Jogging Stroller Advice

Bob's are great. Read up on these.

I have run with both a single baby jogger and double baby jogger. Both were bought by catalog from the original Baby Jogger company. I have the 20 inch wheels which are better for bumpier surfaces. The hand brake was important to me because it kept the baby jogger from pulling me down the down hills. I had better control. Also it is a safety feature when you have the jogger parked. I also reccomend getting the all weather shield and sun shield. With the all weather shield, I was able to run through the winter with my kids bundled up inside. I did most of my miles with one or two kids along for many years. A couple with the oldest along on her bike. Which ever one you go with, just make sure it is easy to minuever around things. We still take the single one along on trail hiking in case the 3 year old needs to rest during the hike. Happy running with your little training buddy!

Start looking on ebay.

We have 3 kids, but only ever had 1 kid in a stroller (they are each spaced 3+ years apart).

I've run with each kid and I'm currently running daily with my youngest 2 year old daughter.

I know you don't want to drop huge money on a stroller, but IMHO it is worth it, strollers, baby-carrier back packs, etc. all are worth the extra $$$.

My personal opinion is a dedicated jogging stroller for running and regular stroller for shopping. With each kid, we bought a new regular stroller for every day use (not the super expensive ones, but over $300, Peg Perego, McLaren, etc.)

But our jogger has been indestructible and stood up to a ton of abuse.

We also have an original Baby Jogger (long wheelbase) with the bigger wheels (~1999). At the time, they were really minimalist and simple. You can't shop with these things, they are really long and perfectly balanced, if you push down at all on the handle the front wheel pops up, perfect for running. But I remember they got a bad knock in Consumer Reports because they didn't have a foot/parking brake, only the hand brake.

Many of the newer models from all companies look pretty crappy to me with tons of plastic and extra junk (shock absorbers? parking brakes? short wheelbase, swiveling wheels, cupholders, etc.) -- they are trying to be all things for all people.

I don't understand the hand brake question, why would you want to use the hand brake while running? A light jogger (like our original baby jogger) doesn't pull me when running downhills. I hold it one handed and keep it positioned right in front of me. My bigger concern is accidentally letting go when going downhill and that's why there is a safety wrist strap.

With the original Baby jogger the hand brake was the only brake and you locked it (it was just a bike hand brake) by squeezing in and pushing a button on the brake lever). I've never used the brake any other time, walking, running, strolling, etc. The stroller is so light and easy to roll with big wheels, it just slows down or speeds up with you.

When we bought our BabyJogger, they were made in the USA and carried a lifetime warranty. Not sure if that is stil the case. It looks like the BabyJogger Performance Single is the closest looking to the old models.

I say the BOB Ironman for pure running. If you're hoping to use it for some other activities, the BOB Revolution might be better. It has a smaller fron wheel that you can unlock so it pivots.

My thoughts--A hand brake is good if you will run anywhere the slightest bit hilly. You should get a swivel front wheel. My twin stroller has a fixed front wheel which makes it a little difficult to turn, especially since my kids now total almost 80 lbs. In fact, if you're interested in a used one, with a brake and a fixed front wheel, make me an offer. Jogging strollers aren't meant for shopping. Weight shouldn't be that important unless you or your wife are planning on loading/unloading it into the car a bunch.

I've been using the BOB Revolution for about 4 months with my 18-month old. It has a lockable swivel front wheel and no hand break. I love it.

It's easy to manuever and doesn't take a lot of effort to push - even up hill. It also does fairly well on uneven surfaces like crushed stone and gravel trails. It folds fairly easily and I can get it in and out of the car without a hassel. We try to not use it for everday use, but there have been times when we forgot to switch what was in the car and it did fine in the Supermarket or mall.

I would defintely get the weather shield. My little one didn't like it at first, but she got used to it pretty quick.

I agree with the previous poster about price as far as the jogger and backpack carriers go - spend a little move if it means durability and better comfort for you and the little one.

I may be slow but I am seriously trying to run fast so keep your baby stroller out of races. Don't insult me by beating me while you baby sit.