List Price: $449.00
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My grandchild is one year old and I bought this stroller for jogging and hiking on dirt trails in our local parks. It does a superb job for each. However this is not a stroller that I would buy for everyday use, especially if you live in the suburbs rather than a big city, where people walk most places and don't need to constantly take a stroller in and out of a car trunk. Let me describe the stroller, which I bought at my local REI store since it came fully assembled and because they have a lifetime return policy in case I run into any problems.
1. The construction is first rate, the fabric used is high quality, and it takes literally seconds to open and close, which is very simple. Just pull a red handle to lift the stroller into the open position. To close, just push two levers on the top forward and the stroller collapses (I disagree with the leading negative review that this is at all difficult). There is a wrist strap on the handle to be used when jogging that can be buckled to keep the stroller closed when it is folded. I NEVER use the wrist strap while jogging. I know that its purpose is to prevent the stroller from getting away from you if you lose your grip, but I think it is dangerous to use. If I tripped while jogging and had the wrist strap on, not only could I break my wrist from the force of the stroller with a child in it, but the odds are that I would flip the stroller too. If I felt myself going down I would rather just hold onto the handlebar and try to slow the stroller down. Just my opinion.
2. The stroller has two modes--walk (the front wheel swivels) and jog (the front wheel is locked into position and stays straight). There is a simple red knob on the front wheel that allows you to easily switch between the two positions, and it literally takes just two seconds to switch.
Note: If you are ONLY going to jog, and don't mind having the front wheel permanently locked, then you can buy a less expensive BOB stroller known as the Sport Utility model, on which the front wheel does not swivel at all. Yes you can turn the stroller with a locked front wheel--but you have to lift the front of the stroller to do so. I did not want to be so limited, especially hiking on trails, which is why I bought the Revoution SE instead.
3. This rides very smooth for jogging, and handles off road surface well when walking. The reason is that this is a very heavy stroller (24 pounds--I weighed it on my luggage scale, which makes it heavier than any of the other strollers that my grandchild has, which I discuss below) and has very large wheels--again larger than on her other strollers. Unlike other strollers, these wheels are inflatable just like bicycle tires. They need to be kept at 30psi for best performance. Of course jogging with a seriously under inflated wheel could be dangerous; ordinary walking would just be more difficult. You don't have to check tire pressure all the time, but ask yourself if you want to bother having to check it at all if you are considering this as an everyday stroller. You might not want to have to deal with an unexpected flat tire just when you need to use the stroller.
This takes up a lot of space in a trunk, and is heavy to put in and take out. Yes, each of the wheels has a quick release lever (just like bicycle wheels), so you can take them all off to save trunk space. This might make sense on a long trip, but I can tell you from experience that this is not something you would want to do on a regular basis, especially with a cranky young child or in inclement weather. Plus, using quick release wheels takes some getting used to. As the directions point out, if the "quick release lever does not leave a visible imprint in the palm of your hand" after you put the wheel back on, then you have not done it right.
4. I do agree with the leading negative review that there is no soft padding on the seat, though I disagree that the crotch strap is too short (it is adjustable) or that buckling your child in is any more difficult than on any other stroller. When the canopy is fully extended, there is a "window" on top that lets you see your child. There is also ample storage underneath. You can adjust the seat to a reclining position using two straps, though for jogging you need to keep it fully upright (the further back it is, the less stability you have).
However I would not use this as an everyday stroller. My grandchild (who lives in Manhattan) started out with the Bubaboo Cameleon stroller for local neighborhood walking (which I have reviewed on Amazon), and then at about nine months also started using the Maclaren Quest Sport stroller (which I have reviewed on Amazon) for traveling in cabs and subways, as well as day trips out of the city (like visiting me and my wife) since it is more light weight, easier to fold and close, and easier to carry with a carrying strap. And at my house she sometimes used the Graco Infant Car Seat stroller frame (which I have reviewed on Amazon).
I mention these different strollers because all of these provide more comfortable seating, and are lighter and more compact (except maybe the heavier and bulkier Bugaboo) than the Revolution SE, which for me is a special purpose stroller for jogging and off road use. Yes, it can be used as an everyday stroller, but its strength lies not in lots of comfortable padding or a light weight compact size when folded, but rather in great stability while jogging or walking off road.
