Okay I'm gonna purchase a double jogging stroller and I would like to know from other moms that own them or had experience with them. There is this one by instep that has a swivel single wheel in the front and there is the traditional one w/ a huge stay put wheel in the front. Which one is better ???? I've heard the bigger wheel in front is suppose to make for a smoother ride. The difference in prices is huge too from sale prices of $150 to full price of over $350. I just want to get a good stroller for the money. I have lots of hills nearby and not much side walk space, so it has to be able to tervas bumpy roads. Also will the swivel wheel make it harder to compact down??? Awe so many questions. Thank you ladies in advance.
Well after much research and testing out the strollers they have out there, which in itself is hard to find. I have bought the instep ultra runner 2 double jogging stroller. I was not impressed w/ the swivel on 2 different models. I'm just glad to relax now and wait for it to come in the mail, I don't think I've ever researched so much sence back in the day when I made soap. Thank you ladies for you time and input, I really appricate the "real" view advice. :)
I have had experience with both front wheels for jogging strollers. I didn't like the locked front wheel. My son is 2 yrs 5 months. Last year I had my first experience with a jogging stroller. I now own one with the swivel front wheel. I think it makes it easier to steer.
I'm not a jogger but I nannied for 15 years and I've tried several strollers over the years. For my two 3 y/o's I just bought a bike trailer that converts into a double stroller at Costco. It was about $160 and it has a swivel wheel in the front. It folds up and the wheels pop off so it's easy to use and store in the car. I have mine behind the back room of seats in my minivan.
I was able to use it at the tulip festival it handles great! It even has a huge storage area behind the seats so I was able to pack a picnic to take with us.
We just bought a jogging stroller from a bike shop on Division. The guy there said that the ones without the swivel wheel are more stable and if you're not jogging in a striaght line you just lean it onto the back wheels. We got a good deal on it because it was last year's floor model at that store so he had to sell and make room for the current year model. It is a BOB stroller and has a hand brake and a leash in case you lose your grip. It folds up small enough to fit into my trunk (ford focus, pretty small). We've taken it over to Tryon Park and gone for a little trail hike and it was a breeze and walked down Hawthorne the same day. It also manuevers well around our neighborhood which has no sidewalks. It also has a HUGE sunshade so your little ones won't get burned.
The only down sides I've noticed are no cup holder for Mom (there are little pouches in the seat for your little munchkin's cup or snacks or toys), and no foot brake for if you're not on a flat surface and taking a water break or something. It has good sized basket underneath and a mesh pocket for stuff on the back of the seat. Anyway, I'd say search the local bike shops and try to find a deal. We just got this thing a month or so ago, so someone might still have their floor sample. Happy hunting!
Hello L.. The strollers with the big stationary wheel on the front are intended more for jogging/walking on level ground. They're harder to maneuver around corners and on bumpy ground. The ones with the swivel wheel are A LOT easier to maneuver around corners and on uneven ground. I live out in the country, so I have a jogger that has the swivel wheel but can also be locked into a straight, stationary position. We go for walks on a bumpy dirt road and it is very easy to push. The swivel wheel doesn't make mine any less easy to fold up. If anything, it might be easier given the fact that the wheel can be turned to the side.
My advice would be to go with a stroller with a swivel wheel but one that can be locked into a straight postion too. Just make sure to get one that has rubber tires too!
R.
the nonmoving one would seem better for jogging and walking, but you have to remember to lift the front up every time you turn since it doesn't really turn on its own. i had a single stroller that swivelled, but i used it for walking. it worked great for me. good luck lol. i think either one would be good.
Hi L.,
I purchased the BOB stroller last year and LOVE IT!! The BOB stroller does have an adjustable front wheel that locks in place (for running) and switches to a swivel (for walking) It folds down smaller that my "City" stroller and has a locking brake for safety. It is a little pricey but I had a friend that bought four jogging strollers in the past year. Two of them were In-step models. She did not want to spend alot of $$ but the strollers kept braking and she kept replacing them with the same thing. She has now spent more than I have and hates this last one. REI carries the BOB single and double so you might want to try them out. I figure I would rather spend a little more and get something that will last than to keep replacing a less expensive stroller. I have seen them on "Craigs List" in Portland and E-Bay. Good Luck!!
Hey L.
I have a fondness for the swivel week w/ a lock-in place option. We were looking at the BOB and a few other pricey ones but we opted for a Schwinn...however, we are also thinking about purchasing the bicycle trailer/stroller at Costco right now. I love my big tires, especially when it comes to turns and we do A LOT of hiking w/ this bad boy so it's hit a bunch of rocks/bumps/basalt and does great! It was only $110 but a downside is that it's brake system tends to drag and has to be constantly lifted up so not to rub. But I really appreciate the big underneath compartment, the cup holders, and the pocket behind the babe. It allows you to ditch a shirt and stick it underneath along w/ a small diaper bag-we often walk to the grocery store w/ the backpack also and load up on yummies for a week. If you are ever interested in a hike-let me know...I'm on the southhill and would LOVE to meet more moms!
I recently bought a mountain buggy urban model. I love it. I live right by Ft. Steilacoom park and have not had any troubles with roots of trees, gravel, grass, transition to pavement. This stroller has a flex front wheel that makes it easy enough to push and direct with one finger. No kidding! I love it. I checked out several models and was concerned about the navigability of the models without the swivel front. Although this stroller doesn't fold up like an umbrella stroller, it lays relatively flat in my van and has a weight capacity of 75 lbs. I know that I will get a lot of use out of it! It also has optional sun/bug protector and rain guard. It was expensive, but I think really worth it! I actually found it on craigslist and one on ebay too! You can check out their website first and read about all of the specifics to help you make an informed decision! Good luck to you and enjoy the summer! B. :)
We have a single Jeep stroller with the optional swivel wheel, from what I've seen most strollers with a swivel wheel can also be locked in place for jogging. But if you're using it on anything but a completely straight path, the locked front wheel is more of a burden, because it can't corner very well and can be hard to maneuver. And the swivel wheel probably makes for easier folding and storage, since it moves any way you would like it to. Good luck!
