Question for Bugaboo owners

Ok, I'm about to make the leap and buy the most expensive stroller that I can imagine ever buying, and I'm looking for some additional reassurance that I am making the right decision. Can you remind me what makes the Bugaboo so much nicer than other strollers and also any drawbacks you have noted (other than the fact that it is in 2 pieces when disassebled)? The other stroller I've been considering is the Mountain Buggy Urban Single, but I'm not sure if I would like having a 3-wheel stroller. I plan to use the stroller for neighborhood walks (not particularly rough terrian) and when we're out and about at the mall, park, etc...Thanks,

Stephanie

p.s. has anyone seen a swatch of the aubergine color or the orange? I'm trying to figure out if the aubergine is more maroon or purple and also how bright the orange is???

I am not an owner yet, but have test-driven it twice, have 2 friends that own Frogs and love them. It seems to be the perfect do-it-all stroller - mid weight, fits a car seat, carrycot and regular seat. Ergonomically correct - designed by a doctor and architect. Works great indoors and turns corners beautifully (steers fantastically well - could push w/2 fingers)and also great outdoors on rougher terrain (leading with front wheels) - I tried it both ways - in a store and out in a park. The only drawback I saw was the basket not being too big, but apparently, it can fit more than you'd think and you can buy their bag clips for the handle for additional storage space.

I actually do have samples of all the color swatches.

The aubergine is definitely more maroon than purple - its a deep, rich (IMO, beautiful) burgundy/mahoganyish color. Wish I could find something else to comaare it to.

The orange is bright, but fun - that is one of the testers that I drove. Brighter than an actual orange but not quite flourescent. You will definitely be able to spot it a mile away.

I've seen a few red ones around town (in London they're starting to become very popular) and they're very cool - its a nice ketchup shade of red.

I can try to scan them in if you want, but not sure how well the color will turn up.

[chrissyhowie]

Hi, Stephanie. We have a red bugaboo stroller with the bassinet.
I often joke that having this stroller is like having a lamborghini sports car. Does one need a lamborghini? Probably not. But when you get to ride in or see the car, it's a mighty fine car! :D

It is an extremely well built and great looking stroller. I have been very happy with using it so far on uneven Chicago sidewalks during long walks. It manuevers and handles very easily, even through narrow store aisles and tight turning spaces (like my building's elevator). The bassinet for my newborn has also been more handy than I anticipated. Makes a great place for me to put Chloe down during dinner. My nephew (who is 15 months) has also used the stroller when visiting and was very comfortable.

On the downside -- Even though it is easy to put together, it would be a hassle to put the bugaboo together with a squirmy infant balanced in your arm. This stroller would not be my choice if I was going to be taking it in and out of a car or needing to break it down often. After the connector bar for an infant seat is available, it would however be a great alternative to a Snap and Go carrier. I also wonder if there will be problems with fitting under the canopy while in the stroller if your child is very tall or long torsoed. My nephew is in the 95% for height at his age and his head was just making it under the canopy. I think that the Mountain Buggys had some issue with this as well, although I heard that the canopy was slightly modified to address this in the newest models.

Bottom line -- nothing else IMO comes close in terms of having the great looks, sleek design and excellent handling that the bugaboo offers. All this comes, however, at lamborghini prices! Since DH was actually the one who was obsessed with getting this stroller, I am comfortable admitting that I myself probably would not have gotten it given the expensive price. It truly is a luxury item. That being said, since we did actually purchase it, I really love the stroller (I mean, who wouldn't like having a lamborghini ;) !) If you have your heart set on it, go for it! If you are thinking of an alternative, the Mountain Buggy Urban is what we almost got instead. I don't think you'll be disappointed with either! I hope this helps.

--Chrissy

http://boards2.parentsplace.com/mess...ers156/37.html

http://boards2.parentsplace.com/mess...s156/37/1.html

http://boards2.parentsplace.com/mess...s200/11/5.html

The first two links are part 1 & 2 of my Bugaboo review when I first got it in October. The third link is my most recent review for the PP's Stroller Board's 200th board.

