Prevelo Zulu Three – 20 Inch Kids Mountain Bike Review

If you’re committed to developing your little grom into a serious shredder, the Prevelo Zulu Three is equipped to do just that. Designed with the adventurous and aggressive rider in mind, the Zulu Three is a confidence-inspiring and rugged rig that can tackle rough terrain and hold up under every beating your kid will give it.

With an air fork, clutch derailleur, trigger shifters, hydraulic disc brakes, wide handlebars and a slacker headtube angle, the Zulu was precisely designed and spec’d to enable your grom’s adventurous spirit on the downhill, the uphill, and all the flowy single track in between.

Read our full review below to determine if the Prevelo Zulu Three is the right 20″ mountain bike for your rider.

What We Love about the Prevelo Zulu Three

• What’s not to love? The Zulu Three is the perfect blend of technical power and lightweight agility, inspiring and equipping the next generation of MTB riders.
• Kid-specific components truly perform as promised—even our smallest testers could easily manage the trigger shifters and brake levers.

Component Highlights

• FRAME: Kid-friendly geometry and components create a low center of gravity, enhancing stability and maneuverability.
• SHIFTERS: Microshift Quick Trigger Pro shifters are easy to engage and provide smooth shifting.
• FORK: RST F1RST 80mm travel air suspension fork works effectively for lightweight riders.
• DRIVETRAIN: The 11-38t cassette offers a wide gear range for efficient climbing and descending (more than the woom OFF AIR!).
• TIRES: 2.2″ wide Kenda Booster Pro tires are tubeless-ready and deliver excellent traction on the trail.
• WHEELS: Rims come pre-taped; front and rear hubs are thru-axle for added stability, and the rear hub has quick engagement.
• BRAKES: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors are paired with easy-reach levers for reliable stopping power.

What you should know before you buy

• The 2024 Zulu Three has shed several pounds, now weighing just 20.5 lb without pedals, making it one of the lightest 20” mountain bikes available!
• Optional HEIR Footport pedals feature domed pins to prevent kids from taking bites from their shins 🤪—highly recommended! (Available in 4 metallic colors!)
• Dropper post ready, but most kids should wait until a 24″ bike for this upgrade.
• New frame is UDH compatible, future-proofing the bike for a wide range of drivetrain options

Prevelo Zulu Three Review – Results of our Test Rides

With the launch of the 2024 Prevelo Zulu Three, we’ve now tested four different versions of this bike. In our first review, we awarded the Zulu the title of “gateway drug of mountain bikes”. This honor still holds true!

Over the years, we’ve taken the Zulu Three everywhere, from the high deserts of Utah to the mountain biking haven of Bentonville, Arkansas. Our testers have ranged from a tall, confident, and aggressive 4.5-year-old rider to an adventurous 6-year-old new to mountain biking.

In every case, the delight, excitement, and stoke from our testers has been a joy to witness. Now better than ever—and easily our favorite 20” all-mountain mountain bike—the Prevelo Zulu Three is truly a “grom-producing” machine.

In this review, you’ll see two different colored Zulu Threes: the light green bike is the previous generation, and the silver bike is the current 2024 model. While the new silver model is lighter and features updated components, the frame remains unchanged, with identical angles and measurements. The lower minimum seat height on the 2024 model is due to an updated saddle and seat post style.

Who is the Zulu Three Best For?

The Prevelo Zulu Three is a rugged, agile 20” mountain bike, perfect for kids ready to tackle—or continue mastering—real single-track trails. Whether they’re just starting out in mountain biking or have been riding for years, the Zulu Three is the ideal companion for the journey.

With an 80mm air fork, slack 66° head tube, upright 74° seat tube, long 882mm wheelbase, and shorter chainstays, the Zulu Three excels on trails with significant chatter, handling everything from technical sections to flowy descents with ease.

Its impressive 11-38t cassette (compared to the woom OFF AIR’s 11-32t) also makes the Zulu an exceptional climber, especially after shedding over 3 pounds from the previous model. For riders tackling trails with substantial elevation gains (or short punchy climbs), the Zulu Three is the perfect stead.

Who is the Zulu Three Not Ideal For?

