ALL-purpose double jogger? Does it exist?? (running and manuevering in crowds)

Hi! This is my first post here, but I've done quite a bit of reading since I found this board. You all seem to know your stuff so I am hoping you can guide me a bit or tell me if I am being completely unrealistic!!

I am looking to ditch my huge, unmanageable duoglider and replace it with a jogging stroller which I hope can meet multiple needs. My sons are 8mo and 34mo. My oldest often walks when we go places (like the mall), but there are times when he needs to ride.
I primarily want a jogger for walks around the neighborhood (to the park, etc). I think most any jogger will do for this purpose. We do live in hot NC so the sun shade is very important.
I ALSO want it to be used for occasional running. My husband is in the marine corps and does run on weekends on occasion so it would be great if the kids could go along for the ride. I am thinking realistically it would be used for this purpose about 3-4x a month for a 3-5 mile run. But he does run, not jog. I cannot see getting 20 inch wheels for this occasional use though, but know I NEED 16 inch, which means that something like the MBUD is out.
Finally, I would like it if it would work in a crowd such as going to the zoo or to a county fair. I am just not sure how a 16 inch fixed wheel manuevers in such situations or if I really need a swivel wheel in those instances? Can anyone enlighten me on this. I don't expect a fixed wheel to turn on a dime, but just how well would a fixed 16 inch wheel turn?

The two I keep coming back to are the Dreamer Design and the Baby Jogger City Twinner.
I like the features on the dreamer with the recline seats and the great sun canopy. It has the 16" wheels and the seats are wide enough for bigger children. The price is not terrible either for a good quality jogger.
The city twinner is intriguing in that the wheels can be swapped out so theoretically my husband could run with it right? But I am not sure the non-permanent wheel is really compatible with running?? Any thoughts? I like the swivels though so it could be easily used in more crowded situations. But I don't see many great reviews on this and they don't seem to sell on ebay which makes me wonder what gives.

Am I missing anything? If I had to list priorities, I'd say outdoor walks first, followed by running, then for more crowded situations. But I will not buy a jogging stroller that can't be used for running so count those out.

Thanks in advance for any insights!
Connie

[Tondi G]

for what you mentioned I would say go with the Dreamer Designs jogger! It is definetly a larger stroller... and I believe it is wide so it may not fit through all doorways so might not be so good indoors... maybe you could get a lighterweight umbrella double to deal with trips to the mall?!

For outdoors I think the Dreamer is the ebst suited for you... seeing as though you have an 8 month old who most likely might nap in the stroller the reclinig seats are a Plus... and the sun shade is EXCELLENT! The 16 inch wheels will probably be fine for your needs and will make it easier for you to transport the stroller too. It won't turn like a regualr stroller... you have to lift the front wheel by pushing down on the handle and then spin around on the rear wheels... I don't think ANY double stroller, or stroller for that matter, does great in crowds... it's always tough but I think the dreamer will be fine for neighborhood walks to the park and places like the Zoo, amusement parks etc!!!! Go with the Dreamer Designs, I think you will be very happy with it! Check E-bay for some good deals on the dreamers!!!!

Good Luck!
~Tondi

[strollerqueen]

The Mountain Buggy Terrain or the Urban would be narrower, with a shorter wheel base than those you describe. Therefore much better in tight situations. People do light jogging with the Urban, but the Terrain is better for this. There is a famous triathlete in NZ who has been photographed running with the double Terrain, so I would not rule it out. I talked to a lot of New Zealanders who ran with theirs, and were very happy.

The Urban is better for crowds, it t urns on a dime. The steering is unbelievable!


www.mountainbuggyusa.com