Double Jogging Stroller Question!!

Leah,

I have been a nanny for several years and have never used a true jogging stroller where the front wheel swiveled. I have always thought it annoying, but assumed there was nothing to be done.

The only stroller that resembled a jogging stroller that I really loved was called a Chariot (can't recall the company that made it). It had two small front wheels that swiveled and it attached to a bike also, so could handle jogging speeds with a smooth ride. It held the five year old and two year old I was caring for very comfortably. (Yes I put a 5 year old in a stroller, but only becuase we had a 2.5 mile walk through Uptown Charlotte to his preschool.) The drawbacks are it is very bulky, difficult to fold up and store or put in the car, and expensive - but what jogger isn't. I hope this was helpful.

Kathy

I agree with Melissa who recommended the Phil & Teds stroller - we also did a lot of research before buying and this stroller is Amazing! The front wheel can either lock or swivel (there is a small pin you use ot lock or unlock it).

I would first go back to the ebay seller and ask them why they did not tell you that the tire does not swivel or turn. You may want to return it to them for false info. Then I would CALL not email the company. Many times companies don't respond. Then, if you do buy another, I would buy one that the babies sit one in front of the other. The side by side is very hard to get through stores or certain areas and the one in front of the other is narrower and easier. If you just use it for walking outside, they may like seeing each other.

I hope you can come to some resolution with your current stroller.
If you end needing to purchase another, do know that there are other amazing strollers out there besides the BOB that might even work out better for you. This spring after conducting extensive research, we ended up purchasing a Phil and Ted stroller.

http://www.philandteds.com/nz/inline_08_1.htm

I have a 7 week and a 23 month old. I needed an all purpose stroller to use at the mall, on various walks and stroller strides exercise class. It has the swivel front wheel that can also be locked. The reason I didn't go for the BOB double stroller is that it's too wide and would not fit on the paths around the lake in our subdivision. The Phil and Ted is very unique and allows you to virtually "stack" two toddlers or a toddler and a baby, or use it just for one. We bought it online, sight unseen as no one in at least 200 miles from us carries the Phil and Ted. We are thrilled with the versatility and are very happy that we did as much research as we did.
Best of luck,
M

I believe all jogging strollers are like this as ours is too.

As far as I know, the one you have will only go straight. I have several friends who have joggers and I researched them very well before buying one. I got a BOB Revolution a couple of months ago for that reason. It's tire will swivel or you can make it stationary. As far as why someone would want a stroller whose front tire will not move, from what I have read, you would want that feature if you were doing any jogging on trails or off-roading. I hope this helps. Also, if you are considering purchasing another stroller, the BOB is absolutely amazing. . . easy to maneuver, easy to store, easy to travel, everything is easy. It is a little pricey but very worth it. Good luck!!

Yes, they do make jogging strollers with swivel wheels, but I don't think you can take a stationary wheel jogger like yours and change it into a swivel wheel jogger. I personally do own an InStep jogger with a swivel wheel, and it is AWESOME! You can flip a little lever and make it stationary if you want, but I always prefer the swivel. I refused to buy one that didn't have that option. I got mine on Amazon.com for a decent price, so you should check it out. http://www.amazon.com/InStep-Safari-Swivel-Jogging-Stroll...

the thing with jogging strollers is "SUPPOSED" to be that since you are running if you push on the handle a little bit to make the front tire go up you can turn very easy. and it works my sister had one however i opted for the jeep stroller which the front wheel turned. look at your consignment stores for kids in your area. dont know if you have once upon a child where you are but its a good place to start. good luck

You may want to take a closer look at the front wheel. There is usually a switch that locks or unlocks the front wheel. When you are jogging the front tire should remain locked to keep more control of it. I assume the manufacturer believes the fast pace could possibly cause the swiveling wheel to wobble out of control. When walking you unlock for easier handeling and turning. I can't imagine that your stroller wouldn't have this option. Have you tried contacting the seller?

I know the other responses told you about the BOB stroller. I have a 23 month old and a 6 month old and had gotten an in-step double stroller. After a day at the zoo and not being able to turn it without lifting up both my kids I was fed up! I was upset that I spent the money buying a stroller I couldn't use! I asked my husband if he could change the stroller by adding a swivel wheel or wielding something on it to allow it to move, he said no. I starter researching strollers and decided if I was going to use the stroller as often as I was then I wanted a good one that I can use anywhere, doing anything. I bought a BOB this last May. This stroller pushes itself, I'm not kidding. It was worth very penny! I can't even tell that I am pushing two kids, a diaper bag and a purse. Even when you locking the front wheel it still has more give than the in-step stroller. I took it to the beach last month and pushed it over the sand with ease, how cool is that? It handles very well on rough uneven terrian. If cost is a factor then try looking up craigslist.com or ebay like before. Plus when your done with the stroller you can re-sell it and make back your money that you spent on it because everyone knows the BOB is worth it! Hope this helps.

I bought a jogging stroller from Marshall's and had the same issue but a different brand. I can't remember the brand (it wasn't Instep like yours I know), I gave it to a friend recently who is having a baby! The Company didn't have a swivel replacement when I contacted them. Hopefully yours will.