While our petite riders previously struggled with the weight of earlier generations of the Zulu Three, they had no issues with the latest 2024 model. In the past, we often recommended the woom OFF AIR for petite or timid riders, but with the Zulu now weighing 0.5 lb less than the woom, that’s no longer the case.

However, the woom OFF 4 (without a suspension fork) is even lighter at 17.2 lb, highlighting the added weight a suspension fork brings. So be sure your child truly needs a suspension fork before you select a bike. When run at lower PSIs, quality tires on a 20” mountain bike can provide plenty of extra “squish” for lightweight riders, often making a suspension fork overkill for some riders.

What Size Child Fits on the Zulu Three?

Moving up from a 16” to a 20” bike is a big step! Not only is the bike larger, but it’s also likely the first time a child will experience gears—and, for a mountain bike, a suspension fork. That makes it essential to get the fit just right, especially as your young rider will be navigating single-track trails on it!

The latest Prevelo Zulu Three has a seat height range of 21.7” – 26.1”, making it best suited for kids with inseams between 20” and 24”. To ensure a proper fit, be sure to measure your child’s inseam before you order!

It’s also helpful to compare your child’s inseam to the seat height of their current bike. Most kids on 16” bikes ride with their saddle set about 1” to 3” above their inseam, and whether your child prefers 1” or 3” can significantly impact their fit on the Zulu. For instance, a child with a 19” inseam could fit on the Zulu Three if they’re used to a saddle 2” above their inseam, but not if they’re only comfortable with a 1” increase.

Also, remember that for mountain biking, many kids prefer a slightly lower saddle height than on their city bikes, allowing them to put their feet down easily on trickier trail sections.

Our 45”-tall, 7-year-old tester shown below has a 22” inseam and comfortably rode the Zulu with the saddle set to 24” for city riding. For trails, however, a lower saddle height of around 23” would likely be more suitable.

Less Efficient Pedal Stroke for Small Riders

While the new Zulu Three features a lower minimum seat height than previous models (21.7” vs. 22.8”), riding it at the lowest setting is less than ideal.

With minimal clearance between the saddle (when fully lowered to the post collar) and the pedal at its highest point, the tight upswing can result in a less efficient pedal stroke.

As a result, the “best buy” fit really is for a child that can ride with the seat set at about 23″, which allows for a looser knee bend at the top of the pedal stroke, making it easier to push down on the pedals. While it’s possible to ride with the saddle lower, pedaling on flat or inclined trails will require more effort.

Geometry and Performance

All too often, bike manufacturers create mini versions of adult mountain bikes that look great but lack the fine-tuned performance needed by their mini riders. Prevelo, a company founded by parents who ride with their own kids, knows that mountain biking isn’t fun for parents if their kids aren’t enjoying it, no matter how “cool” they look on the bike.

The Prevelo Zulu Three shines where it matters: on the trail. It’s quick, nimble, and capable without being “too much bike” for its 4- to 7-year-old riders. Its featherlight build works with, not against, small and lightweight kids, helping them build confidence, get more adventurous, and feel ready to tackle new challenges.

Key to its handling is the bike’s 66° head tube angle, which keeps the front wheel steady and planted through technical sections of the trail. Most young riders on 20” bikes aren’t as confident as parents might wish, so the stability from a slack head tube can be a big reassurance.

While this slack geometry does compromise climbing ability slightly, the Zulu’s low end “granny” gear is more than capable. However, longer climbs can still be tough for younger riders, so plan on using a tow rope for steep or extended climbs.

When kids are willing to tackle climbs, the Zulu’s steep 74° seat tube angle allows for an efficient pedaling position to help them power up. More than once, our testers turned around thrilled to see the hills they conquered on the Zulu.

Comparatively, the woom OFF AIR 4 has a slightly steeper 68° head tube angle, giving it a bit of an edge in climbing. However, without a climbing gear as low as the Zulu’s, we’d still recommend the Zulu Three for a balanced trail bike experience. For riders focused on extended, elevation-heavy climbs, the lightweight, rigid woom OFF may be a better choice (but still bring the tow rope, just in case!).