For walking only the recommended age range is 8 weeks-8months; for jogging/off-road use it is 8 months-5 years. The stroller can accommodate a child up to 70 pounds.
5. This stroller comes with a very clear and well illustrated manual that explains everything. Among the advanced features is a simple form of wheel alignment in case the stroller does not roll in a straight line (which could occur after off road use, the same as when a car goes over lots of bumps), and a shock absorber setting.
Bottom line: This is a special use stroller that works great for jogging and off road use. For everyday use I would get something else whether you live in the city or the suburbs.
Update February 23, 2012: This past weekend I went jogging with my 13 month old granddaughter in Manhattan and really appreciated how this stroller performed on lots of different surfaces and terrain-smooth paved roads, uneven asphalt surfaces, sidewalks with bumps, street curbs, and some moderately steep uphill and downhill paths. It was a breeze using this stroller and more importantly my granddaughter enjoyed every minute of it. Since it is critical to keep the front wheel in a locked position while running, anytime that I needed to make a turn (like at a street corner after we left Central Park), I easily just pulled back on the handlebars to lift the front wheel up and move it into the new position. Very easy to do and no big deal.
Update June 10, 2012: The instruction manual contains the following warning in bold letters: " Never jog with the stroller in walk mode. Doing so could result in loss of control and serious injury." Nevertheless my daughter and son-in-law went running with my granddaughter in Central Park in Manhattan with the stroller in walk mode. My daughter said it worked fine, and made the stroller much easier to maneuver going back and forth to the Park and running inside the Park. I am not recommending this, but am simply pointing out someone else's experience.
Update June 2, 2013: Still in perfect condition and working great.
Update September 22, 2013: This stroller is easy enough to use one handed. Let me explain. My 2 year 8 month old granddaughter wanted to go to the playground in her Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On. I wanted to bring my 5 month old grandson in the Bob stroller, but grandma was not available to wheel the stroller. No problem. I wheeled the stroller with my left hand (my weaker one) and my granddaughter's toy car right behind it with my right hand. The Bob was so easy to use that it was effortless even with just my left hand (and I am not a lefty) to navigate broken and uneven sidewalks while pushing my granddaughter at the same time.
Update October 20, 2013: I took my 6 month old grandson for a walk on a beautiful sunny fall day. Even walking with the sun directly ahead of us, he was shaded down to his shoulders by my extending the canopy all the way. I was also able to see and talk to him through the opening between the canopy and handlebars, and to see his entire body by pulling back a flap on the top of the canopy that reveals a clear plastic shield. I mention these features because I think they are important.
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I was out the other day and my son was asleep in his BOB. I have loved my BOB since I bought it but now I have even more reason to!I was loading my son in the car. I had it pulled up alongside my car and was turned slightly putting my purse down so I could lift him out and put him into his carseat. I heard a weird noise and looked behind me.. the car next to mine was backing out and was crushing my stroller between my car and hers. My son was asleep in it. I started screaming and she stopped. I motioned for her to pull forward.
She felt terrible when she realized what had happened. She did not see me or my son when she looked she said. (My son I felt was in a safe spot out of the way of traffic btw, I am very safety concious.)
She had a Chevy cavalier. The bumper on her car crumpled/formed AROUND the steel frame on the BOB. The steel frame on the BOB saved my sons life. If he had been in a cheaper, less sturdy stroller he might have been crushed.
BTW my stroller is fine and my son slept through the whole thing. I am so thankful for the sturdy construction of this stroller. I realize this is a freak accident, but again, THANK YOU BOB! And God of course : )
It happened SO FAST!
Also:
I love the way it takes up less room in my trunk than our old Chicco stroller. I love the large shade on it that allows my son to sleep for hours in it while I shop. I love the recline, it's fabulous! I've had it for well over a year now with my 2.5 year old and wish I had known about it when I was originally buying a stroller.. would have totally done this instead of the Chicco stroller to accompany my Chicco Keyfit 30 carseat!
I purchased the BOB Warm Fuzzy and love it year round. It's cozy. And I bought the cupholder and love it as well. Purchased the weather bubble toolike it but a little complicated to put on in the pouring rain when getting out of the carI get drenched : )
I also purchased the "travel bag"the suitcase specifically for this stroller and we flew our BOB to Las Vegas with us on vacation. I just checked the stroller in that bag as a piece of luggageit was GREAT. It protected the stroller so well. I was able to put all our diapers and other baby/kid? supplies in around the stroller.
