Jogging Stroller Struggles

[denna]

I think this is my first time posting here in the Stroller forum. I really need some help w/ this decision ladies :). I have no idea which jogging stroller to get. I am looking for an affordable (under $300) stroller that can be purchased online (I'm overseas in Italy). I have been on www.joggingstroller.com (they ship to APO addresses) I have seen a huge selection. I am just stuck on which one is the best for our needs. It would be used for jogging/running on a track/trail/ or street 3-5x a week. DS is now 10mo and 22lbs. So something that will fit well now and in the future.

I am currently looking at the Dream Designer Manhattan, any BTDT experience w/ this one?

Any help is great appreciated.

Thanks so much,

[BayAreaMom]

Hi,
JoggingStroller is a great resource. But first you have to decide whether you want a swivel-wheel all terrain walking/slow jogging stroller, or a fixed-wheel running stroller. Basically, the swivel-wheels don't work as true runners because:
-front (or all with some models) wheel is smaller (if you are a very slow runner (aka 'jogger') with a short gait, this might work okay).
-no hand brake (safety issue- but there is a hand strap)
-even with fixed wheel, it still wobbles, making it difficult to keep on a straight path when running fast.

I am a serious runner, and ended up buying both a swivel-wheel (BOB Revolution) and runner (BOB SUS) because the fixed-wheel was a real pain to use for anything other than running or walking on a straight path (and how often does that happen?). The swivel-wheel is AWESOME for longer walks, but too big to use indoors/shopping/restaurants.

I looked at the Dreamer's, and the one issue I heard about was that their canopy is really tall (a huge bubble), making it difficult for short parents to see over/around it. If you aren't super tall you probably have to try it out in person to see if it bothers you.

Hope this helps,
Darcy

[maestramommy]

No experience with the Dream Designer, as we couldn't find one to try. But we tried out all the Bob models, and 2 models of the Baby Jogger. We ended up getting the Baby Jogger Q series. Both Dh and I are runners, and we actually found the swivel wheel on the Bob bothersome, even when we locked it. There seemed to be a little too much suspension on the Bob's so we couldn't travel a straight line without having to hold onto the bar with both hands.

The Baby Jogger Performance series is touted for serious runners, but it wasn't the best choice for us. For some reason it was so light and streamlined (narrow) that was a little jostley. This was the single. The double with 2 kids was fine. Also, the seat was rather narrow, and even though dd is a munckin (she's currently just over 20 lbs), she looked like she just fit. The Q series has a much wider seat. Finally, to fold it, you have to take the wheel off. We live in an apt with only cubbies in the garage for storage, so we couldn't just leave it out. The Q series folds in half just by pulling up a strap on the seat. It was just right for us.

I don't find the fixed wheel a problem at all. Sometimes we tilt the stroller back to make a turn, other times we just hold the bar and "force" the turn. There's very little effort involved. The frame is very light, and described as a single welded piece, so it's very stable, and I'm able to jog/run by giving it a little push and letting it run ahead of me a little.

Dh just did a 10k race with DD (their first together) last week and he came in very close to his regular time, just a few minutes off.

We got our stroller off Albeebaby.com. It was last year's model, so discounted.

I have the Dreamer Design Rebound and really like it. It has a fixed front wheel but is no trouble at all to turn by lightly pushing down on the handlebar and lifting the front wheel. The canopy is so great - it is huge and can be positioned to block the sun at any angle, and it has vent flaps that can be left closed or rolled up if its a warm day. Also comes with a rain guard which has come in handy on drizzly days. I got it off an ebay store - backbaybargains - and it was way under $200 (can't remember exactly how much). It is much cheaper there than anywhere else. It has a ton of storage pockets all over, some inside the seat area for mittens, hats, etc. and some outside for keys, cell phone, water bottles. The only negative I have found is that my son, 6mos, is slightly slumped in it - it doesn't have a very upright recline so he ends up slouching one way or another - however, he doesn't seem to mind and absolutely loves being in it. He has never cried once, and falls asleep in it all the time.

HTH!
Nichole

[denna]

Thanks for your input Melinda. DH really liked the Baby Jogger strollers so we both decided on the Q Series yesterday. I just ordered it last night from Baby Universe (they ship here) and cant wait to get it!

Your experience and advice really helped a TON.

(Everyone's input was helpful).

Thanks so much,

(I'll have to post pictures...)

[maestramommy]

Yay! Glad to help. You will have a lot of fun with it :-).
BTW, we've also taken it to the beach. It manuvers much more easily on the sand than our regular stroller (Zooper Waltz) and we don't have to worry about sand getting caught in the little wheels. Of course we keep it some distance from the water.

[bubbaray]

You'll be happy with a fixed wheel for the use you describe. I don't have a BJ in my stable, but our running club purchased 2 of them for 2 different sets of new parents over 4 yrs ago -- and both sets of parents are still using them now. BJ makes great strollers.

If you end up deciding down the road that you want a swivel wheel for walking, I highly recommend the BOB Revolution. However, I wouldn't run with it, certainly not 3x/week.

For future purchases, check with Marilyn at arunningstroller.com. I bet if you called her, she'd be happy to ship overseas if you explained your situation.

Happy trails!
Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

DD#2: 01/2007

[denna]

One more question for you Melinda :).

We are planning on going to Athens, Greece in June and do some 'climbing' around the Parthenon, etc. I have never been to the area so I cant really describe the terrain but do you think this stroller would work well for this situation? If not, would an umbrella stroller hold up to different terrains?

Sorry for the 'silly' questions, I am new to the stroller world, I have only used my Peg Perego P3.

Thanks so much,

Denna

[maestramommy]

Weeeellll, honestly, it depends on what you mean by climbing. I've only seen pictures of the Parthenon, so it's a little unclear. The jogger would be great for bumpy or rockier ground (the Parthenon is on a hill, right?). I don't think an umbrella stroller would be very comfy unless your kid is pretty indifferent to bumping around. HOWEVER, if you mean you'll be climbing a lot of steps, then no stroller is good, although I would say an umbrella would be easier to get up and down the steps. Otherwise, in situations like that I would wear or carry the baby. But wearing a baby has been much easier for me than using a stroller since Dora was born.

I don't know how helpful my answer was :-)

[denna]

Melinda~

Thanks again so much for your advice. The Jogging Stroller shipped last week so fingers crossed that it gets here very soon :) (I'm so excited). I will defintely be back w/ pictures.

For our Athens trip (and other travel needs) we have decided on the Kelty Convertible...its a backpack carrier AND a stroller (how awesome is that?) Here's a link:


http://www.babyuniverse.com/pro/baby...ollerPack.html


Thanks again for all your help!