OT-Are McClaren stroller really worth $$$?

[Poohbug]

I have heard about the McClaren(sp?) strollers. Are they worth the money? What makes them so great? Can I use them as my only stroller?

 

[sunlover13]

YES! Especially for older kids. DD was 4 when we went to Disneyworld and no longer used a stroller at home. I didn't want to rent one b/c if she fell asleep at night, we would have to carry her to the bus & throughout the resort. At 40+ lbs, no fun at all. The Maclarens hold up to 55lbs. We bought a Maclaren Triumph and it was the best $120 we spent. It was easy to push, easy to fold up & unfold for the buses. There is no way DD would have fit in a regular umbrella stroller nor would we be able to push her in it. She is 44 inches & 45 lbs and fits in the Maclaren Triumph with no problems. She even fell asleep in it a couple of times late at night. Hope that helps!

 

[roxannex]

I have a Maclaren Volo. I love it, but I didn't get it until my son was about 1 1/2. What makes it great is that it's very very light, very easy to fold and good quality.

The negatives are that it doesn't recline, has no cup holder and the basket is small. But for an everyday stroller or travel stroller, it is really great.

It's looking like we'll we going back to Disney in December, and I plan to bring the Volo.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes. The secret is in the suspension; they are very light and steer very easily even when heavily loaded. The back-tilt also keeps tall parents from stooping and kicking the back.

Volos are not great for all purpose use, but the reclining models are.

 

[mruhaak]

I have one and the only thing I don't like is I find it really hard to open and close. I always have DH do it. I guess I'm just stroller-disabled.

 

[snubie]

Yes. We have a Mac Quest that I bought when DD was almost 1 yo. I actually got the previous years model on clearance from Albee Baby (I think it was close to 40% off). We used it just a few weeks ago in WDW and it was very easy to carry on the bus - as previously stated, have it unloaded when the bus approaches so you are ready to go.

 

[Manda]

Yes, yes, yes! We have a Maclaren Techno XT that we got before my son was born. He's 4 now and we're still using it. It's probably the only thing that we're still using for him that we bought way back then! It's always been our primary stroller and I can't even imagine how many miles that thing has on it (we live in a primarily walking area) - yet it still lives on. I took my niece with us to Disney last month and we had a Kolcraft stroller for her. It was like night and day. I'm so used to being able to just push the stroller one handed when I need to and turning without any effort. It was hard work to get that other stroller around. I'm so glad we went with the Maclaren way back when. It's certainly been worth every penny. And I'd guess that this one will get us through for a few more Disney trips as well.

 

[M&MMommy]

I say the Maclaren is definately worth the difference in price. We have a Maclaren Techno that we had previously used at disney and used this year for DD5. This year we needed another lightweight stroller for DD3. We chose the Graco IPO because it was a little cheaper than the Maclaren and is supposed to go to around 50 lbs. It was a very bad choice.

Both girls fought the whole trip over who would sit in the Maclaren. They said it was more comfortable.

Also, it was considerably easier to push the heavier 5 year old in the Maclaren than it was to push the lighter 3 year old in the Graco.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Are the handles high enough so that you aren't leaning over?

 

[bama-mom]

I LOVE my Mac's!! We have 2 and I can't imagine using anything else now. We have a Triumph that we will use for dd 4, and a Techno for ds 17 months. I have been debating whether dd will really need one for our trip in a couple of weeks, but these are so lightweight and easy to handle that I think we will just bring it.

I love the way they open and close and are easy to carry. Our Techno has adjustable handles, but the Triumph doesn't. We do not have to lean over to push these at all. I used the stroller from a travel system until dd was 2 and I don't see how I ever got around with that big bulky thing. Once ds came along and got out of the carrier part, he went straight to a Mac with no problems.

I think they are worth the money.

 

[mantysk8coach]

Are the handles high enough so that you aren't leaning over?

Yes! That is the best part about it for 5'11" me, and 6'3" DH! We have major issues pushing regular umbrella strollers. We love, love, love our Volo! And I agree with those that say it pushes really easily.

I do miss having cup holders, but no big deal really.

Look for websites that have last years models on clearance, and you can find them for a reasonable price.

 

[mom2aredhead]

No. Most don't recline, don't have large baskets, and don't have a child tray or a parent tray unless you buy an accessory pack. They are expensive and IMHO, they are only convenient when you fold it (using 2 hands and a foot) and stand it in a corner. Then, they are light and do not take up much room. When the child is actually in it though...

I know that's not a popular opinion around here...Call me a rebel - I don't have a baggalini or crocs either.

 

[tjlovespooh]

I have heard about the McClaren(sp?) strollers. Are they worth the money? What makes them so great? Can I use them as my only stroller?

