The world can always use another IGH
 

The 3X3 Nine displayed @ BikeEU, courtesy of Bike Rumor:

https://bikerumor.com/3x3-nine-no-ma...rnal-gear-hub/

I take absolutes in marketing claims with a big grain of salt. Andy

Heavier than a Rohloff. That belt setup with the tension jockey wheel looks high-friction/drag.

Definitely going to need an e-bike.

Interesting. I agree with Andy that the marketing claims as it applies to zero maintenance should be take with a grain of salt, but I see some things I like, or at least think have a place.
For the intended application, I don't think the wide ratio steps would really be an issue. With my Rohloff and Alfine hubs, I rarely shift in single gear increments anyway. I'm almost always shifting multiple gears, it's the range that interests me more. Also, the ability to withstand high torque input makes it a good fit for mid drive ebikes.

I have a Rohloff equipped bicycle. I believe This new 9 speed with more range would not play well with going up varying steep gradients.

Not sure about that last statement.

Manufacturer says it's also usable with chain drive, so it's not restricted to belt drive. Rolhoffs have been using chain drives for a while, I think, on non-ebikes. Hasn't kept them from selling.

And while it's heavier than a Rolhoff, it's not all that much heavier. Rolhoff claims 120g/gear for its hub. That works out to 1,680g vice this one's claimed 2,000g. That's 320g, or less than 12oz difference - not a negligible increase, but not that big an increase either. For commuting or touring use that might be quite acceptable.

If it works well and actually is anywhere close to the "no maintenance required" claim, IMO it might well be very successful - particularly if the large claimed torque input it can handle proves out and it gets a fair amount of use on ebikes.

Not sure what the target market is for this. Ebike? You don't need 554% gearing for a legal ebike, since they're speed limited (20mph USA, 25kph EU). Shift under high torque, no maintenance? Enivolo does that cheaper & lighter.

Maybe this would appeal to an endless cycletourist, a la Heinz Stücke?

Anyway, with Sturmey and Shimano plus Roholff, Kindernay, Enivolo, MBI and now 3X3, it's becoming the New Golden Age of IGH.

Could be good for tandems
 

I ride a tandem in hilly country with my wife, combined age 135 years. I have our 3x9 drivetrain set up for 618% range, and we use all of it.

As a data point relating to IGH demand, Universal cycles offers coaster brake Nexus 8 hubs for $99, up from $69 last year.
Glad I got two.

This thing is designed for e-bikes only. The jump between gears is too large for human pedaling. You are free to use whatever you want of course, but in 2022 we are used to a tight cadence range. It's not the 1970s anymore.

Everything has gone up in price at Universal Cycles, not just internal geared hubs. This is supply and demand related.

The consensus on several web pages is that this is meant for ebike use, despite the first OEM application being non-ebike:

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6ec221d48a.png

Because of the low legal-maximum boosted speeds on ebikes, I still don't get the market.

An Enviolo Automatic 330 (high torque, 'no' maintenance, plenty of range for an ebike...and no shifting) is like 20% of the cost of a Rohloff. No aftermarket pricing has been announced on the 3X3 Nine hub, but I'm betting it won't begin to be less than the Enviolo.

CYCLINGABOUT has a new video with even more IGH hubs, have fun.
Is the 3x3 similar to the SA 8 with all up and small/ big cogs??