There are a couple of things I don't like about it. Since the seat is "molded", you can't do diaper changes in it like you can with a stroller that has the classic hinge-fold. Also, I've tried just about every aftermarket cup holder for babyboy and they just don't fit as the tubing on the Bugaboo is a very unique shape. The wheelbase is quite wide so you'll have difficulty manuevering some aisles but then so is the MBU. The canopy provides skimy coverage but I bought the umbrella so that helps. The basket really isn't that skimpy. Holds much more than my Pliko. The fabric is rough...not soft. Its a cordura (backpack material) but is wearing incredibly well. The bumperbar is incredibly difficult to remove and install. You need three hands and/or a foot...well, I do. Its just really tightly fitting. The innertubes have exploded twice on me and I can only get the innertubes from Bugaboo as you have to have sidemount valves. If you use normal 12" vertical valve tubes, you can't get the air nozzle onto the valve due to lack of space.

BTW, you have to get two orders of the bag clips. They're wonderful! Anything you get from Bugaboo is wonderfully strong and well-made. Nothing about the stroller is chintzy.

The aubergine is a blueish-maroon. Not a brown or reddish maroon. It is definitely on the cool palette. I have the orange and love it! Its bright and cheery and the navy accent is lovely. I have to admit that I was pretty scared of the orange but Deborah also has an orange bugaboo and sent me pics of hers. It really is a nice orange. Like the orange/navy combos that you see on sports clothes. Very sporty looking. And I was just so darn tired of red and dark colors. I don't regret my orange at all!

And this is definitely stupid but I kick the rear tires all the time! Buts its because the stroller is so easy to push and steer that I end up using a couple of fingers on the very edge of the handle so that I can get farther into the racks without trying to squeeze the stroller between them. So instead of walking centered between the tires, I walk towards the outside and kick, kick, kick! Its ridiculous, I know. LOL.

The footrest is also kinda strange. Its basically about an inch or so wide. I actually don't think my babyboy likes it all that much. He seemed much happier in the Pliko. But he hasn't been in the Pliko since mid-2002 so maybe its the age difference now.

Did I just totally confuse you more or did I help.

If I had to do it all over again, I probably wouldn't get the Bugaboo. I'd get a really heavy cushy stroller like the piXXel or a jogger, a midweight everyday stroller like the Zippy or Chicco 2002, and a zippy lightweight stroller like the Volo or Swift. But I have the Bugaboo and I'm scared to get a piXXel or a Zippy/Chicco 2002 because, I might stop using the Bugaboo and then DH would throw a FIT with a year's worth of "I told you so's." But you know, on second thought, the fact that the Bugaboo is so very versitle is its saving grace. You really can use it for just about any situation you'd face on a given day...unlike the Chicco 2002 or the Zippy.

If you're looking for a one-stop stoller, the Bugaboo is pretty close. But please be aware that you'll probably still want a lightweight in/out stroller and an all-terrain stroller. The Bugaboo covers everything inbetween.

Good luck with your choice,

Amee

[chrissyhowie]

Amee--
I was wondering how you popped so many tires. Was it just with daily use or was it during more heavy-duty trips? Makes me nervous that I'll get stuck one day with a flat somewhere!

Did you ever get the travel bag? If so, how do you like it? Could you use an extra large bag instead?

Do you think you'll have any problems with head space fitting under the canopy as your DS grows? I don't know if I should be concerned about it, but it really seemed like it might be a problem after seeing my big nephew in the stroller seat!

So sad that none of the cup holders seem to be working well. I was considering getting the Stroller Cool, but since I didn't need all that bag space that comes with it, I was hoping to get something more compact.

Your insight and reviews are greatly appreciated given that you probably have the most experience with this stroller of anyone on this message board! BTW, your pictures that you posted back in October of your son in the bugaboo were great!

--Chrissy

[chrissyhowie]

Stephanie--

I'm curious if you still decided to go for the bugaboo after reading all of this! Have we confused you even more? Did you ever think that choosing a stroller could be so anxiety provoking LOL?!

