Get answers.

Assembly

How to I operate the Presta valve on the tires on the Zulu and Bravo Series bikes?

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You can find instructions for operating the Presta valve on the Zulu and Bravo Series tires at the bottom of the tire pressure guide page.

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How much assembly is required?

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Prevelo bikes come almost fully assembled. Here are the complete assembly requirements for each bike:

Alpha Zero: (1) attach handlebar to steerer tube and (2) adjust seat height

14" and 16" bikes: (1) attach handlebar to stem, (2) attach pedals and (3) adjust seat height

20", 24" and 26" bikes: (1) attach handlebar to stem, (2) attach front wheels, (3) attach pedals and (4) adjust seat height

You can view assembly instructions for all bikes here:

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Buying

Does Prevelo ship to my country?

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Yes! We ship to most countries worldwide. The easiest way to check if we deliver to your specific location is to:

  1. Add items to your cart

  2. Proceed to checkout

  3. Enter your address

  4. Available shipping options and costs will be displayed based on your location

Shipping Details

Our shipping terms are available on our dedicated shipping page: Prevelo Shipping Information

This page contains complete information about:

  • Shipping costs

  • International shipping policies

  • Customs and duties information

If you have any questions after reviewing the shipping page or checking availability at checkout, please contact our customer service team for assistance.

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Is there a dealer near me that inventories Prevelo bikes?

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Prevelo bikes are inventoried at Prevelo bike Headquarters in Westlake Village, California. We have a showroom here with a fleet of bikes for little riders to test ride. If you want to visit, please contact us and make an appointment so we can be sure to have someone ready to assist you.

We have a small handful of dealers listed on our Dealer List. If you plan on visiting a dealer, it's a good idea to call ahead and see if they have the model you are interested in.

If you are not within driving distance of Westlake Village, California or a dealer, you can order a bike through prevelobikes.com. We understand that some parents might have some trepidation about ordering a bike online. If you have any questions about fit, please contact us and we'll be happy to help you out, or consult our size guide (we have >98% success rate rate of getting children properly fitted this way). And to be certain that you love the bike, we have a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.

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Does Prevelo offer military, law enforcement or first responder discount?

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Yes, Prevelo offers discounts to military, law enforcement and first responders. You can verify your credentials and active your discount here: Military and First Responder Discount

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About Our Outlet Inventory

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At Prevelo, our Outlet is where we offer bikes that have been gently used, cosmetically blemished, returned, or traded in. Each bike is thoroughly inspected and certified by our team before being listed at a discounted price.

Why We Can’t Predict Outlet Inventory

We often get asked if a specific bike will be available in the Outlet—and we totally understand why! However::

  • There’s no schedule or restock plan. Outlet bikes come from returns, blemishes, trade-ins, demos, or other one-off situations. Because of this, we don’t know what models will become available or when.

  • Inventory is entirely unpredictable. We can’t forecast which bikes will be listed, in what sizes, or how frequently.

  • Some bikes may never appear. Certain models or sizes may be very rare or never show up in the Outlet at all.

No Notifications or Waitlists

We don’t offer notifications, waitlists, or reservations for Outlet bikes. We know that can be a bit frustrating—but we want to be transparent: the best way to find an Outlet bike is simply to check the Outlet page regularly.

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How often do Prevelo outlet bikes get restocked?

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Our outlet bikes don't follow a regular restocking schedule. The availability of bikes in our outlet section depends on various factors including trade-ins, demo bikes, and occasional overstock. Since each outlet bike is unique, we cannot predict future inventory or when specific models will become available.

We currently don't offer an inventory notification system for outlet bikes. We recommend checking our outlet page regularly if you're interested in purchasing an outlet bike, as they tend to sell quickly once listed.

For the most up-to-date selection, please visit our outlet page at: https://prevelo.com/pages/outlet-bike-availability

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Does Prevelo offer industry pricing?

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Yes, we offer special pricing to qualified full-time members of the bicycle, outdoor recreation and moto industries. You can apply for the Prevelo Pro-Program here: The Prevelo Pro Program

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Cancel an Order

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If your order has not shipped you can request to have it cancelled using the form here: Cancel Order

Note that it's possible that your order could be shipped and the status has not been updated. This isn't common, but in that event you would need to wait until you receive your order and then return it for a refund.

