Why don't I just pay attention??

[meggswife]

Then I wouldn't have to ask the same-old-question... Uggh! Will you help anyway? Pretty please?

I've been around Strollerswap and BBB for a looong time, (I'm just a lurker), so I've "heard it all" (nearly anyway), but my retention isn't so hot apparently.

I am in need of an AT stroller. I have a BJCE that I've been happy with, but I'm selling it to a good friend because she has been searching and searching for a brown one and hasn't had any luck. I'm not attached, so I offered mine. I have an Al :love5: for anything quick or indoors, but we live out in the country on acreage and it would be nice to have an AT. I bought a MBUD, but I haven't used it, so I am selling it on CL while it is still NIB. I did push it around the living room, and it was great! I just don't need a double.

It seems like the "big 3" are BJ, BOB, and MB. BOB's drive me bonkers because they're so popular, but if they're really the best, now would be a great time to buy. As far as BJ's go, I'd only pick another CE or Summit XC.

I love the push of the MB (I haven't tried a BOB)
I love the looks of MB too, but I have to say BJ's are a very "nice ride".
My 2 1/2 yo is very comfy in the BJ... I don't know if MB and BOB are as "plush" of a ride...

-I would mostly be using the stroller on both paved and gravel/dirt (but not bumpy) roads.
-I would like to be able to use it for my 2 1/2 yo for a while yet (he is 36" tall), and my new little guy who is 2 months old.
-Push and maneuverability are very important to me.
-I am open to any of the MB's, but the Swift "seems" like it might be outgrown faster because it is so narrow.
-Are the new China MB's even comparable to the NZ ones or should I just look for an older MB?
-Would I regret buying a stroller with 16" tires?
-Which stroller has the widest/narrowest wheelbase?
-Which stroller has the longest/shortest wheelbase?

What else am I missing? Anything?

Thak you, thank you for your help!! :bowdown:

[roseyloxs]

Sounds like you might be up for something different. Would you consider the Bumbleride Queen B? Its $350 on the babyboutiqueoutlet (http://www.babyboutiqueoutlet.com/servlet/the-29/Bumbleride-Queen-B-Stroller/Detail). They are not an authorized dealer so there would be no warranty.

Upsides would be the plush ride, reversible seat and 4 AT wheels. Someone recently posted that the queen had a better push on trails then the BJ Summit XC.

[arivecchi]

You could also look at the Valco Trimode.

[crl]

Sounds like you would not be putting the AT stroller in the car much or using it in tight quarters so I would not suggest the Swift, though it is a great stroller.

I had a 2009 made in NZ Swift and now have a 2010 made in China Swift an IMO there is no quality difference.

For what you describe, I, honestly, would get a Bob, with big wheels. And I would snag a deal on a 2010 if I could or I would buy used on CL.

Catherine

[meggswife]

Hmm... the Bumbleride intrigues me. It's definitely different than anything else I've tried. :) I've never thought of it as all all-terrain stroller. It looks so "upscale" that I picture it strolling merrily along amongst well-heeled shoppers. Would it really handle well outdoors? Does anyone know what the seat back height is? What seems to be the general opinion of the Queen B?

[YouAreTheFocus]

AFAIK, the Queen B has 4 fixed wheels. I wouldn't want my one and only AT to have fixed wheels. But if I could have a stable of recreational strollers, I'd take one!

[meggswife]

Really? The Bumbleride site says that the front wheels swivel. Is that a new feature?

[YouAreTheFocus]

Yeah, uhhh, if you consider since 2006 new :)

I looked at a used one once--apparently it must have been from 2005!!!

Sorry to throw you off course!

[scriptkitten]

Yeah, you need a Bob. They are popular for good reason

[roseyloxs]

Found the old thread (http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=384440&highlight=queen) I was thinking of... Apparently its Mrs.Christie that owns the queen b. Maybe she will check in and comment or you can start a new thread to get more info on the queen b.

[roseyloxs]

AFAIK, the Queen B has 4 fixed wheels. I wouldn't want my one and only AT to have fixed wheels. But if I could have a stable of recreational strollers, I'd take one!

