So this week’s biggest research project was one that I thought was a non-issue. We decided early on that we wanted a 3-wheeled stroller (we like the looks of them and their functionality), we wanted something that would work well for walking in the neighborhood as well as on some light trail walks, and we wanted something that was easy for both of us to push. My husband also wanted something that was easy to get across train platforms. I wanted something that was easy to fold, lift, and fit in the car. (And if I’m being honest, I wanted something that looked nice. ((If he’s really honest, he probably wanted that too))).
Above all, as with all of the choices for Pip’s gear, we wanted something affordable. This all seemed easy enough to me!
My mother and I found what seemed like a great deal: the Graco Fast Action Fold Jogger. It’s 3 wheels, looks reasonably nice, could handle some trails, folds in a SNAP with one hand. It’s big inflatable wheels would have no trouble hopping into the subway. Best of all, it’s $180! All that said, I realized it was a little tall for me at 5’2. And by a little tall, I mean with the canopy up or the infant seat snapped on, I can’t see the front of it. I’m already kind of a klutz so I see this potentially ending terribly.
So I opened up the question to my Facebook network and came up with a few more options. Much research and one spreadsheet later, I am not really closer to deciding on a stroller, but I have a lot more information at least. I’m suddenly looking at strollers way more expensive than I’d dreamed about owning, but finding reason to consider them. Here are my findings, trimmed down to the basics:
The Contenders
1. BoB Revolution SE – $449.99
BoB Revolution SE
The BOB SE is billed as a jogging stroller, and is the one I’ve seen most recommended for this purpose. It’s the most heavy duty of the strollers on this list. But it’s more than that, if all the women in my neighborhood are any indication. I’ve seen it everywhere from Starbucks to the baseball field.
Pros: Big (16″) inflatable wheels, nice sun canopy, holds up to 70 lbs, great for jogging (hey! I might jog!), front and rear suspension
Cons: No adjustable handlebar (though still shorter than the Graco at 40″), multistep fold, heavy (25lbs), the interwebs tell me that the seat height is short and kids outgrow it quickly, no accessories like snack bar or parent console included, HUGE when folded
2. BOB Revolution CE – $469.99
BOB Revolution CE
The little sister of the BOB SE, this stroller is meant for “cushioned urban cruising.” I think it would still be fine for jogging. Think of this stroller as the Diet Coke of the BOB strollers.
Pros: Big (12″) inflatable tires, nice sun canopy, holds up to 70 lbs, front and rear suspension
Cons: No adjustable handlebar, multistep fold, heavy (diet version is still 23lbs!), short seat height issue, no accessories like snack bar or parent console included
3. Baby Jogger City Elite – $399.99
Baby Jogger City Elite
The City Elite is definitely more of a city stroller than the BOBs, as its name indicates. Unlike you might guess from its name, though, it’s not meant to be a jogging stroller (um, HELLO, why are we named “Baby Jogger,” folks?). In fact, none of the remaining strollers are real jogging strollers. Since I don’t jog now, it’s not a deal breaker for me. Sometimes I like to imagine that I might run once Pip is born… but it’s probably not the best thing to base a stoller decision on for me.
Pros: Adjustable handlebar, 1 handed easy fold, up to 75 lbs capacity, HUGE canopy, includes handlebar console, tons of available accessories (this could also be a con!)
Cons: HEAVY (28.2 lbs), foam filled tires instead of inflatable (though at 12″, they are still capable of most of what the BOB tires are)
4. Baby Jogger City Mini GT – $349.99
Baby Jogger City Mini GT
The City Mini GT is the Diet Coke version of the two Baby Joggers, but is not to be confused with the also caffeine free version that is the City Mini NON GT version. At any rate, this is also a city stroller, and probably can’t handle even as much off-roading as its beefed up brother, since its wheels are only 8.5″.
Pros: Adjustable handlebar, 1 handed easy fold, up to 65 lbs capacity, HUGE canopy, tons of available accessories (this could also be a con!), one of the lightest of the strollers on the list at 20.5lbs, folds up to 31.5 x 9.75, the smallest of any on the list.
Cons: foam filled tires instead of inflatable, smaller tires, no accessories included
5. Bumbleride Indie – $529.99
Bumbleride Indie
Ah, the Bumbleride. The most expensive stroller on the list and also the prettiest. This stroller is appropriate for “light jogging” and all-terrain.
Pros: Hugely adjustable handlebar, light (20 lbs), large (12″) air-inflated tires, huge canopy, includes some extras like a cupholder and car seat adaptor, it’s pretty!
Cons: Weight limit only 45 lbs, multistep fold, shorter and narrower seat
6. Graco FastAction Fold Jogger – $179.99
Graco FastAction Fold Jogger
Where my search started. This stroller is still on the list because of its price and because it meets most of our requirements (who needs to see, right?!).
Pros: 1 handed easy fold, Air-filled rubber tires 12″ front and 16″ back, all important accessories included, nice big storage
Cons: HEAVY (32 lbs), big when folded (39 x 15.3, which is only .7″ smaller than the big BOB), only 50 lb weight limit, way too tall!
Final thoughts: I’m still not really closer to deciding which of these strollers is the right one for us. Hopefully this list helped someone. I know we’ll choose eventually. Do you have any other suggestions for us? What’s your favorite stroller?
Peach and Pip 