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Choosing the Right Bike

Contact Prevelo Support via Phone or Email

Helping kids ride

Why Lightweight Riders Sometimes Struggle to Push Dropper Posts Down, and What to Do About It

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If your young rider is having trouble getting their dropper post to lower, don’t worry — it’s a common issue, especially for lightweight kids. Dropper posts are a game-changer for confidence and control, but they sometimes take a little extra know-how and preparation for smaller riders to use them effectively.

It’s Not Just About Weight — It’s About How That Weight Is Applied

Rider's may not be putting that full weight on the saddle when trying to activate the dropper. Most riders naturally distribute some of their weight to their hands and feet. To push a dropper post down, the rider needs to momentarily shift as much weight as possible onto the saddle — even if just for a second.

Teach kids to:

  • Stand tall on the pedals

  • Press the remote lever

  • Then drop their hips straight down onto the saddle, like they’re plopping onto a stool

This inertial “plop” gives them the extra force they need to compress the post — even if they’re light.

Technique Matters: Push Straight Down

Another key tip: the force needs to go directly downward. If the rider leans to one side or pushes at an angle, they’re fighting the post’s alignment and seals, which increases resistance.

Encourage them to:

  • Keep their back straight

  • Line up their hips over the saddle

  • Push straight down, not backward or sideways

It might take a few tries, but once they get it, it becomes second nature.

Reduce Stiction: Clean and Lube Regularly

For lightweight riders, even a small amount of friction in the post can make it feel stuck. Keeping the post clean and lubricated helps it move freely.

Here's how:

  1. Wipe the stanchion (the shiny, sliding part of the post) clean with a soft cloth after every few rides.

  2. Apply a light suspension-specific lubricant such as:

    • Maxima SC1

    • WPL ForkBoost

    • Finish Line Max Suspension Spray

  3. Cycle the post up and down a few times to work in the lube, then wipe off any excess.

Do not use heavy oils or chain lube — they attract dirt and can damage seals over time.

Parents: Help Break the Stiction at the Start of the Ride

If the post hasn’t been used in a few days, the first push can feel stiff — even for an adult.

You can help by:

  • Holding the bike steady

  • Having your child sit on the saddle and press the lever

  • Gently pressing down on the saddle at the same time

Once the post has been cycled a couple of times, it usually moves more freely for the rest of the ride.

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Maintenance and other Tech

Do I need to replace both tires at the same time, or can I just replace the rear or front tire?

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It's not necessary to replace both tires at the same time. In fact, it's very common for the rear tire to wear out faster than the front, especially on children's bikes.

If your front tire still has good tread and no visible damage or dry rot, it’s perfectly fine to replace just the rear tire.

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Fixing a v-brake noodle (cable holder) that fell out.

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If you have experienced a situation where the noodle, also known as the cable holder, has fallen out of your brake system, you can easily resolve this issue by following our instructional video.

Instructions

To fix the brake noodle that has fallen out, please refer to the video linked below:

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I Need a Replacement Tube for My Zulu Series Bike

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If your child’s Zulu Series bike (Zulu One, Zulu Two, Zulu Three, Zulu Four or Zulu Five) has a flat tire or a tube that won’t hold air, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.

Why Many Common Tubes Might Not Fit

Zulu bikes use rims drilled for Presta valves, which are narrower than the valves found on many common bike tubes. Most tubes you’ll find at big box stores are designed for Schrader valves, which are wider and won’t fit through the Presta-sized valve hole in the rim. Attempting to force a Schrader valve through the rim can damage both the valve and the wheel.

Where to Get the Correct Tube

We carry the exact replacement tubes with the correct valve type and sizing for all Zulu Series bikes.

👉 Order a replacement tube here

Pro Tips for Replacing Tubes

  • Always check the inside of the tire for debris like thorns or glass before installing a new tube.

  • Inflate the new tube slightly before installing it to reduce the risk of pinching.

  • If you're unfamiliar with Presta valves, this guide shows how to use and inflate them properly.

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Troubleshooting Disc Brake Noise on Prevelo Bikes

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Disc brakes are designed to deliver consistent, reliable stopping power. That said, occasional noise from the braking system can occur. Most brake noise is harmless, but it can be irritating. Here's a guide to identifying and addressing common causes of disc brake noise.

1. New Brake Bedding If the bike is new or the brake pads have recently been replaced, some noise is normal. Disc brakes require a break-in period known as "bedding in." During this process, a thin layer of pad material transfers onto the rotor. Until this transfer is complete, you may hear squealing or squeaking. Proper bedding involves several moderate stops from speed to evenly coat the rotors.

