Your 5 year old can’t have a race car–but they can have a Prevelo Alpha Two. Shiny, fast, and sporting racing stripes, this 16″ pedal bike inspires speed in kids and envy in adults. The Alpha Two is both beautiful and functional, wrapping everything you could ask for in a kids bike into one small, sleek package.
Prevelo is still a fairly new kid on the block in the world of kids bikes. Fortunately, it won’t take long for the neighborhood to get the word: Prevelo is a top-contender when shopping for a bicycle for your child.
Prevelo Alpha Two Review in a Nutshell
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Lightweight frame
- Child-appropriate geometry
- Top-notch componentry
- Dual handbrakes, no coaster brake
Cons:
- No steering limiter
- Lacks the “extras” – bell, kickstand, fenders, name decals, etc
Price & Where to Buy:
- $399 at Prevelobikes.com*
Prevelo Alpha Two Video Review
Lightweight (and beautiful) aluminum frame
The most important thing about the Prevelo Alpha Two’s aluminum frame is that it is lightweight. The complete bike tips the scales at 14.5 pounds, which isn’t THE lightest 16″ bike on the market, but it’s close.
Secondary in importance, the frame is gorgeous. It is made of 6061 aluminum with custom formed tubing and attractive welds.
The lack of paint shows off the brushed-aluminum, and the afore-mentioned racing stripes add a bit of pizzazz. The rear brake cable is internally routed which helps keep things tidy looking.
Child-appropriate geometry
The Alpha Two hits a bit of a sweet spot–the geometry is neither too leaned over and aggressive nor too upright. It is ideal both for riding fast and feeling comfortable and in control.
The slight dip in the top-tube of the frame allows for easier stand-over and ease of getting on and off the bike. A long wheel base (28.8 inches) provides stability, and custom-made cranks ensure ultimate comfort and power output.
High-quality componentry
The Prevelo Alpha Two has left no box unchecked. Each component is high-quality and brand-name. Kenda Small Block Eight tires-check. Tektro brakes-check. Sealed bearing bottom bracket-check.
In practical terms, this means that the bike is going to (a) provide a smooth and enjoyable ride for your child, and (b) continue to do so for a long time. The Alpha Two, while still new and unproven over long periods of time, has the kind of quality we can assume will allow it to last thru multiple children and provide good resale value when it comes time to part with it on Craigslist.
Size
The Prevelo Alpha Two is pretty average as far as 16″ bikes go. The recommended age group for this bike is ages 4 to 6.
It fits my 4.5 year old (who wears a 4T pant) like a glove. The standard seatpost was a little long, so we swapped it out for the shorter (included) post.
The minimum seat post height (with short seatpost) is 17.7″ so just make sure that your child’s inseam is at least that long (or very close). If not, consider the Alpha One instead.
Minor Cons
The only (minor) drawbacks of the Prevelo Alpha Two as compared to some other high-end kids bikes is the lack of “extras” and the lack of a steering limiter.
The Alpha Two comes standard without a kickstand, bell, or personalized decals. Of course, these are easy and inexpensive things to add and Prevelo does offer a kickstand as an option at check-out.
It is also missing a steering limiter. While I’m also not a fan of bikes that have a non-removable steering limiter (like the Frog 48), it is a nice thing to have as a removable option particularly for kids who haven’t mastered a pedal bike yet.
Dual handbrakes / no coaster
Thank goodness for all the coaster-free kids bikes coming to market. The Prevelo Alpha Two comes standard without a coaster brake.
Instead, it boasts dual handbrakes with easy-to reach, easy-to-operate Tektro handbrakes. Tektro is the standard on quality kids bikes of this size, and I am always impressed by how well they work for young children.
Trade-Up Membership
For $69, you can buy a membership to the “Trade-Up club” which offers you 40% back on the purchase of your Alpha Two when you buy the next size bigger bike within the next 24 months. So say you buy the Alpha Two for your five year old. In another 18 months, they are going to want the Alpha Three (20″ bike). After the cost of the membership, you would end up saving $78–a pretty decent deal.
UPDATE for 2023
Alpha One and Two frames now have even lower standover, lighter weight, tidy’d up cable routing, the ability to clear up to 2.1″ tires, and a Microshift Acolyte drivetrain. U.S. regulations require a full chainguard, so the team at Prevelo has mitigated the situation and added some ISCG tabs to mount a lightweight guard (pretty cool stuff!). Colorways offered are now silver, blue, red, and pink. Prevelo decided to drop their purple model.
Bottom-Line
You can’t get a nicer 16″ pedal bike. You can get bikes of equivalent quality, but you can’t get a NICER one.
The Prevelo Alpha Two is a lightweight 16″ bike that is easy to ride, looks beautiful, and will last a long time. This one gets a big thumbs up.
I am looking at bikes for my five year old, a very petite five year old. I read your review on the cleary 16” hedgehog and now this one on the prevelo 16” alpha two. I am thinking because I have a petite little girl the alpha two may be my winner. I have no bike knowledge and would love to hear your thoughts on my reasoning!
Hi Danni,
I think you’re on the right track. I’d go with the Prevelo Alpha Two also. It is a bit lighter and has a shorter minimum seatpost and standover height, making it the better pick for a petite kiddo. Hope that helps!
Cheers,
KB
My son just turned 4 and has been riding the Woom 2 for a few months now. He’s a pretty aggressive rider (trying different tricks) and has no fear! He’s ready for a 16″ bike and I’m debating between the Woom 3 or the Prevelo Alpha Two. We mostly ride around the neighborhood and some basic trails, but I could see him also wanting to ride in bike parks. I can’t seem to find a lot of information comparing these two bikes, just that they’re both “great.” What are your thoughts? Thanks!