Need help! Multifunctioning lightweight main stroller needed

[Vbeatso]

I must buy a new stroller before a mid-May international trip with my then one yr old, he is my first. I have overly pondered my stroller decision since i want it to have long use for future kids as well. I basically never decided. i would loooove your help and suggestions. It is just too overwhelming for my indecisive mind!! Too many decisions along with too many hang ups with most options.

I have settled for a few thrift store strollers and my carrier which have delayed my decision. I have a lightweight graco stroller with descent storage that the carseat fits in that I most often use-on rare occasions I still hook in the carseat when he is snoozing and I need to run an errand, an old instep jogging stroller-very rarely use because of its folding size, but it is way easier to push, I have used on neighborhood walks, hiking and beach. Both take up most of my trunk. I plan to get rid of the graco immediately, it has many negatives one being hard to push.

I have concluded that I rarely take the time/plan well enough to switch my strollers from my car and I don't always plan out my activities and go with an adventurous spirit to the beach etc..I also hate to carry anything at all-not even a small purse if I don't have to. My son takes naps when we are on the go frequently, he sleeps in a carseat well and does not need full recline if there is good sides. I don't really know what he is going to want when he is older so could use advice there.


Three that I had considered:

Micralite fastfold superlite- love the all terrain capabilities for versatility, quick fold, small fold, light weight and carseat adapter for future children. Like one hand push and that it stands upright when folded and can be rolled when folded like a suitcase. Not a fan of the small recline and sun canopy- also not sure about storage and the huge cost when getting all of the separate accessories. Also it is no longer being offered in US and somewhat hard to comeby-will be hard to find addons in the future, any fixes or replacement parts might be tricky. If I find a good deal I would probably take the plunge even though I have never even seen one in person.

Maclaren techno xt or xls - Like the recline and sun canopy, xls can fit a car seat, folds smallish and is supposed to be built to last. Don't like how the name is so overly popular/ppl know how much u spend, hard to find used for good pricing because of name and part of cost is due to a brand. Also not sure about tiny wheels smooth ride/easy push and storage.

Baby Jogger City Mini - Like how this brand is easy to find - could probably get used, decent storage basket, large sun canopy, great recline and smooth ride on asphalt. Not liking that there is no standing fold. I don't know that much about it, but have read reviews on amazon that the wheels are not really made well or smooth and not sure about the longevity or if it is too big for travel/space while folded.

What I am looking for:
Lots of storage or jerry-rigable for descent storage-I love to go with the flow and bring lots of fun stuff instead of always having to think about only what I need

Needs to work for travel (travel often esp. Baltimore and NYC, going to Europe soon)

Needs to fit well in the trunk of my hatchback

Strong and sturdy and will last through more than one kid(my son is 11months and first)

Versatile, could work for only stroller (though will have my jogging stroller still).

Would like a nice recline my son naps a lot on the go, nice sun canopy preferred, not too heavy, have a few accessories included.

Would not want to spend more than $250 can go used-may prefer used to get more for my money.

Thank you for any help you can offer!

[hollissmama]

hmmm what about the City Mini GT, it is a bit more than your budget but it definitely has a better push and the forever air tires are great. It is a really nice stroller and fits bigger kiddos really well so would last for awhile. The Micralite FF looks awesome though too. It really seems like a good travel AT option.

[mjs64]

Love my FF, as I've said many times here before, but you do have to invest in accessories,IMO. On the other hand, the accessories that I've invested in are exactly what makes it an easy stroller for me to take everywhere without additional planning, as you say. I'm like you.

So I bought a skip hop saddlebag that I keep permanently clipped to the side, with snacks (toddler bars, crackers) a change of clothes, sunscreen, a sippie, and a small bottle. On the other side I clipped a skip hop pronto for a diaper station. These just stay on the stroller, eliminating its tippiness and allowing me to go places without much planning.