I have an INSTEP double jogger for my 2 girls. Look at the front wheel. Mine can either go straight-only or moveable. I've always had it moving (since I'm not the 'serious' jogger!) so I'm not quite sure how it works. If my memory is right, then I think there is a clip or something that goes in the part that holds the wheel to keep it from turning. If yours isn't interchangable then I know you can buy a new front wheel that is (go through the website for that to be sure you're getting what you need). Hope this helps!

Hi Leah,
I know exactly what you are talking about. That fixed wheel really sucks. I have a BOB Revolution stroller and they are the best. A little expensive, but well worth it. They make a double stroller as well. These strollers have the swivel wheel but has the option to lock it in place if you need it. I am pregnant with #2 and will be buying the double Bob very soon. I have the Stroller Strides version because I teach these classes and will be getting the Stroller Strides double stroller as well because I get a discount. I believe they sell the BOB at REI and at Inside Out Sports. I'm sure you could check online as well.

T. H.

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A friend of mine just went through the same exact experience. She decided to sell the one that didn't swivel, researched double jogger strollers and ended up buying a "BOB". I'm not familiar with them myself except that I pushed hers with both of her kids in it and it was AMAZING. It practically pushed itself. She is also the one that turned me on to mamasource so maybe she'll respond too. Good luck!

My sister bought a jogging stroller when she had her first baby (10 years ago, so I don't remember the brand or anything), it was a single and the front tire didn't turn. I think you're supposed to make it do a "wheelie" to get it to turn -- probably it has something to do with the stability or safety of it when you're jogging -- you wouldn't want it to turn to easily on accident. Hope you hear from the company soon as to the actual reason why, but that's just my educated guess.

HTH!

Hi Leah,
True jogging strollers are supposed to have a fixed wheel. It has really only been in the last couple of years that you have even been able to find ones with a front swivel wheel. They are made that way for safety reasons.
That being said, first, take a look at the terrain where you plan to use it. If you plan to stay on sidewalks and inside, you really don't need a fixed wheel. But if you plan to take it "off-roading" like on a dirt or gravel path or down to the beach, it is better to have a fixed wheel. If you decide to keep the fixed wheel, just push down on the handle bar to lift the front wheel to turn the stroller.
If not, some stores will let you exchange it within a certain period of time. When I purchased mine, I was told that if I didn't like it and wanted to go with another model, I could exchange it with no problem within 90 days. Check and see if you store has the same policy. Hope that helps.
Betsy

The reason the front tire doesn't move is actually a safety thing for when you're running(Even the BOB strolers have a fixed wheel). Lets just say you are running and you hit a rock. With a swivel wheel it's going to turn your wheel and stop really fast as you continue to run into it. The fixed wheel can't do that, it doesn't move. Also with a swivel wheel if you are trying to run past someone and go into the grass a little bit, when the wheel goes off of the sidewalk and hits the groove between the sidewalk and the grass it make the wheel do a really hard turn and sends your stroller off to one side whild you hang on for dear life as you try and regain control.....I used to have an instep with a fixed wheel and thought that I wanted one with a swivel so I bought one that has a little switch for either one. I use it fixed if I am truly running and swivel if it's just a walk.

All of those jogging strollers are made like that. The wheels don't swivel and it is made like that for a reason so if you are running fast you don't lose control and have a wreck with wiggly wheels. I don't think that they make different wheels that you can put on them.
They are made light also for a reason, so you can pull back on them and turn them easily. I have one and that is what I do. When I turn, I just push down on the handle which picks the front wheel up and turn it. It is so light that it is no big deal to do it that way. The wheels on those jogging strollers are rubber tires so that makes them easy to push. I would think a regular stroller would be harder to push. It may turn easier but they are alot heavier and harder to push. The jogging strollers are made to be light and go more straight for longer periods of time.
Keep it for a little while and use it. Once you get use to it, you won't go back to the others.... EVER!
I love mine.

The Double BOB Revolution is AWESOME!!!! The reason why it does not have a swivel wheel is for running. But the BOB Revolution front wheel can be locked in place for running or left unlocked for walking. I have a single one, 2 of my friends have double ones. All of us together have 5 BOB's, we LOVE THEM!!!

Hi

We had a jogging stroller with the stationary front tire and hated it! Spent the money and got the swivel front...worth every penny! we went to the athletic store and tried them out. Maybe you can return yours? good luck.
J.

I did the same thing with my son, I bought a $200 Reebok stroller and the front wheel wouldn't turn so it was useless to me, it's a jogging stroller so it's meant for you to go running-straight. I think you'll just have to get a new stroller like I did! Sorry

Just push down on the handles and lift the front wheel a little and turn it. Always, Always have the strap around your wrist or it can get away from you and fly down a hill.
I've used one forever with our twins. I've never seen a front wheel that turns, if it did it would cause the stroller to flip over on its side.

You will have to buy another one, they do not interchange.Walmart has a nice one for $169(free shipping) or try craigslist.

Most jogging stroller have a stationary front wheel. Since they're made for jogging (typically not needing the tight turning radius of your typical around-the-mall stroller), they lock down the front wheel to keep them more stable. A swivel-wheel while going fast isn't very safe. Also, the faster you're going, the easier they are to turn without lifting the front wheel. Since Instep makes both swivel-wheel and fixed-wheel strollers, they may have a retrofit kit they can send you. Could you return the one you have? Seems like that would be the easiest thing to do. Then you could get the swivel-wheel version that you'd like better. Good luck!