I love the black color, the easy steering that pushes like a DREAM, the easy brake, the easy fold/unfold, the shocks, the easy wash fabric, the durable everything on it; I love running with it or just taking it to the mall.
I've had to air up the tires once in a year. It has held up amazingly to some abuse!
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PROS-sturdy construction, good materials
-durable. I probably put about 35 miles on my BOB every week and it's held up! Through rain, snow, mud, etc, it sometimes gets a little dirty but then I hose it down and it's gleaming again. No issues with rust or looking worn.
-pushes and turns extremely well. No other stroller on the market, jogger or not, turns and pushes as well as the BOB.
-really really good suspension, which is a must especially in the newborn stage. The other strollers were all bumpier.
-comfortable, breathable seating
-large canopy/shade
-seat recline is adjustable (I like how it's straps and not a lock mechanism where you only have 3 recline options)
-imo, it has enough storage pockets and the basket is large enough. This is a jogging stroller and I wouldn't want a huge basket. I'm running, not going shopping with this.
-accessories are also very good quality. I like that the car seat adapter is also metal and when the car seat is on, it is tight and solid. Many other strollers out there also have car seats that snap it, but they always shook and it made me nervous!
-definitely the BEST jogging stroller out there. Not the best day-to-day stroller, but if you are a runner, this is IT.
CONS
-Price = it's probably the priciest jogger out there. I've found that if you are patient and wait for a sale either on Amazon or another retailer like albeebaby.com, you can usually knock off 15-20% of the retail price. It also helps to buy it online as they may not charge you tax depending on where you're having it shipped (which can be another saving of 5-8%!) As much as I mulled over the price before I got the stroller, I have to admit now that I'm willing to pay even twice that for the BOB! It beats having a gym membership (and ha, who would watch the baby?)
-Size = even when it's folded, it's still a BIG stroller. If you have a small, compact car, forget it, you're not getting it in. Even with a mid-sized car it takes up the majority of the trunk. I definitely would not take the BOB for travel, and I only use mine from home.
-Heavier than some other joggers = part of the reason is that the materials they use are denser and probably better (ie, BOB uses metal where others might use plastic parts).
-Accessories not included = which means more $$ and annoying. Even for a weather shield, cup holder, etc, it's all extra, and it's not cheap. Most of the accessories are not compatible between the single and dualie BOBs which is annoying, and it means you'll have to repurchase all the accessories if you upgrade to a dualie.
-Front swivel = check it after purchase! I realized later it doesn't lock straight on mine and I've tried adjusting it. I should have sent it back in the beginning to get it fixed, but it's been too long now (and it's really not a big deal, I'm pretty comfortable pushing it with the swivel on)
-Will squeak after prolonged use = I noticed that the main hinge/piston area does tend to get squeaky after a few months, but it can be easily fixed with a spray of WD-40 (obviously, air it out well afterwards before putting the baby in!)
-Material is not waterproof = for the price, I thought it would be. One day we got caught in the rain without the weather shield, and I am disappointed to report that the rain dripped through the canopy.
****SOME TIPS in using BOB. This is just my advice so take it with a grain of salt:
BOB recommends using the adapter and only walk for the first 8 weeks, to only walk from 8wks to 8months without the adapter, and to jog after 8 months. Of course they say this to prevent accidents and lawsuits, but any mom trying to lose pregnancy weight is not going to sit around on her butt or only walk for the next 8months. I was walking after a few days and gradually increased the distance and pace, and I was jogging after 2 weeks with the car seat adapter. I actually kept the baby in the car seat until 16wks as it was wintertime and he seemed more snug in the car seat than in the stroller. My baby was pretty big from birth (by 2wks, he was more than 10lbs) and the terrain I jogged was very flat and familiar. Use your own common sense...if your baby is preemie, or if you usually don't jog so you don't know every turn in the road, or if the road is bumpy...then wait a few more weeks/months. But if you have a healthy baby and you're a normal jogger who knows her jogging route in her sleep...then go for it! My baby actually sleeps the entire time when I run...sometimes if I stop to walk he wakes up and starts crying!
