Prevelo Zulu Three

The Zulu Three is a 20 inch mountain bike built without the compromises that usually come with kids' bikes. It weighs 20.5 lb without pedals, which makes it one of the lightest real 20 inch mountain bikes available, and the geometry is low, narrow, and slack in a way that keeps a young rider centered on steep terrain rather than pitched over the front. A 66-degree head angle steadies descents and a 74-degree seat angle keeps pedaling efficient on climbs.

The fork is air sprung with 80 mm of travel, adjustable rebound, and a lockout, so it can actually be tuned for a riders weight with a shock pump. A microSHIFT Advent 9-speed drivetrain uses a clutch derailleur with a short cage to keep the chain on, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors use short-reach levers, and the wheels are tubeless ready. The frame is routed for a dropper post. Fits riders 5 1/2 to 9 years old with a 21 to 26 inch inseam.