The Microshift Acolyte Super Short Derailleur allows the Alpha Series bikes to use an 11-38t cassette. This gives 90% more gear range than other comparable bikes.
Microshift is the only drivetrain maker to focus on kids sized shifters. Easy-to-reach triggers and ultra-light shifting action make this the #1 shifter for kids.
Increasing the tire width to 2.1" will give trail explorers more traction when the path gets tough.
Short stems, handlebars sized to match shoulder width, easy-to-reach brakes, and a kid-friendly shifter. All features that give the rider control of their steed.
Low standover allowing young riders to get on a bigger wheel earlier. Bigger wheels roll faster, offer more traction, and roll over obstacles with less effort. Upright seating position with just enough weight over the front of the bike to maintain control and balance. A low center of gravity that's designed to keep the riders weight "in" the bike, rather than on top. Short chainstays keep the bike agile, while a slack front end keeps things stable at all speeds.
HEIR® cranks use specific lengths and widths to match young riders pedaling ergonomics. The Dual Alloy Chainguards keep the chain on in all terrain, while protecting the rider's pants from getting caught.
Getting your kids the right size bike is important and, fortunately, also easy. You just need two pieces of information about your little rider:
Children who are learning are more sensitive to bicycle height than children who already know how to ride a bike. If the rider is new we recommend erring on the side of a smaller bike. If the rider is experienced and confident, it is OK to err on the side of a larger bike.
We include ride age as guidance for our bikes as a quick reference. But because riders of the same age can have very different sizes, inseam is a more reliable size indicator than age.
Model | Min Inseam | Max Inseam |
---|---|---|
Alpha Zero | 12½ in | 16½ in |
Alpha One | 14 in | 17½ in |
Alpha Two | 15½ in | 22 in |
Alpha Three | 19 in | 23 in |
Alpha Four | 23 in | 28 in |
Alpha Five | 25 in | 30 in |
Zulu One | 14 in | 17 in |
Zulu Two | 16 in | 22 in |
Zulu Three | 21 in | 26 in |
Zulu Four | 24 in | 29 in |
Zulu Five | 25 in | 31 in |
My grandson loves the Alpha 4. The low seat height allows him to put his feet on the ground even with the 24" tires. Your design gives him all the confidence he needed as a young rider and great components made our decision for the bike well worth it. Some of the best time I spend with my grandchildren is when we go bike riding together. I am very pleased with the purchase and highly recommend Prevelo bikes to other grandparents and parents, you will not be disappointed.
How much does your kid weigh? My 8 year-old is barely over 50 pounds when he is wet. 20” bikes from the big box stores, while bright and colorful, were tipping the scales at 35 to 40 pounds! Converting this to the adult scales would equate to me riding a 150 lb bicycle – not something that I would be willing or capable of doing. Prevelo’s Alpha Four comes in at feather-light 21 pounds – my kid can pick it up and even hang it on the rack on his own. The bike arrived within a week of placing the order – a bit faster than I expected it since we do live in Texas (long way from California) and it was shipped via ground parcel service. The packaging was sturdy and protected the precious cargo well. The bike came mostly assembled – all we had to do was install the pedals, handlebar, and the front wheel. All the tools for the assembly came in the box and the instructions were clear. During the first ride alongside my son I realized that I was in trouble! I could barely keep up with him on my 24” road bike! From that point on I actually have to push myself on our bike rides – he is fast! The two-lever shift mechanism is easy to learn, the break levers are proper size for his small hands, and the spacing between the saddle and the handle bar fits him just right. The bike is very well built. The shift and brake cables are hidden inside the frame and the frame tubing is welded using full-*********** welds. Silver paint is not as colorful as on other kid's bikes, but it gives it an "adult" feel which also appeals to my son. This bicycle should last my son a few years and will be passed on to his younger brother when the time comes. However, I am not sure that my youngest one will want to wait that long – he has been requesting a Prevelo bike of his own for some time now.
My almost-9 year old had never successfully ridden a bike before in his life. We bought him a nice bike when he turned 8 and tried to teach him with it. It was difficult for him, he got frustrated and eventually gave up, telling himself he would never be able to ride a bike. We recently had him try a Prevelo bike, which he literally picked up in minutes; it was so much easier for him to learn on. Now he goes out riding without effort. Thank you, Prevelo!
This bike has been the greatest gift for my son and he rides it every day. He was hesitant to use the gears at first; but it took him about 5 minutes to learn and now switches gears with ease. What we love the most is the durability on some of the rugged courses in our neighborhood. Great buy.
My son loves it, light weight, and the trigger-style gears are much easier for him. He asks me to go for rides now, and we're able to go for 8-mile jaunts no problem. He's 9 years old and was late to learn, but this bike made it so easy to learn, and fun to ride.