The Baby Gizmo review (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti3BiMeTMMk) has a good demo on how the front wheels work. They aren't fixed but don't have a full swivel either. The link I provided earlier on the outlet site doesn't mention the bassinet so I think its a 2009 so I included the 2009 review as opposed to the 2010 one.

[Mrs.Christie]

Yes, I LOVE my Queen B!

The front wheels to turn slightly so it's not hard to take a curve, but a sharp turn indoors is more difficult. It didn't take long to get used to it and is is super easy to lift the front wheels up if needed to turn around or something (outdoors anyway).

All 4 wheels have a very squishy type of suspension, almost as good as the Bob. I tried out a BJ Summit XC double and didn't like the push/suspension at all. The queen B was much better. I've taken my queen b to the pumpkin patch, grassy fields, on gravel trails and even through the woods no problem. It looks fancy, but it can really handle it.

I also love that the seat is quite upright and it has a single bar recline. The canopy is huge too. Oh and the basket is wonderful when you need to haul a bunch of stuff like at the zoo or something.

It is a beast to lift and transport, but I'm on the petite side and can manage it fine when I have to.

Since you live in the country I would not suggest any type of BJ. They are plush, but for whatever reason they can't put a proper suspension system on them. I've never really tried out a MB or Valco, but I'd go with one of them or a Bob or Queen B over a BJ any day. I'm getting a Valco Trimode double tomorrow so I'll report back on that. But if they queen b interests you I think it is worth while to consider. I'm not sure how the BR indie compares, I have a feeling the suspension is totally different.

I don't have a decent picture at the moment, but here is the most recent one I have of DD in it. She is 14 mo, 23lbs and 32". As you can see she has a ton of room left under the canopy. The foot rest is also adjustable which is nice.
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=83f6e75de5&view=att&th=12de4eb8d4dd6055&attid=0.1&disp=thd&zw

Let me know if you have any questions about the queen b, I'm more than happy to answer them!

[meggswife]

Oh, thank you for chiming in Mrs. Christie! :)

I'm really having a tough time deciding. I really want the Queen B based on looks/styling alone, but after researching a ton, I'm thinking the BOB might be best for our lifestyle. Then, I come back here and read what you have to say and I'm back to the Queen B. Urgh!

I love MB's too, but I can get a BOB right now for $290, (it's $320 on Amazon and I have a $30 credit). The MB is quite a bit more and doesn't seem to resale as well. The Queen B is only $349 which is pretty comparable.

I don't ever go to the mall, and I mostly plan to use the stroller outside going for walks, but the size of the B does give me pause. I'd like to be able to take it to a "destination" to use, like the park or walking around town.

Have you ever tried a BOB? What were your thoughts? How does it compare to Her Majesty? (Obviously not in the looks dept.) :)

Thank you for your help!

I'm "mostly" down to choosing between a MBUJ and a BOB Rev.

Oh! Anyone else reading, are the 16" BOB wheels just ginormous? Should I consider the 12" AW model?

[marymoo86]

I can't help you but to confuse you more - someone posted that they didn't like the BJ Summit XC double but I LOVE my single. Took it to the lake this weekend and navigated bumpy wood bridges, broken asphalt, and grass with ease and didn't disturb the munchkin. I chose it over the Bob b/c of the taller seat and the canopy is awesome. The fold can't be beat either. The handle height is good for taller people as well.

[roseyloxs]

I would buy the pretty one but I don't think that surprises anyone. :loveeyes:

[crl]

I had a Bob with 16 inch wheels as my neighborhood stroller with my oldest. It wasn't the greatest for putting in a car, but otherwise I never thought the wheels seemed huge. It was a great stroller.

Catherine

[meggswife]

I went ahead and ordered the Bob Rev from Amazon. It was such a good price and with their 365 return policy, I can test it out in the house and decide for sure.

Oh, how I wanted the Queen B! It just didn't seem like the best choice if I'm only going to have 2 strollers. (Al is never leaving!) I need them each to be as versatile as possible.

I love MB's, but the BOB was just so stinkin' cheap!