I also have a diono organizer ( cupholder for me, plus key and phone storage) which also stays on the stroller. Bonus: the Micralite raincover fits easily into the pocket, and I transfer it into the basket when I unfold it.

The Micralite accessories I have are the raincover, a liner, and extender handles, but none of these are, for me, must-haves. The storage is. Again, the best thing about all of my storage is that it stays with the stroller. With all of this, I can leave my diaper bag in the car. For a full day outing, I'd probably unclip the pronto and the saddlebag and just bring my diaper bag (skip hop dash clips underneath--thanks multimama) But for shorter or even half day trips, I can leave my diaper bag and purse at home!

On it's own, love the stroller's push, that it is super lightweight, and it's standing fold (even with all this stuff clipped on). Love this stroller. Strollerqueen helped me pick it; mamas here helped accessorize.

Eta:
Recline is actually pretty decent, though nowhere near flat. Canopy probably is the biggest problem. DS wears a sunhat. Haven't had a problem finding the accessories, though I had to search for the raincover. Found it on babykoo.com for $ but aftermarket ones would work too.

[Vbeatso]

Thanks Hollissmama! The GT does look like a better choice than the regular bjcm!

I kept thinking that it can be hard when looking online to include the newest options since they are new and have less hits. I will go check this out in person soon since they should carry some locally.

Though at first glance not liking that all accessories are extra and the extra weight - everytime I get into heavier weight I think a what else could I get in this weight limit? Though some very nice features that are tempting.

Has anyone travelled with a bjcm-size wise, is it rollable while folded?

Mjs64- thanks for posting! Wow, I have never been one to invest much in bags, but I have seen several reviews talk about bags that even out the FF. Does anyone know where to buy used skiphop bags? Or get good deals, three bags would really add up. (saw that the saddle bag is discontinued - not sure why though??) I just signed up for stroller swap after hearing about it on this site. I am still a newbie in all this stuff and my Craigslist doesn't do much diaperbagwise.

For the FF I would have to add on a larger sunshade. Or get the sun and bug shade-though not sure about how that could always work for all children ages-saw an older version of it for cheaper on the scad/ch site-not sure if it would perform as well. I have found the liner, duono cup holder and rain canopy listed online at the moment for not too much $$. I don't think I would need the handle extenders. Prob. A minimum of 5 accessories at no less than $100. I would have to get a good deal on the stroller like $200.

My son sleeps without sleeping flat - very well in his carseat, does it recline as much as an infant carseat is reclined? Does your child sleep in it? What about tripping up on sidewalk cracks? I saw that Catherine mentioned this as an issue, I thought it would be good in these types of conditions. Another criticism I read on babble was that it could be hard to maneuver around tight corners with the wide front, did you find this? Thanks so much, this one is tough not being in stores!!

[todzwife]

Originally Posted by mjs64

Love my FF, as I've said many times here before, but you do have to invest in accessories,IMO. On the other hand, the accessories that I've invested in are exactly what makes it an easy stroller for me to take everywhere without additional planning, as you say. I'm like you.

So I bought a skip hop saddlebag that I keep permanently clipped to the side, with snacks (toddler bars, crackers) a change of clothes, sunscreen, a sippie, and a small bottle. On the other side I clipped a skip hop pronto for a diaper station. These just stay on the stroller, eliminating its tippiness and allowing me to go places without much planning.

I also have a diono organizer ( cupholder for me, plus key and phone storage) which also stays on the stroller. Bonus: the Micralite raincover fits easily into the pocket, and I transfer it into the basket when I unfold it.

The Micralite accessories I have are the raincover, a liner, and extender handles, but none of these are, for me, must-haves. The storage is. Again, the best thing about all of my storage is that it stays with the stroller. With all of this, I can leave my diaper bag in the car. For a full day outing, I'd probably unclip the pronto and the saddlebag and just bring my diaper bag (skip hop dash clips underneath--thanks multimama) But for shorter or even half day trips, I can leave my diaper bag and purse at home!

