Jogging Strollers

[kareneast]

Now that my grandson is coming up on 3 months old, I am starting to research jogging strollers so I can take him on some of my walk/runs.

What type/brand jogging stroller have you or anyone you know used? What do/did you like/dislike about it? Any recommendations????

I currently do walk/runs on blacktop/paved trails, boardwalk, high school track, crushed gravel track, and a packed dirt/crushed gravel/rock trail that is used by pedestrians, bikes, & horses.

I'm considering the BOB Sport Utility Jogging Stroller. http://www.bobgear.com/strollers/stroller.php?product_id=7 I can get the car seat adapter for it so that I can use it for walks now. It looks like it will be good for the dirt/crushed gravel surfaces but will it be too hard, with the wide rugged tires, to push on blacktop/paved surfaces? It doesn't matter if it is slower (because I am slow), I just don't want to be fighting with it. Thoughts???

Any and all thoughts, opinions, & recommendations will be greaty appreciated!
THANKS!!!

 

[mkymsehi]

Now that my grandson is coming up on 3 months old, I am starting to research jogging strollers so I can take him on some of my walk/runs.

What type/brand jogging stroller have you or anyone you know used? What do/did you like/dislike about it? Any recommendations????

I currently do walk/runs on blacktop/paved trails, boardwalk, high school track, crushed gravel track, and a packed dirt/crushed gravel/rock trail that is used by pedestrians, bikes, & horses.

I'm considering the BOB Sport Utility Jogging Stroller. http://www.bobgear.com/strollers/stroller.php?product_id=7 I can get the car seat adapter for it so that I can use it for walks now. It looks like it will be good for the dirt/crushed gravel surfaces but will it be too hard, with the wide rugged tires, to push on blacktop/paved surfaces? It doesn't matter if it is slower (because I am slow), I just don't want to be fighting with it. Thoughts???

Any and all thoughts, opinions, & recommendations will be greaty appreciated!
THANKS!!!

Karen,

Before you buy, check your local freecycle.org for the city you live in. You never know, someone might be giving a second hand one away for free. How do I know? I gave mine away last year here in Honolulu. I posted it, and within 2 hours I had a call requesting it.

Craigslist may be another source of free or low priced items.

 

[emlutz23]

I think you will love the BOB. I've used the BOB Ironman Sport Utility stroller in both the single and then the double when we had our boys 14 months apart. The tires and shocks were great for all types of terrain.

When searching for the double stroller, I had bought a cheaper one from Baby's R Us but had to return it after one use because I hated it. So I went online and bought the BOB Ironman double and have never looked back! I love the BOB!

And to comment on the previous poster about buying used, I sold our single BOB stroller real quick through our local paper. The people who bought it (grandparents like you actually) got a great deal as it was barely used and a fraction of the price of a new one. If you do go used, find someone local who will let you see it and maybe even test it out before buying.

Good luck with whichever you choose!

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Karen,

I have a Baby Jogger brand single stroller and a Baby Trend double stroller. I like both. I think the Baby Jogger is a smoother ride, but the model I have (6 yrs old) doesn't fold up well. I see the newer models are much more portable if you need to throw it in the back of your car. The Baby Trend folds up well but is heavier. The Baby Jogger costs much more than the Baby Trend strollers. I have used both on road and on trails and the tires are fine. Neither one that I have has a car seat adapter.

If you do look to buy used, just be sure it comes with a 5 pt harness. Some of the older strollers have just a 3 pt, which is not as safe. If possible, try it out while running to be sure the handle is long enough so your feet don't hit the back of the stroller.

Good luck.
Cindy

 

[hoosmi]

I went on every long run for the Goofy with my toddler in a Schwinn jogger. It was sort of middle of the line- maybe $200? I didn't have any complaints about my stroller and it's still in good shape. It was smooth (even on the beach), easy to push, and easy to put in the car. I can't remember the model name, but it's red and has the wheel that can be locked up front, although I never actually locked it.

Now that I'm having another running "coach," I've been researching double strollers. The whole carseat attachment thing sold me on the BOB Revolution Duallie. Mine is coming in 2 days (I've been stalking the FedEx website).

The only irritating thing with the BOB's (besides the price!) is that you have to buy accessories separately. Call me crazy, but I don't think a cupholder/tray for the parent should be an accessory! Still, I bought the cupholder thingy and the speakers that play your iPod...

Good luck deciding!

Jen in GA

 

[JustSmile]

I have an Instep Jogger that is now over 10 years old. I really do love it and it has held up wonderfully. I did replace the tires 3 years ago when I had a blow out! The front tire is fixed, so in order to make turns, you have to tilt back and pivot. I love that the new ones have a front tire that pivots and I think that it would make things easier. I think you'll love whatever kind you get as it makes walking/running with a stroller so much easier. Have fun shopping and then walking with that grandbaby.

