The Short Version
The Zulu Two MKII is the latest version with the newest upgrades. The Zulu Two MKI is a previous generation. The Zulu Two MKII is lighter, and has the BALANCE-TEC conversion system, THRU-TUBE frame and new compact drivetrain.
Geometry and Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Zulu Two MKI | Zulu Two MKII | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 17.15 to 17.95 lbs | 15.1 to 15.8 lbs | ↓ 2.05-2.15 lbs lighter |
| Minimum Saddle Height | 18.1 in / 460 mm | 17.7 in / 450 mm | ↓ 0.4 in / 10 mm lower |
| Maximum Saddle Height | 25.2 in / 640 mm | 25.2 in / 640 mm | No change |
| Gain Ratio | 3.8 | 3.85 | ↑ 0.05 higher |
| Wheelbase | 30.5 in / 775 mm | 30.15 in / 766 mm | ↓ 0.35 in / 9 mm shorter |
| Chain Stay Length | 12 in / 305 mm | 11.69 in / 297 mm | ↓ 0.31 in / 8 mm shorter |
| Seat Tube Angle | 74° | 76° | ↑ 2° steeper |
| Head Angle | 66° | 66° | No change |
| Effective Top Tube Length | 15.3 in / 389 mm | 15.75 in / 400 mm | ↑ 0.45 in / 11 mm longer |
| Bottom Bracket Height | 7.3 in / 185 mm | 6.9 in / 177 mm | ↓ .4 in / 8mm lower |
| Stack | 14.0 in / 356 mm | 15.07 in / 383 mm | ↑ 1.07 in / 27 mm higher |
| Bottom Bracket Drop | 0.4 in / 11 mm | 0.75 in / 19 mm | ↑ 0.35 in / 8 mm more drop |
| Seat Tube Length | 7.9 in / 200 mm | 10 in / 255 mm | ↑ 2.1 in / 55 mm longer |
| Standover | 15.6 in / 395 mm | 15.6 in / 395 mm | No change |
| Q factor | 138 mm | 146 mm | ↑ 8 mm wider |
| Reach | 10.39 in / 264 mm | 10.39 in / 264 mm | No change |
Color Options
| Model | Available Colors |
|---|---|
| Zulu Two MKI | Bodacious Blue, Speed Silver |
| Zulu Two MKII | Bodacious Blue, Speed Silver, Pedal to the Metal Pink |
Change: MKII adds "Pedal to the Metal Pink" as a new color option
Component Differences
| Component | Zulu Two MKI | Zulu Two MKII | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum with Internal Cable Routing | THRU-TUBE™ Lightweight 6061 Aluminum with Internal Cable Routing | New THRU-TUBE™ design |
| Seat Clamp | Aluminum with Toolless Adjustment | Prevelo TallClamp with Toolless Adjustment | Upgraded to TallClamp |
| Brakes | Tektro M281 Hydraulic Disc | Promax DSK 940 Hydraulic Disc | Brand change |
| Chainring | 25t Aluminum with Double Aluminum Guards | 18t Aluminum | Smaller chainring, upgraded compact and lightweight design |
| Freewheel / Cassette | 14t M30 threaded | 10t 1pc driver | Smaller rear cog, upgraded design |
| Bottom Bracket | 68x113 Square Taper with Sealed Cartridge Bearings | 68x113 Hollow Spindle Square Taper with Sealed Cartridge Bearings | Upgraded to hollow spindle |
| Headset | 1⅛" Internal Threadless | Integrated Sealed Cartridge Bearing | Upgraded design |
| Front Hub | 16h Forged CNC Bolt On | 20h 9x100 Sealed Cartridge Bearing | ↑ More spokes, sealed bearings |
| Rear Hub | 16h Forged CNC Freewheel | 20h 110mm Sealed Cartridge Bearing Cassette | ↑ More spokes, cassette design |
| Tires | Innova MTB 16 × 2.1 | Kenda Booster 16 × 2.2 | Brand change, slightly wider |
| Saddle | Prevelo Little Kid | HEIR Frame Hugger™ Little Kid - Alloy Reinforced | Upgraded design, lighter weight, lower stack |
| Seat Post | ⌀27.2mm alloy 2-bolt | ⌀27.2mm alloy 1 piece | Simpler design, lighter weight, lower stack |
| Handlebar | Lightweight Aluminum 25.4, 520mm wide, 35mm rise | HEIR 19mm Riser Bar 31.6 clamp, 520mm wide, 25mm rise | New HEIR design, reduced rise |
| Stem | Lightweight Aluminum 25.4, 30mm Extension | Lightweight Aluminum 31.6, 35mm Extension | ↑ Wider clamp, longer extension |
| Grips | 90mm Black Rubber, 19mm Diameter | HEIR 110mm wide 19mm Lock-On | ↑ Wider, HEIR lock-on design |
Key Feature Changes
Major MK II Innovations
THRU-TUBE™ Frame Design:
- Keeps riders lower to the ground for improved confidence
- Enables the lower minimum saddle height (17.7" vs 18.1")
- Improves pedaling ergonomics while maintaining safety
BALANCE-TEC™ System:
- First-ever balance-bike-to-pedal-bike conversion that maintains pedaling performance
- Features self-extracting crank and bottom bracket shields that double as footrests
- Integrated chainstay key allows chain removal without breaking the chain
- Enables conversion between pedal and balance modes in minutes without special tools
Precision Adjustable Dropouts:
- Provides precise chain tension control
- Makes tire changes easier by maintaining chain tension and brake adjustment
Drivetrain Optimization:
- Smaller rear cog (10t vs 14t) paired with smaller chainring (18t vs 25t)
- Maintains similar gain ratio (3.85 vs 3.8) while reducing weight
Other Significant Changes
Weight Reduction: 2+ pound weight savings (15.1-15.8 lbs vs 17.15-17.95 lbs)
Geometry Refinements:
- Lower minimum saddle height (17.7" vs 18.1") for younger/smaller riders
- Increased bottom bracket drop for lower center of gravity
- Shorter chainstays and wheelbase for improved maneuverability
Component Upgrades:
- More spokes in wheels (20h vs 16h) for improved durability
- Sealed cartridge bearings throughout for better longevity
- Upgraded saddle, grips, and cockpit components
- Kenda Booster tires (replacing Innova) with slightly wider profile
Features Removed in MKII
- MKI had double aluminum chainring guards that were removed in MKII and replaced with a chainguard.
What Stayed the Same
- 16" wheel diameter
- 60mm travel fork option with same specifications
- Hydraulic disc brakes (though brand changed)
- Recommended inseam range (16" to 22")
- Aluminum frame material (6061)
- Internal cable routing