Worth every penny! I have had 2 zoopers, a combi, and now a maclaren triumph! The Mac is by far the easiest to steer and push - even with one hand! I should have just bought the mac to begin with - the best umbrella stroller out there IMO.
Now regarding only stroller - I would suggest having one umbrella (the mac) for quick trips/traveling and one full-size if you have young toddlers/babies.

Here's a link to the triumph I bought - it's on clearance: http://http://www.albeebaby.com/ma20trstingo.html

 

[caracap]

No. Most don't recline, don't have large baskets, and don't have a child tray or a parent tray unless you buy an accessory pack. They are expensive and IMHO, they are only convenient when you fold it (using 2 hands and a foot) and stand it in a corner. Then, they are light and do not take up much room. When the child is actually in it though...

I know that's not a popular opinion around here...Call me a rebel - I don't have a baggalini or crocs either.

Doesn't every Maclaren recline except for the Volo??

 

[bama-mom]

Both of mine recline. The Techno goes almost flat, but the Triumph doesn't go back that far.

No, they don't have cup holders or trays, or even a large place for storage, but I guess you just have to choose what features are important for you and your needs.

Try going to Babies R Us or somewhere that you can actually put your child in it and try it out in the store.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

Two months ago I bought a 2006 Mac Techno Classic from craigslist for 155 and I have been very very happy with it. It has a full recline which I like plus the leg extender in the seat for when they are laying down. It manuevers great my dd is 4 and disabled so it has been a blessing. I have actually stopped using my graco literider b/c its so easy. I don't carry much it then basket on my stroller so it didn't really bother me plus I have a stroller storage bag on the back for easier access. I am 5'2'' and not only do I not have to lean over to push neither do the taller members of my family that push when we are out and about. For me the number one asset IMHO is that the whole seat can be removed and washed.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

No. Most don't recline, don't have large baskets, and don't have a child tray or a parent tray unless you buy an accessory pack. They are expensive and IMHO, they are only convenient when you fold it (using 2 hands and a foot) and stand it in a corner. Then, they are light and do not take up much room. When the child is actually in it though...

I know that's not a popular opinion around here...Call me a rebel - I don't have a baggalini or crocs either.

Do you have a reccomendation as far as a fully reclineable stroller?

Two months ago I bought a 2006 Mac Techno Classic from craigslist for 155 and I have been very very happy with it. It has a full recline which I like plus the leg extender in the seat for when they are laying down. It manuevers great my dd is 4 and disabled so it has been a blessing. I have actually stopped using my graco literider b/c its so easy. I don't carry much it then basket on my stroller so it didn't really bother me plus I have a stroller storage bag on the back for easier access. I am 5'2'' and not only do I not have to lean over to push neither do the taller members of my family that push when we are out and about. For me the number one asset IMHO is that the whole seat can be removed and washed.

If you happen to know or reccomend what would be this model type in 2007?

 

[britincanada]

I loved my Maclaren & cried when it broke!

I had the 'Daytripper' model (bought 7 years ago), a pretty basic model but came with an under seat net basket, reclining seat & rain cover. I walked MILES with that stroller with DS1. When DS 2 was big enough for it (4 or 5 months) I added a Litaf Step 2 Go to the back for DS 1 & walked yet more miles. It finally lost a wheel when DS2 was about 2, so had been well used.

I liked the handle height, the weight of it, how easy it was to manoeuvre, and the kids seemed to have enough space & be comfy in it. It travelled between UK & Canada quite a few times, and was able to fold up small enough to go inside a wardrobe in 1st class (wish I could have gone with it!) and be there for me as soon as we disembarked.

As for the lack of trays etc - I used to use tie on straps for small toys & water cups (obviously not long enough for them to wrap around their necks!) so I never missed them. You can buy an add on adult cup holder if you need one at somewhere like WalMart.

 

[tink1122]

just got back from disney in sept. had 2 maclaren triumphs one blue and one pink absolutely love them. our first day in the park someone stole the pink one and still have not found it. They are really nice and so much easier especially when they want to knap and if you have the rain guard they don't get wet at all that's probably why it was stolen we had our rain guard on as it was starting to rain and we went in buzzlightyear came out and it was gone. But as they say what comes around goes around,so i hope they have a miserable life for stealing a stroller from a 3 yr old child, who ended up with blisters on her feet because of this.

 

[Poohbug]

Thanks to all for the info. My youngest is 7 months and I would like to buy now so I can get me moneys worth. I don't have to worry about the height issue because I am short. I don't really care about basket because I like to travel light-however I would like cup holders(diet coke addict). Also has to recline. I will use all your suggestions and go shopping.