2. Contaminated Pads or Rotors Oil, grease, or even residue from touching the rotor or pad surface with bare hands can cause contamination. This typically results in loud, persistent squealing.

What to do:

  • Clean the rotors with isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free rag.

  • Inspect the brake pads. If they appear glazed or emit a strong odor, they may be contaminated and should be replaced.

  • Avoid using lubricants or degreasers near braking surfaces.

3. Rotor Alignment Issues A slightly bent rotor can cause intermittent rubbing noises.

What to do:

  • Spin the wheel and observe the rotor. If it wobbles, it may need to be trued.

  • Minor bends can often be adjusted with a rotor truing tool. For severe warping, replacement may be necessary.

4. Caliper Misalignment If the caliper is not centered over the rotor, it can cause rubbing or uneven pad wear.

What to do:

  • Loosen the caliper mounting bolts.

  • Squeeze the brake lever to center the caliper, then tighten the bolts while holding the lever.

  • Ensure both pads engage the rotor evenly.

5. Pad Wear Worn pads can create metallic noises or reduced braking power.

What to do:

  • Inspect the pads through the caliper. If there is less than 1 mm of pad material, replace them.

  • Always use pads recommended by the brake manufacturer.

6. Environmental Factors Moisture, dust, or cold temperatures can sometimes cause temporary brake noise.

What to do:

  • Light braking for a few minutes often resolves noise due to moisture.

  • Keep the bike stored in a clean, dry area when not in use.

Important Safety Reminder Any time you work on brakes, thoroughly check their function before riding to make sure they are operating correctly.

If you continue to experience issues after performing the above checks, feel free to contact Prevelo support for further assistance. We're here to ensure your young rider's experience is as smooth and quiet as it should be.

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The wheel/hub is making a noise.

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The clicking or buzzing sound you hear when coasting on your bicycle is completely normal and comes from the pawls in your rear hub (this occurs on all Prevelo bikes with pedals). When you stop pedaling, these spring-loaded pawls click up and down over the teeth of the drive ring inside the hub, producing the distinctive buzz you hear. This mechanism is essential for your bike's function, allowing you to coast without the pedals turning.

Premium hubs often have more pawls and engagement points, which can result in a louder, more pronounced sound. For detailed information about hub technology and why higher-quality hubs tend to make more noise, please visit our blog at: https://prevelo.com/blogs/news/the-science-behind-bicycle-hub-sounds-why-premium-hubs-click-louder


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Misc

Flying with Bikes on Planes: A Guide for Traveling Cyclists

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Packing Options

There are three main packing options when flying with a bike: a cardboard bike box, a soft-sided bike travel bag, and a hard-sided bike case.

  1. Cardboard Bike Box: If you still have it, you can use the box your Prevelo came in. If you don't have the box anymore, you might be able to get one from a local bike shop. They're lightweight and disposable, which can be convenient. However, they offer limited protection and are vulnerable to rough handling and moisture.

  2. Soft Case: Soft-sided bike bags provide more protection than a cardboard box and are typically easier to store when not in use. Look for models with internal frame supports, padded compartments, and secure wheel storage. Soft cases strike a balance between portability and protection but still require careful packing.

  3. Hard Case: A hard-sided case offers the best protection. These are ideal for frequent flyers or those carrying high-end bikes. They are typically heavier and bulkier, which may incur higher fees or handling challenges, but they provide peace of mind in transit.

Airline Policies and Fees

Every airline has different policies regarding bike transport, including size restrictions, weight limits, and fees. Before booking your flight, check the following with the airline:

  • Bike Fee: Some airlines charge a specific fee for bikes, while others treat them as regular checked baggage if they fall within standard size and weight limits.

  • Size Limits: Most airlines have maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) for checked items. Exceeding this may result in oversized baggage fees.

  • Weight Limits: Checked baggage weight limits vary, typically ranging from 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg). A fully packed bike case can approach or exceed these limits.

  • Advance Notice or Reservation: Some carriers require advance notice if you're bringing a bike. It's a good idea to notify the airline at the time of booking.

Additional Tips

  • Remove or protect delicate parts: Take off pedals, lower or remove the saddle, and turn handlebars sideways. Protect components with foam tubing or bubble wrap.

  • Deflate tires slightly: Some airlines require partially deflated tires to accommodate pressure changes, though this is rarely enforced.

  • Label your case: Include contact information both outside and inside the case.

As always, check with your airline for the most current policies and procedures.

