We have not used this as a bike trailer yet, so I will update my review once we do. But I cannot say enough good things about this model as a stroller.
I saw this stroller at a garage sale (it wasn't for sale) three years ago, and have wanted it ever since. But at that time it was discontinued, so I have literally been waiting three years for this stroller. So my expectations were pretty high.
First off, it handles like a dream. It rotates and turns sooo smoothly, and we walk and jog comfortably with it - there is no need for an additional or jogger wheel. The bench seat is very comfortable for the kids. It is a fully padded bench seat, not a sling. I will recommend if using it for an infant, buying an infant insert since it is just a bench with no sides or support. The first time I put my 10MO son in it he kept sliding down, and didn't seem comfortable at all. I bought a Burley insert that matches perfectly and now he loves riding. And just for perspective, my 10MO is big for his age (21lbs) and able to sit-up just fine. Also, I have not yet had to move him to the middle seat when jogging with him by himself. The stroller handles perfectly with him on one side (which is nice because moving the infant insert would be a pain). And there is plenty of room to carry him and his 5YO sister together. When we first got the stroller I was a little worried I would still need our single jogger if they both weren't riding, but the stroller rides so smoothly, and handles so well, I actually prefer it over our single jogger even though it's bigger. And again, for perspective, I am 5'4" and have no issues pushing it. My husband is 6'5" and also loves it - although he definitely puts the handlebar on the highest setting.
In previous models they mentioned there was a mesh screen behind the top of the seat - there it not in this model. Also, previous reviews complained that the wheel vibrated profusely at high speeds. They must have changed the design of the wheel because in an effort to be proactive about the vibrating, I took the wheel apart per another reviewer's suggestion, and this wheel design was completely different. So no need to bother with that adjustment. I also think they may have decreased the size of the storage bag in the back, as it does not seem as big as previous reviewers have stated. However, there is plenty of room on the floor of the stroller if you want to carry a diaper bag or cooler. The parent tray is made of nylon (I think) and buttons on, but we've had no issues with it falling off.
The only cons of the stroller are that it's too big to fit through a single door (otherwise I would take it everywhere), and that I wish the straps had clips attaching them to the seat vs the threading adjusters. If I ever do have to move the infant insert, it will be a pain to rethread the straps.
Like I said we have not used it as a bike trailer yet, but I can tell it's going to be a breeze to set-up, as you literally just push a button to disconnect the wheel and twist and lock the tow bar in place.
Everything on this stroller looks and feels high quality. Not only does it have an attractive design, but all of the materials are sturdy and well made. I have seem the higher end competitor models and would pick this one over them every time. Now granted we live in the south, and I'm not using this off-road or in the backwoods. So I can't speak to how well it would hold up in those situations. But for everyday jogging/walking it's great, and I am pretty sure we are going to love it as a trailer as well.
APRIL 2016 UPDATE: We've used this as a bike trailer several times, and I still give it glowing views. Converting it from a stroller to bike trailer literally takes less than a minute. There is plenty of room for my almost 6YO and 1YO to ride comfortably. Granted we are not biking at high speeds, some people have stated it drags the bike down at high speeds. It is a load for my husband to pull 65lbs of kiddos plus the trailer up a hill, but we had the same issue with our old trailer with just our daughter in it.
The only negatives on this stroller are the fact that it doesn't fit through a standard door, and I wish it had a little more sun cover on the top. To remedy that I bought a yard of gray wicking fabric and fashioned my own shade that I can adjust over the front. And even though it doesn't fit through a door, it takes less than 30 seconds to collapse and take the wheels off, if you want to throw it in the back of your vehicle.
Three months later I am still in love with this trailer/jogger!
| Brand Name | Schwinn |
|---|---|
| Style | Joyrider |
