With the launch of the Six, 3X3 will in future offer two clearly defined transmission platforms within the same system architecture. Whilst the 3X3 Nine Whilst the Six is synonymous with maximum performance under extreme conditions – designed for heavy-duty use, cargo bikes and challenging terrain – the new Six is positioned as the solution for urban mobility, daily commuting and moderate route profiles.
Editorial assessment
With the Six, 3X3 is taking a pragmatic approach: not every urban cyclist needs nine gears. For flat to gently undulating urban terrain, a 292 per cent gear range and six gears are more than adequate, particularly on e-bikes. In terms of pricing, 3X3 traditionally positions itself in the premium segment. With the Six, however, the manufacturer is likely to position the product below the Nine – the reduced complexity and lower number of gears suggest that production costs will be lower. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough to compete against established mass-production manufacturers such as Shimano or Enviolo’s emerging continuously variable transmission technology.
Technical specifications of the 3X3 Six
The new gear hub has the following specifications:
- Number of gears: 6
- Range: 292 %
- Input torque: up to 160 Nm
- Special feature: silent freewheel
- Gear changes possible whilst stationary
- Compatible with E-Shift and Auto-Downshift
- Drive: chain or belt
- Standards: 135 mm quick-release, 142 mm and 148 mm thru-axles
- Rims: 32- and 36-hole
Same DNA, different character
Despite having fewer gears, the Six shares the same basic engineering philosophy as the Nine:
- maintenance-free design
- fully enclosed gearbox
- high efficiency
- modular service concept
- Made in Germany
The key difference lies in the intended use: with the Six, 3X3 has placed particular emphasis on riding comfort in everyday urban use. The hub features a silent freewheel and, combined with precise gear changes, delivers a particularly smooth riding experience. Its main competitor is likely to be the widely available Shimano Nexus with five gears and a similar gear range (reviewed here).
Enviolo, with its continuously variable hub gear system, is also becoming increasingly popular on city bikes. The 3x3 can presumably hold its own with particularly crisp gear changes and high efficiency. The latter, in particular, is a weakness of cheaper hub gear systems – especially the continuously variable Enviolo.
As with all hub gear systems, the ‘shifting whilst stationary’ function is likely to be particularly advantageous in stop-and-go traffic. According to the manufacturer, when combined with E-Shift technology and Auto-Downshift, this creates an intuitive riding experience that has been specifically optimised for urban traffic. The hub requires no maintenance. Should servicing be required, the dealer can remove the entire gearbox assembly from the hub without having to remove the spokes from the hub itself.
Full compatibility for modern e-bike integration
All interfaces and integration standards have been adopted from the 3x3 Nine to ensure maximum compatibility with modern bicycle and e-bike designs. The Six supports all standard brake disc sizes as well as Rotary Shift and E-Shift systems.
Availability: The 3X3 Six will be available to OEM and specialist retail partners from 22 June 2026. The first production bikes are expected to be available for the 2027 season.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