 

[funwalker]

I have a Jeep, large wheels, with Music on the Move to use your Ipod that have Veggie Tales downloaded for 1 1/2 year old grandson.

It works great for me and I do like it - price was reasonable. I could not find a used one.

I am a walker not a runner so that might make a huge difference.

The extras are included, nice rain cover, it folds easily.
Like Just Smile - the front tire is fixed, so in order to make turns, you have to tilt back and pivot. Also I have to take the wheels off for it to fit in my trunk.

PS...it works well on all the surfaces you memtioned

 

[kareneast]

Thank you everyone for the info & opinions!

Jeff, emlutz23 – Great advise about looking for used. I will check in to that.

emlutz23 – The BOB Ironman Sport Utility stroller that you are using….is that the one with narrow tires or the wider tires? Glad to hear it was good for all types of terrain. When checking the BOB site. It shows the Sport Utility D’Lux as being the same as the Ironman (with the narrow tires) except that the Ironman tires are slick & the Sport Utility D’Lux has semi-slick tires. The regular Sport Utility has the wider knobby tires. Since I plan on using it on such a variety of surfaces/terrain, I’m trying figured out which type of tires would be the best.

Cindy – I will check out the Baby Jogger & Baby Trend strollers. It is nice to have a ‘real use’ comparison. Thanks for the info on making sure a used one has the 5 pt harness. Safety is definitely the most important feature. Also, good point about making sure my feet don’t hit the back of the stroller while running. Trying to change stride sounds like a good set-up for injury.

Jen – I will check out the Schwinn stroller too. I remember reading about all your training runs with Harry. I think you definitely made good use of your jogging stroller. So you didn’t use a fixed front wheel? How was that when you were off-road (trail, beach). I always thought when running you wanted/needed the fixed front tire….shows how much I know. Does the Schwinn have narrow or wider tires? Slick, semi-slick, knobby? Please let me know what you think of the BOB Revolution. I agree, I think one of the biggest selling points for a BOB stroller is the car seat adapter.

Tracey – I will check out the Instep Jogger too. Good to know that it has held up well. Did you use it with all 4 of your DS’s over the 10 years? Very scary on the tire blowout. Hope no one got hurt. So, you think the ones with the front tire that pivots would be easier….hmmm. I guess I really need to give the ones with the front pivot tires more thought.

Margie – I’ll check out the Jeep too. Nice to know the extras are included. Are you happy with the fixed front tire or do you wish that it pivoted? Glad to see another grandma training with their grandkid.

 

[emlutz23]

Karen,

You do want a fixed wheel when running. The non-fixed wheel is mainly for walking. But for training and running on the rougher surafaces, you need the fixed wheel for stability. You'll notice the strollers with non-fixed wheels are smaller (12"). A jogging stroller with the larger fixed wheels of 16" will be better for running. Check out the website joggingstroller.com They have lots of information on comparing strollers and features, etc...

I have the 2005 model of the BOB Ironman Dualie and the tires are the thinner kind. When I had the 2004 model of the BOB Ironman single stroller it was a special edition with the thicker Sport Utility wheels. Having used both types of tires, I think either will work for you. I've never had a problem with the thinner tires. Good luck with your choice and feel free to PM me if you have any more questions, etc...

 

[hoosmi]

Karen- My Schwinn has pretty thick tires. Here's a picture of Harry in it- obviously during our winter training. (Favorite tip- when they're old enough to take off their shoes and throw them, go with the footy PJs!)

I never locked my front wheel because I was clueless. You really are supposed to lock it!! I think it worked for me because I was usually moving slowly and it's incredibly flat where I live. I have to really look for hills! If you go too fast, the whole thing will shake a little. I imagine that has to do with locking the wheel- I preferred to think of it as an obvious reason to slow down... I mostly ran on streets and sidewalks, with some beaches thrown in (but I had to time the tides and location just right- there are only a few ramps and it was a pain to drag him up or down stairs). I never took it on a true trail-- I live on the edge of a swamp and I'm scared of nature!

It always felt smooth to me and Harry seemed to really like it, even on our crazy long runs. Of course, being a newbie, I had nothing to compare it to! Speaking of which, if you can get to a store, it would be helpful to push them yourself. I upgraded from a Schwinn I bought when Harry was younger. My new one was only a year or so newer, but I like it better (wheels are bigger, ride smoother, canopy covers more, folds easier, etc). I may be giving you an out of date report on my "new" model...

People say you can load just one side of the BOB double and it's no problem so I'll start testing it after I get it tomorrow and report back... I may even live on the edge and lock my wheel. I'm wondering if I'm coordinated enough to do that popping a wheelie thing to turn!

Jen in GA

 

[funwalker]

Karen,

I am a walker and yes, I like the fixed wheel. And my little Hagen loves it when I tilt it back for turns. I will try to get a picture of it for you tomorrow -hoping my daughter will return my digital.

