Bosch eShift Is Expanding with 3X3 Shift Hub

Already last summer, Bosch announced that the manufacturer would be adding a new shifting system to its eShift portfolio. Well, the time has come. A few days ago, manufacturer H+B Hightech announced that its 3X3 Shift E9 will now be available for ebikes with the Bosch Smart System with eShift.

Harmonious connection

Hidden behind eShift is the integrated, electrical shifting solution for Bosch ebike systems. This means that the electronically shifting rear wheel hub and the e-drive are linked together and communicate directly. This can be done wirelessly via Bluetooth or by connecting to a CAN bus interface.

The great advantage of such solutions is the seamless coordination between the gearing and motor. For example, eShift ensures that the motor stops for a fraction of a second during the shifting process in order to optimise the gear change. The interruption is so short that shifting is still possible precisely, reliably and smoothly while pedalling under load. At the same time, the shifting components are relieved at the decisive moment, which increases their stability.

From an ergonomic point of view, the trigger of the 3X3 is well designed. The buttons are somewhat reminiscent of Sram’s control pods.

You press, eShift acts

When integrating the 3X3 Nine, the manufacturer opted for the version where you shift gears manually. To do this, you press one of the two buttons on the wireless trigger. The gear is changed with a slight delay. The system waits for the moment when the pedal position is optimal. The gear you are changing to appears briefly on the ebike’s display at the same time – if you are riding one. A short press on the trigger is followed by a change of a single gear. If you stay on the respective button for longer, the system shifts in steps of three. This continues until you have reached the smallest or largest of the nine gears of the 3X3.

Display of the current gear with the Bosch Kiox 300 as an example

The Auto-Downshift function has been implemented in the same way as with the Enviolo hub gears, which are also available in eShift. If you come to a standstill while riding, the system automatically shifts to a gear that you have previously preset for setting off. You can make the appropriate selection in the eBike Flow app or on the respective display. The Kiox 300, Kiox 500 and Intuvia 100 are available for this purpose. The displays also provide you with recommendations as to whether you should change gear in the respective riding situation and, if so, which gear you should change to.

Shifting recommendation with the Bosch Intuvia 100

Components of the gear system

In addition to the actual gear hub, the 3X3 Shift E9 system also includes the aforementioned gear lever and the actuator on the rear wheel. A button cell supplies the trigger with the necessary power to initiate the shifting processes. The actuator, on the other hand, is connected to the ebike system via a plug connection. This can be plugged in and unplugged quite easily, which makes it easier to remove the rear wheel. Regardless of whether you are riding a wheel with a thru axle or quick release, you do not need any special tools.

Three hub gear manufacturers are currently on board with eShift for the Bosch Smart System. In addition to 3X3, these are Enviolo and Rohloff. There are also eShift systems for Bosch’s second development stage e-drives, which work with derailleur gears from Shimano.

Pictures: H+B Hightech GmbH; Bosch eBike Systems