On it's own, love the stroller's push, that it is super lightweight, and it's standing fold (even with all this stuff clipped on). Love this stroller. Strollerqueen helped me pick it; mamas here helped accessorize.

Eta:
Recline is actually pretty decent, though nowhere near flat. Canopy probably is the biggest problem. DS wears a sunhat. Haven't had a problem finding the accessories, though I had to search for the raincover. Found it on babykoo.com for $ but aftermarket ones would work too.

I agree with everything she said! DD is almost 2 and she LOVES this stroller. I bought 2 saddlebags and a dash for storage, I had a Diono (sunshine kids) organizer for the handle bars. I did buy the handle extensions. I am short but I do like how I can move them 360 degrees to get a comfortable push. The recline actually isn't bad. I think it could easily be slept in. I bought a ray shade, and while I haven't really used it, I did put it on to see how it would work and it was fine.

[crl]

Fwiw, the handlebar extenders are a must have for me in the fastfold. I kick the tires otherwise. I am 5'7" and walk fast with a long stride.

Catherine

[Multimama]

Originally Posted by Vbeatso

My son sleeps without sleeping flat - very well in his carseat, does it recline as much as an infant carseat is reclined? Does your child sleep in it? What about tripping up on sidewalk cracks? I saw that Catherine mentioned this as an issue, I thought it would be good in these types of conditions. Another criticism I read on babble was that it could be hard to maneuver around tight corners with the wide front, did you find this? Thanks so much, this one is tough not being in stores!!

My son sleeps in the FF all the time, but FWIW he can sleep almost anywhere.

I have never gotten caught up on sidewalk cracks. I think this happens to CRL because she is walking fast with the stroller and also I think only using one hand and walking a dog. (Right?) For someone like myself who is usually meandering along with few distractions I probably don't even notice myself pop the stroller up on the back wheels slightly to get over bumps.

That said if you use the subways a lot in NYC I would want an umbrella for that. An umbrella is just the best shape and size fold for a crowded subway, IMO.

[ditty]

I just scored a BJCM GT off CL for $200 and sold my regular BJCM to a co-worker the same day for what I paid for it (only had it about a month).

Things I like about it:
- nicer wheels, rolls much smoother over grass
- adjustable handle bar, I'm 5'8" so it comes in handy for me
- larger seat, will be nice as DS (7 months) gets older
- hand break instead of foot break

I don't really notice the difference in weight even though it's 4lbs heavier than the regular one. It's still easy to fold and lift into my Tahoe. I'm undecided on the auto-lock as of right now. On one hand it's nice for when you lift it (but not necessary), but it's a pain when you go to unfold it. Only other thing about it is it doesn't have the stiffer seat back that they added to the regular one. Can't figure out why they didn't do that on the GT. Anyone else notice this?

I haven't traveled with it, but if you get the travel bag and check it I think you'd be fine. I don't see anyway that you'd be able to roll it when folded based on how it folds. Unless I were planning to run or needed an umbrella fold at my destination, this would be what I'd choose to travel with out of my stash.

[Vbeatso]

Hmm I am very conflicted. Are the FF and the GT the best two options available? (before I forget what is FWIW??)

BTW I am going to the south of France and Paris on this trip. I can invision lots of sleeping in stroller with the time change and we will do a descent amt. of public transit (but will have access to a car in So. of Fr.) we just tend to be out all day while travelling and I can see it hard to be out all day with too small of storage space/not strong/featurelittle.

I was just looking at travelling in Europe with a baby and saw the tons of ppl who said their strollers were very damaged or even lost and airlines took no responsibility or didn't take care of it until way after trip. Maybe I should focus on used and a lower my price tag.
I have dealt with only crappy strollers thus far so I don't really know what I am missing.

OTHER OPTIONS?
Used Baby Jogger Elite
I just saw a good price (less than 1/2 of the GT) on Craigslist for a Baby Jogger Elite, is this too big for travel? It seems everything GT is only bigger wheels/harder to manuever/heavier so maybe too much to travel with? I don't want to be getting the rude "American's and their big stuff" looks from the French for public transport/museum checking/me running over ppl's toes.

