Prevelo Zulu Two: MKI vs MKII Detailed Comparison

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