If a child cannot lift their own bike off the ground, every tumble and every kerb becomes a job for a parent. Most listings never print the weight, so there is no way to judge.

This one states 23 lb net. That is light enough for most riders in the 41.5 to 51 inch height band to haul upright themselves, which is the difference between a ride and an errand.

The build

A pink carbon steel step-through frame with brown grips, a brown padded saddle and a white basket on the bars. Training wheels are fitted and come off at the rear axle.

Measured up

45 inches long, 22 inches across the bars, handlebar 28 to 30.5 inches. The table beside it sets the 16 inch at ages 4 to 7, riders 41.5 to 51 inches tall and an inseam of 19.5 to 23.5 inches.

Two brakes, one of them for later

A front hand brake with a short lever pull, and a rear coaster brake worked by pedalling backwards. At six or seven most riders are strong enough for the lever, which is the skill that carries to every bike after this.

The small fittings

A front reflector, a padded PP covered seat, a basket that lifts off and training wheels that unbolt. Reflectors help at dusk but they are not lights, and they do not make a road safe.

A published figure, which most kids bike listings leave out entirely.

Four inches of adjustment at the seat post clamp.

Short lever pull sized for a child's grip.

Back pedal to stop, the fallback when small hands get tired.

Fitted at the front. It helps you be seen at dusk, but it is not a light.

A removable basket, a bell on the bar and a fully boxed chain.

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 you find this 16 inch cheaper at another Canadian retailer, send us the link and we will match the price.

The maker's height band for the 16 inch, and a better test than the age on the box.

This is the size where most riders build the grip strength to use a lever properly.

23 lb is stated here. It tells you whether your child can right the bike alone.

What we stand behind

• The rider height, inseam, saddle height, handlebar height, overall length, 23 lb weight 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.
• The record contradicts itself on age: the blurb says 4 to 8 years while the maker's own size chart says 4 to 7 for a 16 inch. We publish the narrower 4 to 7.
• Ships from our Canadian or United States warehouse, free shipping over $150, and 14 day returns unused in the original packaging.

How much does it weigh?

23 lb net, with a gross shipping weight of 28.5 lb on the record. A child who can lift that can pick the bike up after a fall without help.

What age is a 16 inch for?

The maker's size chart says 4 to 7 years for a 16 inch wheel, with a rider height of 41.5 to 51 inches. The written blurb on the same record says 4 to 8, so we go with the narrower chart figure.

Will both feet reach the ground?

With the saddle at its 21.5 inch floor, a child with an inseam of 21.5 inches or more will get both feet flat. The maker's inseam band for this size is 19.5 to 23.5 inches.

Does it have lights?

No. It has a front reflector. Reflectors only work when something shines on them, so add lights if you ride near dusk.

How much building is involved?

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