A bike a size too large feels unsteady, the child cannot get a foot down at a stop, and it ends up in the garage. Most families then buy again a year later.

This size starts the saddle at 21.5 inches and takes it to 25.5 inches. Set it low so both feet touch flat while confidence builds, then raise it an inch at a time as the legs catch up.

First look at it

Mint green over a low step-through frame, with brown grips and a brown padded saddle. The white basket clips to the bars and lifts off. Training wheels flank the rear wheel until they are no longer wanted.

The maker's fitting table

The 16 inch row reads ages 4 to 7, rider height 41.5 to 51 inches, inseam 19.5 to 23.5 inches and a 99 lb seat capacity. The panel tells you to measure the inseam and compare it with the saddle height, not to go by age.

The small parts that get used

A heavy duty carbon steel frame, a soft padded seat, a crisp bell within thumb reach and a basket that comes off when it is in the way. On a bike for a five year old the bell gets as much use as the brakes.

What it rolls on

Air filled rubber tires, 2.1 inches across, built up in five layers. The maker pictures them on concrete, asphalt, brick paver and boardwalk. Air takes the edge off a rough path better than a solid tire, at the cost of needing a pump.

A four inch range, enough to carry a child through a growth spurt or two.

Bars rise with the saddle so the reach stays comfortable rather than stretched out.

A short pull lever at the front and a back pedal brake at the rear. Two habits, one bike.

They come off the rear axle with a spanner when balance arrives, which at this size is often soon.

A removable white basket on the bars and a bell beside the grip.

The chain is boxed in, so trouser hems and fingers stay clear of it.

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.

If the same 16 inch bike is listed for less by another Canadian retailer, send the link over and we will match it.

That is the maker's band for this wheel size. Measure the leg before you shop the age range.

At four to seven most riders lose the training wheels within a season, and this one lets them go.

Training wheels bog down in gravel and sand. Concrete and asphalt are where they work.

What we stand behind

• The age band, rider height, inseam, saddle height, handlebar height and 99 lb seat limit are 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.
• No bike weight is published for this colour and size, so we do not state one.
• Ships from our United States warehouse, free shipping over $150, and 14 day returns unused in the original packaging.

Is a 16 inch bike right for a five year old?

The maker's band for the 16 inch is ages 4 to 7, rider height 41.5 to 51 inches and inseam 19.5 to 23.5 inches. A five year old usually lands inside that, but measure the inseam and compare it with the 21.5 inch bottom of the saddle range before deciding.

Can my child put both feet on the ground?

If their inseam is at or above 21.5 inches, yes, with the saddle set at its lowest. Sizing guides suggest a beginner is happiest when the saddle sits at about their inseam height so both feet go flat.

When should the training wheels come off?

When the child can hold a line, steer and stop without leaning on them. Coaching guidance notes that training wheels keep a bike upright in a turn, so the leaning skill is learned only once they are gone.

What brakes does it have?

A front hand brake with a short lever pull and a rear coaster brake that works by pedalling backwards. Small hands often reach for the coaster brake first and move to the lever later.

How much assembly is there?

The maker states 95 percent pre-assembled. Handlebar, pedals, basket, bell and training wheels are the parts to fit, then check every bolt and the tire pressure before the first ride.