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Prevelo Bikes Technical Questions

Do Prevelo bikes have hand brakes or coaster brakes?

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All Prevelo bikes are equipped with hand brakes to ensure effective stopping power. Below is a breakdown of the braking systems for each model:

Model-Specific Braking Systems

  • Alpha Zero: Rear hand brake only.

  • All Other Models: Front and rear hand brakes.

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Are training wheels available for Prevelo bikes?

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We believe that the best way to teach children to ride is to prioritize teaching balance. Balance is the most difficult part of learning to ride a bike and the skill that training wheels are poor at teaching.

We do not offer training wheels for our bikes. And because of the design of the rear drop out on Prevelo Bikes (where the rear wheel attaches to the bike), it would be challenging to fit training wheels on our bikes

Our recommended teaching method is to let children learn balance by practicing without the pedals on that bike (so the child is running with the bike underneath them). After some time doing this, your child should learn to coast for short distance by sitting in the seat and lifting her feet off the ground.

For more information on this:

Why Kids are Better Off Without Training Wheels

Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike with the Balance Method

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Returns

What is Prevelo Bikes' return policy?

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All Prevelo bikes come with a 30 day Money Back Guarantee. Try it out the bike on a dry surface and if for any reason you don't love it, you can return it to us within 30 days. We even pay the return shipping. Just make sure to hold onto the original packaging until you know it's right. To learn more about the 30 Day Money Back Guarantee or to return an item, go here: Returns

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How are refunds processed?

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This document outlines the refund policy for purchases made at Prevelo Bikes. Understanding our refund process is essential for ensuring a smooth transaction experience. Below, we detail how refunds are processed and the exceptions that may apply.

Refund Processing

Refunds are always processed back to the original payment method used for the purchase. This ensures that the funds are returned to the correct source. Below are the specifics regarding different payment methods:

  • If you made your purchase using a credit or debit card, the refund will be credited back to that same card.

  • For purchases made with a gift card, such as a Visa or American Express gift card, the funds will be returned to that gift card.

  • In cases where the payment method used for the purchase has been cancelled (for example, if you closed a credit card account after making the purchase), you will need to contact your bank to inquire about receiving the refunded amount.

Exceptions to the Refund Policy

The only exception to the standard refund process pertains to Trade-Up Club returns. In these cases, the credit for the old bike will be refunded to the payment method used for the new bike purchase.

For any further inquiries regarding our refund policy, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team.

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Shipping

How much does shipping cost?

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Shipping costs can be viewed here: Shipping Terms and Costs

If you would like to know the cost to ship to a particular destination, the best way is to add your items to your cart, and during checkout, but before you enter payment information, you will see shipping options with costs.

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How much does International shipping cost?

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International shipping costs vary depending on your location, the specific bike model, and current shipping rates.

For detailed and up-to-date information on international shipping costs, please visit our dedicated shipping page at https://prevelo.com/pages/shipping.

You can also see exact shipping options and costs during the checkout process before entering any payment information. This allows you to review all shipping costs and delivery timeframes specific to your location before completing your purchase.

On our shipping page and at checkout, you'll find:

  • Current international shipping rates

  • Available shipping methods

If you have specific questions about shipping to your country or need assistance with your order, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team.

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Where are Prevelo Bikes made?

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Like most brands Prevelo bikes are made in Asia (specifically, Prevelo bikes are made in Taiwan, Cambodia and Thailand). The ownership, product development, marketing, graphics design, web design, and pretty much everything else, is done right here in the United States. When you buy a Prevelo bike, some of the money goes to Asia for manufacturing costs (like most brands). The rest stays in the United States.

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Warranty

Archive

What is the Alpha One Freewheel Kit?

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United States CPSC standards require the Alpha One to be shipped with a coaster brake installed. A coaster brake is the type of brake the is operated by pedaling backwards. Many parents/riders prefer to a bike without a coaster brake. The freewheel kit allows the removal of the coaster brake and installation of a freewheel. It includes a complete extra wheel with a freewheel hub, tire and tube. Requires Installation.

Freewheel Kit Installation Instructions

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How do I remove the coaster brake and install the freewheel kit on the Prevelo Alpha One

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In order to remove the coaster brake you need to have the Alpha One Freewheel Kit. If you would like to purchase a freewheel kit for the Alpha One, you can either check the box to include it with your Alpha One purchase, or you can buy it separately here: Alpha One Freewheel Kit

To remove the coaster brake and install the freewheel kit, please see the Freewheel Kit Installation Instructions

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