If you want a weather shield for the car seat adapter, I'd get the Jeep System Weather Shield, it actually fits over the entire carseat +Bob perfectly: http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Travel-System-Weather-Shield/dp/B001CUPT3K/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1337724645&sr=1-4
****I also went to BRU on several occasions and compared the BOB to other joggers:
-Phil&Teds = was the main contender for me. Optically it looks more compact and the main pro is the ability to add a second seat. However, it definitely did not push or turn as well as the BOB, and in the end that mattered the most to me. P&T may work better as a day-to-day stroller if you have two kids, but it's not a jogger.
-Baby Jogger City Mini = more of a day-to-day stroller. Cheaper than the BOB but still good quality, but the wheels were smaller and it just didn't push as well.
-Jeep Jogger = is designed for jogging, but it is poorly constructed and the materials are inferior. Definitely a lot cheaper, but for a reason
-Baby Trend Expedition = also a cheap stroller for a reason. Convenient because the travel systems come with the car seat, but it just doesn't seem sturdy. The car seat clips into the plastic cup holders but the car seat will still wobble!
Honest reviews on BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller
I found this on a blog site. best review, I've seen:We've had our BOB stroller for over a year now, and it normally lives in our garage completely set up and ready to go for walks/jogs (I mainly use our Maclaren Triumph umbrella stroller these days for anything away from home), but the other day I had to travel with it for the first time in a few months because I took Little C to a discovery park.
I realized, that while I do love this stroller and would buy it again in a heartbeat, there are a few things I absolutely hate about this stroller too and thought I'd share if any one was interested in getting it forewarned is forearmed, right? So here's my personal review...
PROS:
1. Very heavy duty...park paths, grass, cement, asphalt, the mall, it effortlessly goes from one surface to another.
2. Handles like a dream...can push and even turn this stroller with two fingers, somthing very important when you are jogging...you want to get tired of running before you get tired of pushing :)
3. Turns on a dime...can completely do a 360 in a very tight space...perfect for navigating tight aisles and around clothing racks in the shopping mall.
3. Canvas construction makes it sturdy, durable and yet relatively lightweight.
4. With the purchase of an infant car seat adapter you can use it with your child's infant seat.
5. Does triple duty as an infant travel system, stroller for an older child and jogger, and therefore is a good investment and worth the heafty price tag in my opinion.
6. AMAZING sun shade / rain canopy...I haven't seen anything that compares. Nothing makes you feel worse as a mom than when you've got bright sun or rain beating down on your child and you are trying to get home as fast as you can, but in the mean time there's nothing you can do about it because the shade isn't adequate to block the angle of the rain or sun rays.
7. 5 point harness and adjustable reclining seat keep Little C riding in comfort and safety :)
8. It looks cool ok, I know this is a lame pro, but honestly, as new moms we pick diaper bags, car seats, and everything else with looks in mind, we would be kidding ourselves if looks didn't play a part in picking out a stroller too.
CONS:
1. It's heavy...takes me two hands to get it in and out of my car and even then, I've scratched the back of my car a couple times because I couldn't quite hoist it up in one move (shhh, don't tell Mr.C about the scratches!).
2. It has no 'locking' mechanism when it is folds. You have to thread and tie a Velcro strap to keep it secure once in the folded position.
3. It's big/bulky. The front tire is removable, but unless you plan to remove it and than reattach it every single time you get it in and out of your car, it's unlikely it will fit in the trunk of a sedan without folding a seat down. I have a Toyota Rav4, and I can get it in w/out folding a seat down, but I have to fold the armrest down so the front tire has a place to rest.
4. The basket in the bottom is tiny and if you have a large diaper bag that you want to put anywhere besides over your arm or on the handles, you have to wedge it in before you put your child in the stroller.
5. If you want a place to put drinks, you have to buy an attachment for the handle. I don't normally carry around a big gulp, but because we use this stroller primarily as our heavy duty stroller when we have it out, it's in use for long periods of time (trips to the zoo and such), and I find that more often than not, I have a drink or a water bottle I'm carrying around with no place to put it.
6. The infant car seat adapter is not included, you have to buy it separately and it's not compatible with our first choice of infant car seat the Chico Key Fit, it's only compatible with the Graco brand infant seats and I think the peg perego car seats.