Used Baby Jogger City Mini (2008 or above)
Maybe since the regular BJCM are soooo popular and have had most features since 2008 I should try to find a accessory laden used one in good condition at a good price and just deal with crappy non-ideal/bumpy wheels, so I won't be feeling horrible if something happens to it and it is only 17lbs. (cause btw the GT travel bag is another $70 more)

Any other used options to look for?

COMPARING GT VS FF

GT
On the other hand, I saw the regular city mini at Babies R Us today and I know that the city mini GT does sound kind of perfect. I can't help but drool over all the features (AT tires, low recline with airflow, great canopy, single hand push, quick close) that $350 pricetag might keep me away though (ditty I am so jealous - don't know how you found a GT for sale on CL since it just came out in March). The 2010 Elite on CL has all those same features though cut bigger/heavier - could I make it work? The main drawback to the City Mini's is when it is folded you must carry it, you can't roll it behind or have it stand on its own like the FF - this is especially an issue when travelling and using public transport.

FF
There is a little fear of the unknown going on here with the FF since I know nothing about light strollers the pros and cons and ride and how so many make them work - knowing all the negatives of regular umbrellas might make me realize more the positives of this particular one. I am bummed about a few of the drawbacks of the FF that I am hearing from Multimama and Catherine. Considering his age and knowing about all the sleeping that will likely go on I am concerned about the recline since the sides are pretty narrow and loose at the top. I checked the Rayshade today and while it would function it is not a great option/inconvenient esp. pales compared with other companies killer sun shades - I am serious about the sun and we will be outside all day in So. of F. I am not happy that it maybe wouldn't work in NYC because this is a place I go to almost three times a year and I don't want to have to buy an umbrella as well. Also FF's are hard to find and with it no longer offered in US, I would like for a pricey (for me) stroller to last and not having anyone to address a problem and extra $$ for fixes might suck. I do love the rolling while folded feature + stand up while folded + the bags that clip on and stay on while folded (it is so inconvenient to take all your stuff out of each area every time you need to fold it up for pub. trans.) + the light weight, small and versatility. Also I like the back wheels are really air tires - it seems like it would be a smoother ride than the GT's foam filled.

REGULAR STROLLER WHEELS??
At Baby's R Us all the wheels on everything except joggers seemed to be the regular cheapo hard plastic/foam just shaped differently and different wheel designs to appear to be upper scale/justify the high price tags - though they all look the same. Do all these different wheels handle differently on different surfaces or are they all made to be light and really only be ideal for smooth parking lots only?

[mjs64]

I really haven't had a problem with sidewalk cracks, though I'm guessing a full on AT would do somewhat better. Still, an amazing, amazing push. Its wide width means it's not my stroller of choice for navigating narrow aisles in stores, but other than that, it's great.

As far as the sun and bug canopy goes, I checked it out, but just cannot imagine my DS tolerating it because of the way it hangs. I did buy a protect a bub canopy extender but returned it. It fit, but it was not cute. Sunscreen and a floppy hat work both in and out of the stroller, so I'm willing to compromise there. As you know, there is no perfect stroller. Sigh.

Wanted also to thank kaylee (I think I've got her username right) for her help. She's the one who suggested the saddlebag. I've seen some used for $10 on diaperswappers. I did shell out for the stroller and accessories, but for me, my time and sanity are valuable. It's possible that another stroller would have come with all of what I ultimately added had I spent more in the first place. But I just love the one handed push and weight of the fastfold.

The BJCM was my other contender. But I don't like the book fold at all. The weight difference, even though it's only 2 or 3 lbs, makes a big difference to me (maybe psychologically?). And, honestly, I love the look and uniqueness of the FF. I never see anyone else with it.

Eta: I should admit one more drawback, perhaps. The fold is not all that "fast"...maybe I need more practice.