and is not publicly disclosed. A B2B partner program provides technical training, marketing support, POS materials, and authorized partner certification, supplemented by a web-based Bluetooth Service Tool for diagnostics, calibration, and firmware updates of E-Shift components.

The company markets through active presence at major cycling trade shows (Eurobike, ICBF, Bespoked, VELO Berlin, Copenhagen Bike Show), social media, a dealer network, and a 3X3 ambassador program. It was awarded the Steinbeis-Stiftung Transferpreis Löhn-Preis in May 2023 for innovation in testing rig development, and its 3X3 NINE achieved 18% more vertical range than continuously variable gear hubs in independent DEKRA R300 testing.

Name

3X3 Gear Hubs & bike components

Legal name

H+B Hightech GmbH

Website

https://3x3.bike

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

3X3 (H+B Hightech GmbH) is a German bicycle component manufacturer specializing in fully sealed, grease-lubricated internal gear hubs—the 9-speed NINE and 6-speed SIX—serving premium OEM bike brands and a global network of 260+ certified service partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bicycle Drivetrain Components

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)

akta.pro primary industry

E-bikes & E-cargo Bikes Manufacturing (IMACAOAA)

Keywords

• Internal gear hubs
• Bicycle drivetrain components
• E-bike shifting systems
• Cargo bike drivetrains
• Premium bicycle components

Headquarters

HQ city

Adelmannsfelden

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Gear Hub Hardware Sales: Sale of 3X3 NINE and 3X3 SIX gear hubs and components to bicycle manufacturers (OEM) and through dealer network to end consumers and retrofitters.
2. Aftermarket Components and Spare Parts: Sale of spare parts, accessories, and components including axle plates, sprockets, brake discs (Fahrwerker, Magura, Tektro), shift cables, and approved spokes (Sapim Strong, DT Swiss Alpine II).
3. B2B Partner Program: Partner program for dealers, workshops, and OEMs providing technical training, marketing support, POS materials, and authorized partner certification.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

3X3 Gear Hubs & bike components (a brand of H+B Hightech GmbH) designs, develops, and manufactures premium internal gear hubs for bicycles, e-bikes, and cargo bikes. The company sells the 3X3 NINE (9-speed) and 3X3 SIX (6-speed) gear hubs, along with electronic (E-Shift) and mechanical (Rotary Shift) shifting controls, primarily to bicycle OEMs and a global network of certified dealers.

Product overview

3X3 is a German manufacturer of precision gear hubs and shifting systems for bicycles, operated by H+B Hightech GmbH. The product portfolio centers on two gear hub platforms: the 3X3 NINE (9-speed, 250 Nm torque, 554% range) for heavy-duty and performance applications, and the 3X3 SIX (6-speed, 160 Nm torque, 292% range) for urban mobility. Both hubs offer mechanical (Rotary Shift) and electronic (E-Shift) shifting options, with the E-Shift integrating into Bosch Smart System ecosystems. Supporting products include the web-based 3X3 Service Tool for diagnostics and calibration. All products are manufactured in Germany at the Adelmannsfelden facility with approximately 60% in-house component manufacturing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 3X3 NINE Gear Hub A premium 9-speed internal gear hub designed for bicycles, e-bikes, and cargo bikes. Engineered with durable construction and high efficiency for OEM integration and retrofit on premium two-wheeled vehicles.
• 3X3 SIX Gear Hub A 6-speed internal gear hub designed as a lighter and more accessible offering for urban and commuter bicycles, complementing the 9-speed NINE in the product line.
• 3X3 E-Shift An electronic shifting control unit for 3X3 gear hubs, including Bluetooth connectivity for app-based control and firmware updates. Compatible as a Bosch eShift solution for e-bike drivetrains.
• 3X3 Rotary Shift A mechanical rotary shifter designed for use with 3X3 internal gear hubs, offering riders a tactile, cable-actuated gear-change interface as an alternative to the electronic E-Shift option.