7. When you have your infant seat in the stroller, it's very top heavy and tips easily if you hit a big bump or are on an incline. As a result, it's really not super safe to use this stroller as a jogger while your child is still in an infant seat.
8. You have to maintain the tires just like a bike. Mr. C and I are not cyclists, but this part isn't a big deal to us because, oddly enough, we do keep a bike pump handy in the garage, but if you don't then you are going to find yourself with a flat tire/flat tires eventually. When I was using our BOB for daily jogs (you know, before the temperatures started topping out in the triple digits), I had to air up the tires about once or twice a week to maintain optimum tire pressure. If you aren't as anal about stuff like that, and don't use your stroller for multi-mile walks/jogs daily, then you can probably get away with a monthly tire check, but I have several friends that have the BOB that didn't maintain their tire pressure and pulled their stroller out of the car only to realize they had a flat tire.
9. The snack tray isn't adjustable and sits WAY too high. The snack tray is an optional attachment that comes as part of the infant car seat adapter package (you hook the tray onto the same bar the infant seat sits on once you are no longer using that feature). Anyway, Little C will have to be about 13 before he will be able to easily reach snacks on this tray, so we just don't use it. It's not a big deal, but it's annoying that you are basically paying for a useless feature when you buy the adapter/snack tray package.
Wow so I realize I wrote more cons than pros, but I really do love this stroller and think it's a solid investment...just thought I'd be honest about some of the stuff that has been a little annoying over the past year!
Posted by It's ok to be average!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller
I read hundreds of reviews on the BOB Revolution before purchasing ours and now I am adding my review to help out if you're considering buying a BOB. We purchased the 2011 Revolution in black and we LOVE it! Purchasing the BOB is like buying a BMW or Mercedes it's the best! My husband and I are not necessarily runners, but we do a lot of power walking on trails, the track, and streets. The BOB also goes everywhere with us in the back of our Mitsubishi Montero Sport so that our baby can be comfortable where ever we are going.The BOB is more expensive, but it's worth every penny you pay!!! I knew that I did not want a travel system stroller because the wheels are not durable on those strollers. Those strollers are also not made for exercising. I can take my BOB to the mall and power walk for a while and then go into any store and the stroller will turn on a dime around merchandise racks and tight spaces.
Here are some great features:
1.) The canopy is HUGE and I love the look-through window to see your toddler! Our baby is not that big yet but with the car seat attached, the canopy will fold over the car seat and protect our infant from wind or sun.
2.) The BOB folds and unfolds so easily. With one flip the stroller is open and standing! It's fairly light and even I at 125 pounds can lift it into the back of the car.
3.) The new 2011 model has the belt that straps the stroller together when folding it down so that it doesn't come apart when you're lifting it into the car. I REALLY like that!!! I think that was one of the biggest complaints on the older model.
4.) For a jogging stroller, the basket underneath is still a good size. I've seen strollers with bigger baskets underneath, but they are travel system strollers that are meant only for going to the mall, etc, not for working out. I can fit the diaper bag and some purchases in the lower basket on the BOB. There is also the flat pocket on the back of the stroller that will hold flat purchases or things like diapers and wipes.
5.) The shocks and suspension on this stoller are amazing! It smooths the ride for our infant and when we roll over uneven pavement, rocks or branches you can hardly feel it.
6.) Lots of other little features like the parking brake at your foot, removable wheels, ultra padded handle bar, reclining seat, safety belt for the infant car seat and extra durable material.
The makers of the BOB throught of EVERYTHING! I know the $400-$500 price seems like a lot, but it will last forever. I didn't mind praying that price for a stroller that will give me all the freedom I need as a new mommy to get out there and tone back up from having a baby. Having such a high end stroller is motivation to me versus using a cheep one that I really hate how it pushes or how the baby rides. You will love using the BOB!
We also purchased the Infant Car Seat Adapter for our Graco Snugride 30 car seat and the Handlebar Console. Don't get the BOB without the console you are going to need it! When spending so much money for a stoller I wish the console came with it, but really, what's another $20 so that you can have drink holders and places to put sunglasses, phone and keys? I like having all those things up top at my fingertips.
The BOB Revolution is worth it! If you put the money out now for the best stroller, you won't have to put out more money later.
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