The HEIR cranks are custom sized for each bike size to make sure little riders have optimum pedal ergonomics. The ultra-narrow Q-factors matches narrow hips of young cyclists. Technical mumbo jumbo translation: more comfort and efficiency for small riders. We also updated our chainguard to ensure shoelaces and pant legs stay snag free.
The Alpha One's unique frame is designed to keep riders low, confident and agile. The unique THRU-TUBE™unlocks class leading low seat height and seat height range, and improves pedaling ergonomics while keeping the rider's feet close to the ground.
The unique interface between the seat post and saddle allow the Frame Hugger saddle to get ultra low to accomodate small riders, while providing an ultra-wide height adustment range for growing riders.
The hubs are equipped with rounded axle bolts that minimize hard edges. And because kids are going to run their bikes through muck, the hubs have rubber seals to keep out dirt and grime.
This is where the little rider commands their steed. It's decked out with ultra small diameter grips and short reach brake levers that are optimized for small hands.
Kid put their bikes through the ringer. Prevelo bikes are built kid tough with robust BMX track style forged dropouts that shroud the rear axle. Think durable and made to last.
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 |
"a ton of smart features"
I have a smaller than average four year old daughter (15' inseam) who had mastered her balance bike, but was struggling to ride her hand-me-down pedal bike because it was just too big for her to ride comfortably. We bought the Alpha one because of the low saddle height, and she was riding on her own the same day because she was able to have her feet flat on ground and finally feel comfortable enough to ride solo. The bike itself is built very well, and would last many kids which is a shame that my daughter is our last child so I won't be able to use this for again. I wish I would have discovered Prevelo years ago. Also, the purple color is amazing and adds to her excitement for riding. I now have a scheduled ride every night after I get home from work around the neighborhood as we cruise past much older, and bigger boys, who are still struggling with ill-fitted bikes with training wheels.
The Alpha One is absolutely perfect for our 5 year old son! He transitioned from riding a balance bike to his Alpha One on the first day we got it and we couldn’t be happier! We are extremely grateful for the Prevelo team shipping the bike to us about one month before we were expecting it and for providing a military discount on top of that! We will definitely be recommending Prevelo to our friends and family in the future for their high quality products and top notch customer service!
We ordered an Alpha One for our son's fourth birthday. He has been riding a balance bike for two years but had never used anything with pedals before. Half an hour after he got the bike, he was starting to put his feet up on the pedals and do a couple of rotations, and after an hour he was pedaling for several seconds. After that he was unstoppable, and 5 days after he got the bike, he went on a 8km ride! He also figured out the hand brakes without a problem. He says that it's the best present he's ever gotten! This bike is very high quality construction, nice and light, and fits him perfectly. He's low to the ground and we can tell that he feels comfortable and not "tippy". And, throughout our purchase, Jacob's customer service was incredible! He was friendly and helpful with sizing advice, and sent out the bike as quickly as he could so that it was here by my son's birthday.
I know a bit about bikes. After a childhood love affair with bikes led to a semi-pro cycling career after high school and university I opened and ran a successful bike shop for 12 years. When my daughter was born I left the bike industry but bikes never left me. When I had to buy my daughter her first bike :-) only the best would do. Abi's Prevelo is long and stable, the fork angle is perfect and the 14"wheels are like 29ers for a 3yo and yet the standover is lower than any competitor. The bike is light, easy to handle and every part is quality material. Specially conceived Q-factor, crank arm length, handlebar diameter and brake lever reach. There is nothing else on the market that comes close. Thank you, Jacob and company!
The Alpha One is our family's second Prevelo. Our older son got an Alpha Two for his 4th birthday and we got the Alpha One for younger brother's 3rd birthday. Following the how to ride tips on the Prevelo blog, our new 3 year old was riding in a couple practice sessions. A month later he's tearing up a pump track and just rode for 6 miles. The Alpha One makes riding easier and therefore much more enjoyable. A few thoughts if you're considering the Alpha One: - Seat height matters. The low center of gravity makes a world of difference when learning to ride. Can't possibly overemphasize how important that is. - Freewheel is a must. You have to have a freewheel and hand brakes to make a good transition from a balance bike. The occasional stop in pedaling or accidental backwards pedal is a non-issue with a freewheel but will cause a spill with a coaster brake. - Resist the "grow into it temptation." By measurement our 3yr old was right at the low end of the Alpha Two range, which was very tempting. Jacob suggested the Alpha One and I'm so glad that's what we got. The frame and geometry are sized appropriately and set our son up for success. Measure it's worth by the amount of miles and smiles, not years. - Looking online doesn't do these bikes justice. Neighbors and co-worker dads are blown away at the difference in quality between the Prevelo and bike shop or department store bikes. The build quality and components are top notch. - If what you want is backordered, it's worth the wait. I waited a month after our kid's birthday for a backordered Prevelo - there's nothing else comparable with such a low seat height. Sure, he didn't have the bike with the balloon on it on his birthday, but that's how much I value the quality of the Prevelo and I'd do it again.