City Strollers
Berkeley Parents Network >
Reviews >
What/Where to Buy >
City Strollers
Feb 2006
I am looking for recommendations for a stroller for an urban
mom who expects to do a lot of walking around the neighborhood.
I want something that's fashionable, has a quiet ride and has a
big, accessible shopping basket. The stroller doesn't have to
be super light, but I'd like one that's suitable for birth to
at least 40 pounds. I like the idea of a reversible handle,
although I'd love to know whether other parents find this to be
a useful accessory. I am not willing to spend more than $400.
Is it unreasonable to expect to find one stroller that meets
all of these needs? We have a small house, and I'd prefer not
to have multiple strollers. Would love to hear some first-hand
experiences from seasoned moms (or dads)!
I really like the Moutain Buggy Urban stroller. It is from New Zealand and has just
recently been available for sale in the US. I live in a community with many
Australians and New Zealanders and the Mountain Buggy is definitely the preferred
stroller. In the States you can purchase it on the web, but I think Rockridge Kids
also
carries it. It is extremely well-built and can handle the most challenging sidewalks
and hills. It also works well in malls and grocery stores. You can easily take it off-
road too. The stroller can be used from birth, but for convenience I added the infant
carseat adaptor and now the stroller essentially works as a Travel System. The seat
doesn't adjust from forward to rear facing, but with the carseat in place, my baby is
facing me. By the time she outgrows the carseat, the forward facing seat will work
just fine as she will be exploring the world. The cargo area is quite big and can fit
a
good amount of groceries. The stoller folds very easily, but my only complaint about
the stroller is that it is very big and bulky when folded and I've had some challenges
fitting it in cars and taxis. The wheels come off very quickly, so this has been my
solution for really tight spaces. When my daughter reaches six months or so I'll rely
more on our super light weight MacClaren Volo stroller for car trips, so I know this
will cease to be an issue. The Mountain Buggy falls within your price range. I think
it is an excellent alternative (and in some ways preferrable) to the Bugaboo Frog.
Check out www.joggingstroller.com or www.mountainbuggyusa.com for more
information. I've been very happy with both of these vendors. The
www.joggingstroller.com website has excellent product information and reviews.
Check out the Mountain Buggy Urban Stroller from New Zealand. I think Rockridge
Kids carries it. Two great websites are: www.joggingstroller.com (great product
information and detailed reviews) and www.mountainbuggyusa.com - the US
distributor.
Dear Urban Walker,
There are many types of strollers that fit the bill that you
described. One important thing is first deciding how important
reversibility is to you. Usually stroller that are reversible
tend to be a bit heavier, however since you stated that doesn't
matter too much to you you might want that feature. I find my
little one often is happier longer in the stroller when he can
see me and interact with me. Another thing to realize is that
reversible seat and reversible handle usually do the same
thing.
The 2006 Zooper Boogie (http://tinyurl.com/n4cbe) is a swivel
three wheeler with a reversible seat that has a generous basket
and nice air tires for a smooth ride. It is a bit of a big
fold but not too heavy at 26lbs. Zoopers are nice too because
they come with plenty of extras.
Another good stroller is the Rock Star Baby
(http://tinyurl.com/rz8oj) which looks similar to the bugaboo
with two back air tires and two front swivel wheels. It has a
reversible seat as well and a mediocre shopping basket but is
nice to push and lighter at 24lbs. It also comes with a
bassinet and car seat adaptor which can be nice.
Lastly you can check out the 2006 Bumbleride Flyer
(http://tinyurl.com/rgezl) which has a reversible handle. It
doesn't have air tires but the wheels are bigger than most
strollers which makes for a smoother ride and it has a nice
sized basket. It also has gorgeous fabrics and colors. Again
it is not too heavy but definitely not a lightweight stroller.
As a mom and a business owner, I know that finding a stroller
that works for you can make your whole like easier so feel free
to come check them out if you are interested in seeing them in
real life.
Best,
Jo
I would highly recommend the Bumbleride Flyer. I too do a lot
of walking with my baby, and this stroller is a miracle on
wheels. The suspension is fabulous (baby sleeps even over huge
bumps/ uneven surfaces). The reversible handle is perfect for
when baby gets bored or frightened or just wants interaction
with his or her parent (bound to happen on long excursions).
The new Bumbleride Flyers have several color combos that are
very stylish. The under-basket is not huge, however. I think
it is supposed to hold only 10 lbs -? We push it significantly
over that without a problem though. Just a hands-down great
stroller.
Happy Bumblerider
With baby one I bought two stollers (the travel system and the
jogging stroller). With baby two, I bought one stroller -- the
Mountain Buggy Urban Double. It is also available in a single
version. I love this stroller. I can use it at the mall, in
airports, and most importantly onlong walks in my
neighborhood. It takes curbs and other rough terrain quite
well. I've been using since baby two was a newborn. My very
tall three year old still fits into it quite well (my seven
year old niece was a stretch, but it was fun for her). It is
light, has a small footprint, has a great foot brake and under
carriage storage. There are several companies that are making
similar 'offroad/mall' type strollers these days (Bob
Revolution -- I own the Bob SUS which I also love and wish that
they had it in the Revolution available when I purchased it,
Baby Jogger, Valco, etc.). I would suggest going to
www.joggingstroller.com. You can compare the features of up to
five strollers at a time.
jan
this page was last updated: Mar 31, 2006
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network