The first one

Pale blue over a low carbon steel frame, with brown grips and saddle and a white basket on the bars. The training wheels match the paint and sit close to the rear wheel.

Small by the numbers

34 inches long, 19.5 inches across the bars. The 12 inch row gives ages 3 to 4, a rider height of 31.5 to 41.5 inches, a saddle of 17.5 to 21.5 inches and an inseam of 16.5 to 20.5 inches.

Why three points of contact help

The training wheels make a wide triangle with the rear tire, which is what keeps the bike upright at walking pace. They also stop it leaning in a turn, so plan on taking them off once your child can balance.

The extras that come fitted

A bell, a front and a rear reflector, a removable basket, a padded seat and grippy pedals. Reflectors bounce back other people's lights, so they help at dusk without being lights themselves.

One of the lowest saddles in the range, which is what a three year old needs.

Fitted from new, front and back.

Textured pedal faces, which matter when little shoes are still learning where to sit.

Pedal backwards to stop. The control a three year old picks up first.

Short lever pull, waiting for the day their grip is strong enough.

Short enough to turn in a driveway and to stand in a hallway.

Ships from our Canadian or United States warehouse depending on where this item is stocked when you order. United States stock usually reaches Canada in 8 to 14 business days, with no customs charges or duties either way. 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 another Canadian retailer has this light blue 12 inch for less, send us the link and we will match it.

Measure floor to crotch and check it against the 17.5 inch saddle floor.

The coaster brake gives them a way to stop that does not need hand strength.

34 inches long turns easily in a tight space and stores without taking a wall.

What we stand behind

• The age band, rider height, inseam, saddle height, handlebar height, overall length and 99 lb seat limit are the manufacturer's own published figures.
• 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 safety certification mark is shown on this size's own listing, so we claim none.
• Ships from our Canadian or United States warehouse, free shipping over $150, and 14 day returns unused in the original packaging.

Is a 12 inch bike too small for a four year old?

It depends on the leg, not the birthday. The maker's band here is a rider height of 31.5 to 41.5 inches and an inseam of 16.5 to 20.5 inches. A tall four year old may be better on the 14 inch.

Does it have reflectors?

Yes, one at the front and one at the rear. They reflect other people's lights and are not a substitute for lights of your own.

How does a three year old stop it?

By pedalling backwards, which engages the rear coaster brake. The front hand brake is fitted too, for when their hands are bigger.

Do the training wheels stay on?

Only as long as you want them to. They unbolt from the rear axle, and cycling coaches note that a bike with training wheels cannot lean, so balance is learned faster once they are off.

How much does it need assembling?

The maker states 95 percent pre-assembled: handlebar, pedals, basket, bell and training wheels, then a bolt and tire check.