Prevelo Zulu Three Components Round-up

Rugged Build

Kids can be tough on their bikes, and 20” mountain bikes tend to take a bit more of a beating. When kids are still learning the nuances of shifting, it’s a lot to expect them to also keep an eye on the derailleur and handle the bike with extra care.

Fortunately, the Zulu Three is exceptionally rugged. It’s built to withstand a few crashes and forgivingly bounce back after being dropped rather than gently set down.

Of course, to extend the life of your derailleur (and protect your pocketbook!), it’s worth teaching your young rider to lay the bike down gently on its side with the chain side up. But if those instructions slip their mind now and then, rest assured—the Zulu Three is ready for it.

Air Suspension Fork

Suspension forks can be tricky for young kids. Designing a responsive fork that works well with a 50-ish-pound rider is a challenge, and with nearly any 20” suspension fork, you will find that you can’t run as low a PSI as you’d prefer and you likely won’t get the full travel out of the fork.

That said, the RST Spinner 20 Air fork on the Zulu Three performs exceptionally well, smoothing out rough trail chatter and taking the sting off small drops. We’ve tested various 20” forks over the years, and the Spinner 20 is one of the few truly worth its weight for aggressive young riders.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

While hydraulic disc brakes aren’t always necessary on smaller bikes, they’re a valuable upgrade for the speed and control that a 20” mountain bike demands. The Prevelo Zulu Three’s Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, with 160mm rotors front and rear, deliver substantial stopping power, offering ample surface area to help kids slow down quickly and confidently.

On a 20” bike, many young riders can start benefiting from brake modulation, helping to reduce the risk of accidental skids or over-the-bar spills as they learn to control their speed. Although it took some time—and a few eye-opening moments from grabbing too much brake!—our testers became skilled at confidently handling the Zulu Three’s hydraulic brakes.

If your child is new to hydraulic disc brakes, we recommend helping them get familiar with the feel and power of the brakes before hitting the trails. Encourage them to focus on using the rear brake to prevent endos, and consider marking the rear brake lever with a piece of tape to avoid confusion while they’re learning.

As shown with our 7-year-old tester’s hands above, the Zulu’s short-reach, easy-pull levers are designed to keep little hands comfortably in control. Even if your child isn’t yet using one- or two-finger braking, these brakes are set up to grow with them. When they’re ready, you can adjust the levers to sit closer, leaving more space on the grips for a confident, steady hold.

Weight

One of the most significant improvements on the new Zulu Three is its weight reduction, shedding over 2 pounds from its previous version! For a kids’ bike, where the riders themselves are often lightweight, this 2-pound difference is especially impactful.

The sleek yet rugged Prevelo Zulu Three now weighs in at 20.5 pounds without pedals. As one of the lightest 20” mountain bikes on the market, finding a more capable and lightweight option will require a substantial budget increase.

By comparison, the rigid Specialized Riprock 20 weighs in at 22.2 pounds, while the Pello Rover with suspension weighs 22.3 pounds.

1x 9 Microshift Drivetrain

Like many bike brands today, Prevelo has transitioned to using Microshift drivetrains across all their models, as they continue to develop drivetrains that are easy for young riders to handle.

The Zulu Three features the high-end Microshift Advent Super Short Clutch derailleur, which is also found on the Specialized Riprock 24.. This smooth-shifting 1×9 drivetrain includes a rear cassette with an 11-38t range and a 28t narrow-wide front sprocket, providing a gain ratio range of 1.70 to 5.88. This setup offers ample gearing for our test rider across various terrains.

The Microshift Advent Super Short Clutch derailleur includes a clutch that maintains chain tension over bumpy sections of the trail. Coupled with the narrow-wide chainring, it ensures that the chain stays securely in place.

While the clutch can be disengaged, we opted to keep it engaged throughout our testing. The only potential advantage of turning it off would be slightly easier shifting, but we find that to be necessary.

The short cage design of the derailleur also allows for increased clearance, further enhancing its trail performance.

Trigger Shifters and Ease of Shifting

The Microshift Advent Trail Trigger Pro shifters are exceptionally smooth and easy to engage, featuring light actuation and a short reach, making them ideal for smaller riders. The larger rubber pad on the downshift trigger also prevents little thumbs from slipping when shifting to a lower gear—a phenomenal setup for young mountain bikers.