Quantifiable outcome

• 18% more vertical range than continuously variable gear hubs in DEKRA testing
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Bosch eBike SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 February 20243X3 is a System Partner of Bosch eShift. The 3X3 E-Shift integrates seamlessly into the Bosch Smart System ecosystem, enabling features like shifting under load, shifting while stationary, and Auto Downshift. The 3X3 gear hub is specifically designed for powerful Bosch drive units.
• Vapor Propulsion Labs (VPL)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 August 2023VPL serves as exclusive distribution and sales partner for 3X3 gear hubs in USA and Canada starting September 1, 2023. VPL is a Bosch reseller with extensive bicycle expertise in frame construction. They provide local dealer and customer support, after-sales services, and represented 3X3 at MADE Show in Portland, Oregon.
• Gates Carbon DrivesupportingTechnology or Integration3X3 gear hubs are compatible with Gates Carbon Drive belt systems when the bicycle frame is suitable for belt drive. Technical manuals and specifications reference Gates compatibility.
• Fahrwerker, Magura, TektrosupportingTechnology or IntegrationApproved brake disc manufacturers offering 3X3-specific brake discs. Fahrwerker offers 180mm, 200mm, 203mm discs. Magura offers 180mm, 203mm discs with ABS tonewheel. Tektro offers 180mm, 203mm discs in multiple thicknesses.
• SapimsupportingTechnology or IntegrationRecommended spoke manufacturer for 3X3 gear hubs. Sapim Strong ED 2.34-2.0 spokes and Sapim Polyax Secure Lock nipples approved for wheel building.
• DT SwisssupportingTechnology or IntegrationApproved spoke and component manufacturer. DT Swiss Alpine II spokes and DT Swiss Pro Head nipples recommended. DT Swiss U 623 and U 663 rims approved for use with 3X3 gear hubs.
• Nicolai BicyclescoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFirst manufacturer to bring 3X3 NINE to market with ARGON GX SLIDE gravel bike in 2023. 100% handmade frames manufactured in Germany. Uses 3X3 Shift R9 rotation 9-speed gears.
• Portus CyclessupportingOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGerman cargo bike manufacturer using 3X3 NINE in Compact Cargo Karl steel cargo bike. Demonstrated hub capability in Megavalanche downhill event.
• Max & MäleonsupportingOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGerman cargo bike manufacturer with tilting technology for Transporter Bike. Uses 3X3 NINE gear hubs. Regional components manufactured with Swabian precision.
• Muli CyclessupportingOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerGerman cargo bike manufacturer integrating 3X3 NINE into Muli motor eu, designed specifically for European market.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Shimano: Japanese incumbent dominating bicycle drivetrains globally, including the Nexus/Alfine internal gear hub line. Massive R&D, OEM relationships, and dealer footprint make it the dominant benchmark and primary competitive threat.
• SRAM Corporation: US-based bicycle component manufacturer competing in drivetrains, brakes, and e-bike systems. Broader portfolio with no direct internal gear hub, but competes for OEM spec slots across the same bike brands.

Others

• Bosch eBike Systems: Dominant e-bike mid-motor manufacturer and 3X3's strategic system partner. Core integration partner for E-Shift — simultaneously an enabler of 3X3's premium positioning and a potential platform risk if Bosch shifts direction.
• Gates Carbon Drive: Belt-drive system manufacturer partnered with 3X3 for belt-compatible installations. Adjacent component supplier rather than a competitor, but co-marketed in OEM designs.

Emerging players

• Bafang: Chinese e-bike drive system manufacturer with growing OEM presence in Europe. An emerging peer competing for the same e-bike component slots on lower-cost premium bikes.

Direct peers

• Enviolo (formerly NuVinci): Dutch-owned continuously variable transmission (CVT) hub maker for e-bikes and cargo bikes. Competes on the same maintenance-light value proposition but with stepless CVT instead of discrete gears — the comparison point in 3X3's DEKRA testing.
• Pinion GmbH: German manufacturer of bottom-bracket-mounted gearboxes (Pinion P1.18, P1.12) for e-bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Direct competitor in premium, low-maintenance bicycle drivetrains with similar OEM integration model.
• Rohloff AG: German manufacturer of the iconic Speedhub 500/14, a 14-speed internal gear hub for bicycles. Most direct head-to-head competitor in the premium internal gear hub category, with similar Made-in-Germany positioning and cargo-bike focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3x3-gear-hubs-bike-components

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 3X3 Gear Hubs & bike components