tjppnw
10-14-2004, 04:45 PM
Well, after purusing these boards in search of the perfect stroller, I think I have found it for us!!!! THanks for all your help...here is my review.
After having the Valco for just over a week, I can safely say I am extremely happy with my purchase. It is hard to pick a stroller with hardly any reviews and sight unseen, but the entire transaction and purchase has been totally worth it.
First off, let me say I have a 33month old who weighs 38lbs and a 4month old who weighs 18lbs and both are tall. I looked at traditional twins and tandems, then got interested in the Phil & Teds and the Jane Powertwin (my husband checked it out when he was in London.) The downsides to both of those is the weight limitation, 60lbs for the E3 and 30lbs per seat for the Jane. Then I called and talked with Laura at Stroll&Go about the Valco. (My past 2 strollers are the Peg Perego Pliko (which I was very happy with) and the Kelty Joyrider jogger, also very happy with.)
For us it's pretty much the perfect stroller...my older son likes to ride when we go for long walks and 50% of the time in the mall, but he does not nap anymore in the stroller. So the toddler seat add on is perfect. My 4mo. old is comfortable in all the positions and the older one likes the toddler seat...seems like this age and size issue is common for lots of families with 2 kids, so I though I would share my findings.
So, the PROS are
-unbelievably easy to steer, even with a 38lber in the toddler seat.
-great handlebar height for tall people (i am 5'9 and my husband is 6'1)
-easy fold (it may have 2 steps to it, but it is so simple)
-i think just about as much of an all around stroller that exists, I have taken it for long city walks, on grass through a park, in the mall, in stores, in restaurants
-basket is still accessible with toddler seat, nice size too.
-great construction
-very sharp looking
-stable with 1 or both of the kids, don't have to worry about taking one out before the other
-solid brake
-locking front wheel
-easy pop off back wheels
-so smooth for walking (both my husband and friends have commented on it)
-truly flexible, as my older son walks less and less, this returns to a single stroller, don't need 4 types of strollers.
-air filled tires for smooth ride
-less $$ than the Mountain Buggy but better padding for the little one
-easy to fold down the toddler seat when not in use, but still on the stroller, very flexible
-when I had questions before purchasing, i talked with stroll&go and valco direct and all were very helpful and prompt
CONS, not many and not too big of a deal
-a little heavier that the Mountain Buggy, not a big deal though
-I make sure that I lift my older son in and out of the toddler seat, i don't think it would tip, but i also don't want to test it.
-I am trying to figure out if there is a latch to keep closed when folded (joseph or laura can you answer)
-buckles are pretty tight, good for kids not being able to undo, but my husband pinched his finger and i could see it happening to me.
-making sure you support the little one when lowering the seat recline, because of zipper mechanisms
-sun shade is only ok
-i know for some people, not being able to put a car seat in it might be a con, but for us it's fine, the little guy is completely comfortable in the main seat
I can't say too much else, except how great it is...I am actually going to sell my other strollers ,as I think this pretty much handles most of our needs! I feel it is a very fair price for a great stroller. I look forward to seeing how the accessories develop for the Valcos...
My husband teased me when I told him that I wanted this stroller, but after he used it too, he was so impressed. I have had people stopping me and asking me about it. I feel I could walk, go to the mall, light jogging, just about anything. I love it, thanks Laura for the recommendation! I will also post some pics with the boys in it, so people can see it in real life.
Thanks again
Jennifer and Tim
sam 1/11/02
aj 6/7/04
After having the Valco for just over a week, I can safely say I am extremely happy with my purchase. It is hard to pick a stroller with hardly any reviews and sight unseen, but the entire transaction and purchase has been totally worth it.
First off, let me say I have a 33month old who weighs 38lbs and a 4month old who weighs 18lbs and both are tall. I looked at traditional twins and tandems, then got interested in the Phil & Teds and the Jane Powertwin (my husband checked it out when he was in London.) The downsides to both of those is the weight limitation, 60lbs for the E3 and 30lbs per seat for the Jane. Then I called and talked with Laura at Stroll&Go about the Valco. (My past 2 strollers are the Peg Perego Pliko (which I was very happy with) and the Kelty Joyrider jogger, also very happy with.)
For us it's pretty much the perfect stroller...my older son likes to ride when we go for long walks and 50% of the time in the mall, but he does not nap anymore in the stroller. So the toddler seat add on is perfect. My 4mo. old is comfortable in all the positions and the older one likes the toddler seat...seems like this age and size issue is common for lots of families with 2 kids, so I though I would share my findings.
So, the PROS are
-unbelievably easy to steer, even with a 38lber in the toddler seat.
-great handlebar height for tall people (i am 5'9 and my husband is 6'1)
-easy fold (it may have 2 steps to it, but it is so simple)
-i think just about as much of an all around stroller that exists, I have taken it for long city walks, on grass through a park, in the mall, in stores, in restaurants
-basket is still accessible with toddler seat, nice size too.
-great construction
-very sharp looking
-stable with 1 or both of the kids, don't have to worry about taking one out before the other
-solid brake
-locking front wheel
-easy pop off back wheels
-so smooth for walking (both my husband and friends have commented on it)
-truly flexible, as my older son walks less and less, this returns to a single stroller, don't need 4 types of strollers.
-air filled tires for smooth ride
-less $$ than the Mountain Buggy but better padding for the little one
-easy to fold down the toddler seat when not in use, but still on the stroller, very flexible
-when I had questions before purchasing, i talked with stroll&go and valco direct and all were very helpful and prompt
CONS, not many and not too big of a deal
-a little heavier that the Mountain Buggy, not a big deal though
-I make sure that I lift my older son in and out of the toddler seat, i don't think it would tip, but i also don't want to test it.
-I am trying to figure out if there is a latch to keep closed when folded (joseph or laura can you answer)
-buckles are pretty tight, good for kids not being able to undo, but my husband pinched his finger and i could see it happening to me.
-making sure you support the little one when lowering the seat recline, because of zipper mechanisms
-sun shade is only ok
-i know for some people, not being able to put a car seat in it might be a con, but for us it's fine, the little guy is completely comfortable in the main seat
I can't say too much else, except how great it is...I am actually going to sell my other strollers ,as I think this pretty much handles most of our needs! I feel it is a very fair price for a great stroller. I look forward to seeing how the accessories develop for the Valcos...
My husband teased me when I told him that I wanted this stroller, but after he used it too, he was so impressed. I have had people stopping me and asking me about it. I feel I could walk, go to the mall, light jogging, just about anything. I love it, thanks Laura for the recommendation! I will also post some pics with the boys in it, so people can see it in real life.
Thanks again
Jennifer and Tim
sam 1/11/02
aj 6/7/04