One Bike, Two Milestones: Prevelo Revolutionizes Its Category-Defining Zulu Kids’ Mountain Bikes with Major Weight Reduction and Convertible Design

(PREVELO PRESS RELEASE)

Prevelo, the kids’ bike company that created the 14-inch and 16-inch mountain bike category in 2018, announces a comprehensive redesign of its pioneering line of mountain bikes for the smallest riders. The new Zulu One and Zulu Two build on their legacy of innovation with significant weight reductions, the groundbreaking BALANCE-TEC™ conversion system, and features to extend each bike’s usable life. Both new bikes are available immediately for pre-order at prevelo.com.

The new Zulu One 14-inch ($599) and Zulu Two 16-inch ($649) bikes introduce the patent-pending BALANCE-TEC system, the first-ever balance-bike-to-pedal-bike conversion that doesn’t compromise pedaling performance. The kit is available as an add-on ($19) to the Zulu One and Two. The system’s innovations include a self-extracting crank, protective bottom bracket shields that serve as footrests in balance bike mode, and an integrated chainstay key that enables chain removal and installation without breaking the chain. This proprietary design allows the bikes to be converted between pedal and balance modes in minutes without special tools while maintaining consistent handling characteristics in both configurations. Unlike other convertible bikes, with designs that start as balance bikes and then sacrifice pedal performance, the new Zulus are engineered as uncompromising trail bikes that can convert to balance bikes, allowing young riders to master balance on the same bike they’ll ultimately pedal.

Careful engineering and component optimization make the redesigned models about 15 percent lighter than previous versions. New adjustable rear dropouts provide precise chain tension control and a THRU-TUBE frame design enables significantly greater saddle height range. Both bikes maintain category-leading trail geometry and hydraulic disc brakes that established new standards for young rider performance in 2018.

“When we introduced the first Zulu One and Two in 2018, we showed that even the youngest riders deserve real mountain bike performance,” explained Prevelo Founder Jacob Rheuban. “This redesign builds on that foundation. The significant weight reduction makes these bikes even more capable, while features like the extended seat tube range allow the bikes to fit riders for longer, helping families get more value out of their Prevelo. With the BALANCE-TEC system, these bikes truly grow with young riders from their first glide to serious trail riding.”

Technical improvements extend throughout both models:

• A new smaller rear cog combined with a smaller chainring reduces weight while maintaining climbing-friendly gear ratios
• Adjustable rear dropouts enable precise chain tension and wheelbase tuning
• THRU-TUBE seat tube design increases fit range to accommodate growing riders
• Sealed cartridge bearings throughout for superior durability
• High-volume Kenda Booster tires for improved traction and ride comfort
• As on previous versions, hydraulic disc brakes deliver category-leading control and safety

The 14-inch Zulu One and 16-inch Zulu Two accommodate riders with 14 to 22-inch inseams. Prevelo also offers a hardtail Zulu Two HEIR ($889) hardtail variant for riders who want maximum weight savings and a suspension fork – there is no other 16” mountain bike available with a suspension fork. The Zulu One and Two complement the recently updated Zulu Three (20-inch), Four (24-inch), and Five (26-inch) models. All Prevelo bikes include a 30-day money-back guarantee and are available through prevelo.com and select dealers. The new Zulu line will be on display at booth B-19 during the Sea Otter Classic, April 10-13.