--Chrissy

HI! I thought I'd add my 2 cents. I've had my Bugaboo about a month. Its great! There's a couple complaints, though, that I haven't seen listed, so I thought I'd mention them...
--the handle is a weird foam. I always feel like its going to crumble in my hands or something. I don't particualrly like the feel. Its the only part of the stroller that seems cheap, although, I doubt it really will fall apart.
--the bag underneath is pretty much inaccessible with the bassinet in place.
--with the roller board for the older child, it is hard to push from straight behind. eVerybody (from 6'1" DH to 5'1" grandma) kick it. HOWEVER, it pushes SO easily, that you can just stand to the side and push. I haven't had a problem kicking the tires when I do this.

Its an incredible stroller. I haven't gotten down opening and closing yet, though. I would NOT like it if we had a car to put it in and out of (we live in Japan and the Bugaboo is my car...).

'Hope that's helpful. HAs anyone else been bothered by the handle?

tracy

Well, I still haven't made up my mind! How's that for an indecisive new mom? I still want the bugaboo, but the comments listed here have really made me think twice about it. The other stroller I'm considering is the Mountain Buddy Urban. I would certainly be able to use it longer due to the weight limit being 100 pounds. Let's just say that I hope my daughter would grow out of wanting to ride in a stroller long before she reaches 100 lbs.!

I'm just wondering if I will be happy with a 3-wheel stroller for uses other than outdoors. I want this stroller to be one that I can use for both trips to the mall and walking in the neighborhood. I'm bothered by the bugaboo being in 2 pieces and wondering how inconvenient this would be when having to put together and take apart while I'm out and about. The other drawback I see is the size of it. My daughter is already 7 months old, so I wouldn't be needing the carrycot, and if I'm going to spend that much money on a stroller, I'd like to get a lot of use out of it. Wish I had known about it when she was just born...then I probably would have bought it with no reservations. I love the fact that you can reverse the handlebar and have the child face you. Any other comments are welcome,

Thanks,
Stephanie

I just ordered my Bugaboo (red) from Michelle at Baby Outfitters. She was extremely helpful, and the entire experience with them was great. I would recommend them anytime.

I was also debating between the MBU and the Bugaboo. From my conversation with Michelle, I get the feeling that both are excellent and you wouldn't be disappointed in either.

My wife is less comfortable with the 3-wheel idea, so passed on the MBU. Also, when you add the cost for the MBU and accessories, you're only about $100-$150 less the Bugaboo Complete. As insane as it may sound, once you break $500, what's $100 more!
MBU $350
Carrycot $150
Other Accessories $ 50


As for color, she indicated by far, the red is the best seller, followed by the navy then orange. All of which are really well done.

If you want some professional advice, call Baby Outfitters at 866-715-BABY (2229).

Hi Chrissy,

The reason I blew up a couple of tires is that I'm a silly ninny and just kept pumping and pumping! I didn't check the psi at all. And I've been firmly reprimanded by Bugaboo to do so in the future! LOL. The tires themselves are actually of a really good thick tread. I take my Kelty jogger and the Bugaboo on the same path sometimes depending on what my purpose is. If I'm walking to the post office etc, then I take the Bugaboo. If I'm actually walking/jogging, I take the jogger. The path is actually riddled with old burrs and sticker still as we are a desert and I've gotten a couple of flats in the Kelty but none in the Bugaboo from these sticker. I do have to pluck them off both but so far, the Bugaboo tires have only exploded due to "operator error." However, you do need to know that should you need to replace rather than patch the tires, they are difficult to find...at least in Reno.

I LOVE the travel bag. It is molded specifically for the Bugaboo and since it is two different parts, I wouldn't really recommend a generic bag. The bag actually hugs the two pieces so they don't jostle around in the bag...think guitar in a guitar case vs a guitar in a cardboard box.

I do think that Nicholas will outgrow the canopy before I've outgrown the Bugaboo. LOL. Its a snug fit now. I have the umbrella so I'm not terribly worried about it but it would be nice to have a bit more headroom.

Thanks for your kind comments. I really liked my froggy in a frog concept also! Hehe. But I can't find them anymore. :(

Amee