I'll let you all know what I think after it's arrived. It should be here Friday, (gotta love Prime!) :)

Thank you for your help!
Stacie

[crl]

Hope you love it!

Catherine

[roseyloxs]

Hope you love it!

I hope you hate it so much you return it and get a queen b. :tongue5:
JK. I totally understand. I wish prams were more practical but by design they are not which is why I have never owned one either.

Everyone loves their BOBs and I am sure you will be no exception.

[meggswife]

I hope you hate it so much you return it and get a queen b. :tongue5:

You're a stinker! :ROTFLMAO: There is no doubt that I will want the Queen B after the BOB comes... because I already want it now. *sigh* I was just trying to be practical, (how boring).

I can't believe I'm going to own a BOB. It's so, so popular. Maybe it will just be rotten and I can return it. :) Seriously though, I think it will work well for how I plan to use it. Plus, I had a thought. Prams really don't resell for much... so I can be on the lookout for a used one. Maybe a cool old Emma? Or a Queen B after all? What about Bertini?

If I could sneak a (new) third stroller past my husband, I would. :) (I can probably get away with a used one.)

Stacie

[Mrs.Christie]

I'm sure you'll be happy with the bob! The push is so great and it will suit your needs well. If you had a newborn and wanted a bassinet or the reversible seat features I'd say go for the queen b hands down, but since your child is older I'm not so sure.

[meggswife]

I do have a newborn also; my youngest is 2 months old. I still wear him everywhere, but he'll ride in the stroller at some point. :)

[Mrs.Christie]

I do have a newborn also; my youngest is 2 months old. I still wear him everywhere, but he'll ride in the stroller at some point. :)


Oh for some reason I was thinking you had a toddler. In that case I think you need both :tongue5:

[meggswife]

Oh for some reason I was thinking you had a toddler. In that case I think you need both :tongue5:

I have a toddler too. I have everything except grandchildren! We have nine children ages 2 months - 19 years. :)

I'll have to be on the lookout for a used Queen B. Do you have any pictures of a toddler/bigger child in yours? I couldn't figure out how well an older one would fit.

[Mrs.Christie]

Do you have any pictures of a toddler/bigger child in yours? I couldn't figure out how well an older one would fit.

I only have photos of DD in it and she's the only one who's sat in it so far anyway. When my 3.5 yr old niece visits in march I'll have to put her in it. I'm sure there's plenty of room, I just imagine it would be somewhat of a pain to get a bigger kid into it because they can't just crawl in themselves.

Here's DD in October, she was 11 months probably 31" tall. As you can see there's lots of room.

http://valandchristie.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5541208f288340148c847f69b970c-500wi

http://valandchristie.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5541208f288340147e23eda19970b-500wi

Here's one showing leg room, I still keep the footrest up for her
http://valandchristie.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5541208f288340147e23ecfa0970b-500wi

That babyboutiqueoutlet website has a new black one for $349
http://www.babyboutiqueoutlet.com/servlet/Categories

My CL has a light pink one for $250 and I swear I saw one for $150 or so a week or two ago. I bought mine (a 2008) in Feb of 2009 for $299 from BRU.com. I guess they were clearing the older models out.

[meggswife]

What a cute girl you have! Thank you for the pictures. It does indeed look like she has quite a bit of headroom and lots of leg room for sure. If I could find one used for $150, I'd grab it; I'll have to keep my eyes open.

I would have tried it if I could have easily returned it or sold it and recouped most of my cost. I am so smitten with it's looks! I love the classic pram/meets rugged wheels styling. :)

[roseyloxs]

You're a stinker! :ROTFLMAO:

I am! I guess I have been hanging out with toddlers too much. :ROTFLMAO:

Found an online pic of an older child in the queen b.

http://cdn.babble.com/famecrawler/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gwen_stefani_and_ef4d.jpg

[meggswife]

As it turns out... I do need both! (Well, maybe not "need"...)

I'm so excited! Miss Queen B will meet Mr. Bob tomorrow! Hooray! I wonder what they'll think of each other?? :)

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya tomorrow! :bouncy:

[roseyloxs]

YAY! :boogie:

Come back and let us know if they like each other.