After a few lessons and a bit of practice, even our young testers new to gears were able to navigate the shifter.

If this bike will be your child’s first introduction to gears, be aware learning the mechanics of double-thumb trigger shifters doesn’t come as naturally as a grip shifter you’ll find on a neighborhood bike. That said, with a little initial coaching, your little ripper should pick it up pretty quickly.

For some hacks to help your child learn to use their trigger shifters, check out our experience in our Prevelo Alpha Three review.

PARENT NOTE

Learning to shift gears while developing skills to navigate true mountain bike trails can be overwhelming for a young child. Kids need patient coaching from their parents to understand when to shift, and this coaching may be necessary for years!

When first transitioning to a 20″ mountain bike, it can be helpful to set the bike’s gear for them before they start climbing or descending. Then allow them to stay in that gear until they reach calmer terrain, where they can focus on shifting.

For our 4.5-year-old tester, she still needed to look at the trigger buttons when shifting. Her mom would call out commands like, “Hit the small button two times!” As a result, when she was navigating tricky terrain, her mom would wait to ask her to change gears, allowing her to focus on steering. Safety first—gears can wait!

How quickly you try to introduce your child to the full use of their gears really should depend on their age as well as how confident and coordinated they are.

Wheels and Tires Tubeless Ready

The Zulu Three is equipped with a robust set of tubeless-ready Kenda Booster Pro 20” x 2.2” tires. These tires offer excellent traction and grip, which are essential for lightweight riders who need to run lower PSI on the trail. We put the Booster Pros to the test on the smooth rocks of southern Utah, challenging wood features at various bike parks, and the trails of Bentonville—and they performed exceptionally well across the board.

The rims are pre-tapped for tubeless setups, which saves time during installation. However, it’s important to note that tubeless valves are not included with the bike. Prevelo does offer a Tubeless Setup Kit that includes the necessary valves and sealant.

While these tires perform exceptionally well, it’s important to remember that they are still rolling on 20” wheels. Unlike your 27.5” or 29” wheels, their smaller size makes it more challenging to navigate over rocks and roots. Keep this in mind, especially when towing your child and selecting the best line on the trail.

Optional Heir Pedals with Domed Pins

Standard composite pedals come with the Zulu Three. They’re pretty good, but if you’re planning to do any aggressive biking, you may want to upgrade them.

We highly recommend Prevelo’s new Heir Footport Pedals ($95). Weighing in at just 307 grams, these alumium alloy pedals are appropriately sized for kids’ smaller feet and are also thin to maximize ground clearance.

Their most unique feature is that they come with domed pins to prevent your child from scratching up their shins. We have absolutely loved these pedals and encourage you to try them. If you end up not being a fan of the domed pins, the pedals come with a bag of the standard pins so you could swap them out if you wanted.

Dropper Post Ready

The Prevelo Zulu Three comes dropper post ready, and can even be ordered with the dropper post installed. However, the vast majority of kids won’t benefit from using a dropper post on a 20″ bike for several reasons.

1. It’s one more thing to think about when kids this age are still trying to learn to shift, keep level pedals, maneuver through tricky terrain, etc.
2. A lightweight child may have difficulty pushing the seat down mid-ride.
3. The Zulu’s optional dropper post adds 1″ to the minimum seat height, but adds 4″ when extended. Prevelo doesn’t recommend using the dropper post unless the child can ride the bike with the dropper post fully extended. As a result, a child wouldn’t be able to safely use the dropper until they are almost outgrowing the bike, so it’s not the best investment.

That said, if you feel pasisonate about teaching your child to use a dropper post when they have grown tall enough to safely use it, you can always upgrade your Zulu Three at that time.

Bottom Line on the Prevelo Zulu Three

There are not a lot of other kids bikes out there right now that have been thought out this well. If you’re looking for a trail bike that can handle climbing and descending on mellow rides as well as some serious single track that will test the skills of any kid, the Zulu line-up has you covered.

To cover all your young groms, the Zulu line is also available in 14″, 16″ and 24″ sizes.

For more 20 inch mountain bike options, check out our Best Boys and Girls 20 Inch Mountain Bikes article.

FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review.  No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC.  All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.