Two four year olds can be four inches apart in leg length. A bike bought on the age band alone often leaves a child on tiptoes, and a child on tiptoes does not want to ride it.

This size publishes both halves of the sum: a 18.5 to 22.5 inch inseam against a saddle that drops to 20 inches. Stand your child against a wall, measure floor to crotch, and compare that figure with the low end of the saddle range.

The shape of it

A low step-through frame in soft mint, with a brown padded saddle, brown grips and a white front basket clipped to the bars. Training wheels sit either side of the back wheel and come off with a spanner when they are no longer needed.

Reading the maker's own size table

The maker's chart puts the 14 inch at ages 3 to 5, a rider height of 37.5 to 43.5 inches and an inseam of 18.5 to 22.5 inches. The seat is rated to hold 99 lb. Those four figures are the whole fitting decision.

Two ways to stop

A front hand brake with a short lever reach for small fingers, plus a rear coaster brake that bites when the pedals go backwards. The chain sits inside a full guard, so trouser legs and fingers stay out of it.

Tires and the ground they suit

Air filled rubber tires, 2.1 inches wide, built in five layers. The maker pictures them on concrete, asphalt, brick paver and a wooden deck. Air tires take the sting out of a kerb lip better than solid foam, and they do need a pump now and then.

Four inches of adjustment, so it can start low and rise as your child stretches.

The bars move too, which keeps the reach comfortable rather than stretched.

On for the first weeks, off when balance arrives. They unbolt from the rear axle.

A white basket that lifts off and a bell on the bars. Both are part of the appeal at this age.

A heavy duty carbon steel frame with a low step over, easy to swing a leg across.

The maker ships it 95 percent built. Bars, pedals, basket and training wheels are the parts left for you.

Ships from our United States warehouse. Delivery to Canada usually takes 8 to 14 business days, with no customs charges or duties to pay on arrival. Free shipping on orders over $150, a flat $18.90 below that, and tracking by email as soon as it leaves.

Return within 14 days of purchase, unused and in the original condition and packaging.

Covered directly by the manufacturer under their warranty terms for material and manufacturing defects.

Found this 14 inch bike cheaper at another Canadian retailer? Send us the link and we will match that price.

The maker's own inseam band for this size. Measure first, because it beats age every time.

Balance is already there, so the training wheels may only be needed for a week or two.

Training wheels sink in loose gravel and sand. Concrete, asphalt and boardwalk suit them far better.

What we stand behind

• The age band, rider height, inseam, saddle height and 99 lb seat limit are all the manufacturer's own published figures.
• The maker shows ASTM and CPSC or CPSIA marks on its own product panel. We repeat that as their claim and quote no certificate number.
• No helmet is included. A helmet belongs on every ride, and eight Canadian provinces have helmet legislation, three of them for riders under 18.
• This is a bike for supervised riding on paths, driveways and parks, never on a road.
• Ships from our United States warehouse, free shipping over $150, and 14 day returns unused in the original packaging.

What size child does a 14 inch bike fit?

The maker lists ages 3 to 5, a rider height of 37.5 to 43.5 inches and an inseam of 18.5 to 22.5 inches. Measure the inseam and compare it with the 20 inch bottom of the saddle range. Height and leg length matter more than the birthday.

How do I measure my child's inseam?

Stand them against a wall with shoes on, heels back. Slide a hardback book up between the legs until the spine is firm, then measure from the floor to the top of the spine. That figure is the inseam.

Does it have a hand brake or a coaster brake?

Both. There is a front hand brake with a short lever pull, and a rear coaster brake that engages when the pedals are turned backwards. The chain runs inside a full guard.

Do the training wheels come off?

Yes, the two training wheels unbolt from the rear axle. Guidance from cycling coaches is that training wheels hold a bike upright through turns and so do not teach leaning, which is why most families take them off once a child can balance.

How much of it do I have to build?

The maker states 95 percent pre-assembled. In practice that means fitting the handlebar, pedals, basket, bell and training wheels, then checking every bolt is tight before the first ride.