Help me pick a new stroller

[txhomemom]

I need help picking a new lightweight stroller. I have been using a combination of the Kolcraft Contours (for around the neighborhood) and a cheap umbrella stroller for outings. I really need a slightly better lightweight stroller, something with a basket since mine does not have one now. I hate the weight of the Kolcraft so am about ready to get rid of that one...it is way to impossible to travel with.

So, I went to the local baby store and looked around and now I am more confused. There was a Joovy Kooper on clearance, but the wheels would not turn correctly with my dd in it and we could not decide if it was just defective or if it was because the wheels were made really cheap. It was definitely not because the brakes were on.

We also looked at the City Mini and Britax B-Agile, the only complaint I had with those is they are a little on the pricey side and I had trouble lifting them from the handle (which would be how I would be getting them in and out of the car)...maybe I am just used to the fold of a regular umbrella stroller.

Anyway, I am looking for something that steers really well even with a heavier child in it and has decent tires for various terrain (not exactly for trails, but just enough to travel with), has an adequate foot rest length, at least some kind of basket, a decent hood since we will mostly use it outdoors, and is light so that I can easily lift it in and out of the car.

Any suggestions?

[legaleagle]

How old is your DD?

[txhomemom]

Sorry, I forgot to give all the info, my dd is 18 mths and she is pretty tall and weighs around 25 pounds. I don't really need a reversible stroller since she is older and this will be our last child so I don't want to spend a ton of money.

[Kaylee31]

I think either the City Mini or B-Agile would be a good choice. My DS was 25 lbs. and I thought my BJCM steered really well, with a one-handed push, with him in it.
Albee Baby has 2 colors of the 2011 BJCM for $180, and the black B-Agile for $199. amazon has the red B-agile for $195.
http://www.albeebaby.com/baby-jogger-city-mini-single-8-stroller-2011-black-blue.html
http://www.albeebaby.com/britax-b-agile-stroller-black.html?
http://www.amazon.com/Britax-USA-U341783-B-Agile-Stroller/dp/B0050GD2AE
If you prefer something with an umbrella fold, I would consider the 2010 Cybex Callisto. It's about the same weight as the BJCM and B-agile, has a one-bar handle, but still folds like an umbrella.
Baby Gizmo review (of the 2009 model) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq1wYItPmsc
Drugstore.com has the black for $177 after a 20% off discount for new customers through 9/30, and 9.6% cashback from Bigcrumbs.
http://evreward.com/store/go/721
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=329511&catid=182636&aid=337953&aparam=cybex_callisto_stroller_&CAWELAID=725361516

[BabyBearsMom]

My DD is the same age as yours and about the same size. We have a BJCM and it works well for us. Not perfect but a good mid priced option. I like the fold and how light weight it is. I find it easy to get it in and out of the car once you get used to it (use the fold handle in the seat to lift and maneuver it not the top handle like an umbrella). Push is good. Definitely better than the Joovy or Kolcraft. Plus when your DD is done with strollers in a few years you can sell it for a decent price and recoop most of your investment. BJCMs go for $150-$175 on my craigs list. Oh and the canopy is divine!

[3sweetgirls]

The Maclaren Stark, if you don't mind the shelf instead of the basket. Lots of great reviews on this site. You can't beat the price on albee baby (http://www.albeebaby.com/mastbustinca.html)either. Despite the photo it does have a very generous hood.