What I am not sure of is the weight - maybe a runner would need a lighter weight stroller

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Thanks for starting this thread, Karen!! I am taking notes.

Did I read it right, BOB makes a jogging stroller that a car seat will fit in? Carter will be 3 weeks old on Tuesday and is too little for a jogging stroller, but if I could put his car seat in a jogging stroller, that would be awesome!

Krista

 

[kareneast]

emlutz23 – Thanks for the info on the fixed wheel. I think that will be a better option for me especially since the 5 mile path around the reservoir that we like to do a lot of our walk/runs on is crushed gravel, rock & dirt. I think the more stable fixed larger wheel will be safer. Also, thanks for the website link. I’ve gotten to check it out a bit. Looks like it has some good info. Thanks too for your thoughts on the thin & wide tires. It’s always nice for comparison when you’ve used both.

Jen – Love the pic of Harry in the jogger. I will definitely remember the tip on the footy PJ’s. Thanks for the info on locking the front wheel. Good advice on trying to go to a store to check out some of the different brands/models. I’m going to have to try and find a store that carries a bunch of different ones. With the price of gas, I don’t really want to drive all over the state if I don’t have to. Good to know your jogger with the wider tires was able to go through the sand at the beach. I’ve done some walk/runs on the boardwalk at the beach, but never on the beach. That sounds like fun, I’ll have to give it a try. Has your new double jogger arrived? How do you (& Harry) like it? How was it locking the wheel? I bet that took a bit to get used to after all the runs you’ve done without it locked.

Margie – Glad to hear you like the fixed wheel. Now that I think about it, it probably is lots of fun for the kids when you tilt back to turn. If you can post a pic that will be great.

Krista – Wow….can’t believe Carter is going to be 3 weeks old already….time sure does fly. Yep, you read it right…..BOB sells an accessory that attaches to their joggers so that you can then attach certain car seats to it. That is the biggest selling point for me right now. JD turns 3 months this weeks, so he too is too young to be in a jogger since everything I have been reading says they shouldn’t be in the jogger without the car seat attachment until they are 6-8 months old. I don’t plan on doing any running with JD on rough terrain, even with the car seat attachment, until he is a bit older, but figure with the car seat I can walk the rough terrain & do some running when we are on smooth pavement. I figure that at least when I am babysitting (which I do every chance I can get) I will still be able to get in some kind of a workout.

 

[hoosmi]

Karen- So, my BOB Revolution Duallie came a couple of days ago. You open it up to find 5 pieces- two back tires, a front tire, the stroller, and the instructions (inside a pocket on the stroller- tricky!) I managed to get it together after reading the SIX pages of instructions and 25 illustrations...

Here's Harry and Emma in it in the living room- of course Emma is too big for it, but Harry wanted her to sit next to him...

We've taken it on several walks. Since we were just walking/waddling, I didn't lock the wheel, but I did play with it at home and it was really easy to do. Harry seems very content in it. See that mesh pocket by his leg? He was thrilled with it- kept stashing his pacifiers in it. (Yes, I know it's about time for the paci fairy to come...)

As for our actual walks, it's extremely smooth on pavement and grass (we go up one really bumpy street and it has no problems). Buying the cupholder is a must- it's almost like a water belt that velcros on. I also bought the speakers- Emma was most impressed with them. I don't know if I'll use them once the novelty wears off. The stroller seems to be really well made- even with Harry on one side and nothing on the other, it pushes straight and never veers off.

My only complaint is that the basket underneath is harder to get to- I used to throw old water bottles or Harry's trash into the basket while moving. Unless I learn a new skill, I'll have to stop to put stuff in this one's basket (but that may just apply to the doubles). Oh, and I'm 5'7", Ted's 6'3", and Emma comes up almost to my shoulders- we've all been very comfortable pushing it.

Here's Ted pushing Harry. I think Harry is giving me the evil eye because I was interrupting his breakfast...

Krista- Yes, you can buy the carseat attachment. After picking this stroller out because I thought that was the coolest thing ever, I haven't bought the bar thingy. Two reasons: 1) I was feeling cheap; 2) I'm afraid I'll be stupid and try to do too much too quickly. I'm thinking about waiting until the baby is 4-6 weeks old so it will still get plenty of use, but not kill me... (And I say this because I am debating trying to run/walk the Race for the Taste when this new one will be at most 8 weeks old... the fact that I'm even considering it tells me I'm having judgment issues. )

So that's my rambling review!

Jen in GA

 

[kareneast]

Jen – Thank you for the great review of your new BOB Revolution Duallie. I really appreciate all the details. It sounds like you & your family are all very happy with it. Probably one of BOBs biggest advantages is its car seat adapter, but good for you for not buying it, so you can’t use it, until your baby is 4-6 weeks old. You definitely don’t want to overdo it. Give your body a chance to heal.

Thanks again!