Stroller Info

Baby Jogger City Classic Single Stroller 2008 - Review

Baby Jogger City Classic Single Stroller:  Known for its patented Quick-Fold technology, the Baby Jogger City Series attempts to incorporate active urban walking with easy car storage and mobility.  In theory, the Quick-Fold system is a great feature: easily lift the folding strap to allow the stroller to collapse on itself and place in the car with one hand (as seen in this video).  There are some logistical problems with this folding system: when the stroller is folded, the seat is completely exposed.  If it is raining outside and you are placing the stroller in the car, it will get wet.  If you place the stroller in a not-so-clean trunk or storage space, the seat will be directly exposed.  It is also not as easy to lift a 21 pound stroller with a small strap.  The weight of the entire stroller is transferred to the small carrying handle - transferring the weight directly to your hand and possibly crunching your four fingers - very uncomfortable.  As we usually recommend, always try and pick up a stroller using the frame structure if you can.  The weight is distributed more evenly and the stroller will feel lighter and more balanced - you will not be fighting the stroller to get it in your car.  Something else to think about - are you really going to be constantly folding the stroller and placing it in your car, or are you going to have a second, lighter durable stroller (see Maclaren Volo, Quest, and Triumph for durable, light travel and car strollers) to use in and out of your car for quick trips and travel?  Either way, a stroller's fold is important - surely - but a stroller's frame composition, durability, and strolling function is more important.

 

INNOVATIONS

The Baby Jogger City Classic Single Stroller is lighter and more durable than most of its competitors.  It does offer adjustable hood coverage, recline suitable for a newborn, pneumatic (air-filled) tires to absorb the shock and friction of rough terrain, and a quick folding system (though is not as logical as it seems - see above).  The innovations included are not as functional as they appear - the recline system is controlled by a string and plastic buckle, similar to the tightening system in a winter jacket's hood.  Anytime this pieces breaks or the buckle's tension system fails, it can be replaced but may cause much frustration.  There is also a significant amount of plastic on the stroller's frame (which reduces the stroller's overall weight) that may cause problems in the long run.  Anytime plastic fractures or breaks due to handling, heat and cold or storage and travel, the stroller is unusable.  A stroller's composition on a basic level should always be noted when thinking about any stroller.  The Baby Jogger City Classic Single Stroller has much more exposed plastic than most of its direct competitors (BOB Revolution, Mountain Buggy Urban Single, Phil & Ted's SPort).  The Baby Jogger is also missing a very important feature: a functional suspension system.  The only suspension absorption built into the stroller is through the pneumatic tires.  A better suspension system would make the stroller easier to push (as a suspension system absorbs the tension of a turn), and make it a smoother ride for your child.   The Baby Jogger City Classic Single stroller does have one great feature: a venting system built into the hood and the seat, cooling your child in the heat while proper shade is utilized. 

FEATURES

• Patented Quick-Fold technology making the fold easier (see above).
• Large, adjustable hood with ventilation system and peek hole.
• Swivel front wheel that can be locked easily for light jogging (Note: this stroller is not a technical jogger.  It is suitable for very slow jogging/fast walking) or maneuvering over rough terrain.
• Quick-release rear wheels can be detached for storage or travel.
• Padded, ventilated seat reclines enough for newborn.
• Tilting, adjustable handle.
• Included storage areas on seat back and under seat.
• Rear parking brake.
• Reflective accents on stroller's fabric.

COMPATIBILITY:  The Baby Jogger City Classic is adaptable with the following infant carriers with additional Infant Car Seat Adapter (sold separately):

• Graco Snugride
• Graco Safe Seat (Step 1)
• Most Evenflo car seats
• Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP
• Britax Companion
• Maxi Cosi Mico

ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES:  Baby Jogger brand specific and sold separately:

• Bug Canopy
• Rain/Wind Canopy
• Food Muff
• Child Tray
• Bassinet
• Belly Bar
• Belly Bar Console
• Liquid Holster
• Soft Pram
• Tire Pump
• Infant Car Seat Adapter

SPECIFICATIONS

• Weight:  21 lbs
• Capacity:  75 lbs (Please note: most stroller companies include both child and storage weight restrictions when calculating total weight capacity)

DIMENSIONS

• Open:  47.5" L x 24.75" W x 32" - 48" H
• Folded:  32"L x 24.75" W x 17" H

THE PRICE:  $399.99

AVAILABLE COLORS

• Black / Silver
• Navy / Silver
• Red / Silver

ALSO CONSIDER

• BOB Revolution
• BOB Revolution 12" AW
• Mountain Buggy Urban Single

Something we missed?  Want a side-by-side comparison?  Email us!  strollerinfo@gmail.com

Baby Jogger City Mini Single 2008

The Baby Jogger City Mini Single: becoming more popular in cities and suburbs as an easy to fold stroller for quick shopping trips and travel.   Like all of the Baby Jogger strollers, the City Mini uses a one-handed folding system making it easier to fold and stow while holding a child.

There are some logistical problems with this folding system: when the stroller is folded, the seat is completely exposed.  If it is raining outside and you are placing the stroller in the car, it will get wet.  If you place the stroller in a not-so-clean trunk or storage space, the seat will be directly exposed.  It is also not as easy to lift a 16.8 pound stroller with a small strap.  The weight of the entire stroller is transferred to the small carrying handle - transferring the weight directly to your hand and possibly crunching your four fingers - very uncomfortable.  As we usually recommend, always try and pick up a stroller using the frame structure if you can.  The weight is distributed more evenly and the stroller will feel lighter and more balanced - you will not be fighting the stroller to get it in your car.

The wheels are also large in size: 8" plastic wheels instead of 5"-7" wheels found on most umbrella-like strollers.

Though the City Mini is becoming more popular, the stroller still weighs a heavy 16.8 lbs, far more than the Maclaren Volo (8.6 lbs.), Maclaren Triumph (11 lbs.) and Maclaren Quest (12.2 lbs.).  The weight capacity in the seat is only 33 lbs, far less than all of its competitors (typically between 40-70 lbs.).  The wheels are larger, so the ride tends to be a little more smooth (as more of the wheel is touching the ground enabling a smoother glide over bumps and cracks), but they add weight and are still a spoked plastic that can crack in extreme conditions.  The stroller also folds in half for storage, unlike traditional umbrella strollers, so tends to take up a little more room in your car. 

The City Mini does have a great recline for younger children, offering the opportunity to use the stroller when your child is newly born, which is a great plus.  The canopy also has great coverage, which has been a main complaint of the Maclaren models.  This stroller is adaptable for infant car seats, which is very convenient (adapter sold separately).  Baby Jogger strollers tends to last longer than the cheaper equivalents in terms of frame durability, but they use far more plastics than Maclaren and less aluminum: giving the stroller extra weight and less durability.

This stroller seems to exist somewhere between lightweight umbrella stroller (something only used for quick trips and travel), and deluxe umbrella stroller (used as a primary stroller for suburban parents that need something reliable and convenient for mostly indoor, minimal outdoor use). 

FEATURES:

• Uses Baby Jogger's Quick-Fold Technology
• Nicely vented seat with padded 5-point safety harness
• Seat reclines to near flat position for infants
• Slight suspension on the front wheel
• Quick release, 8" rear wheels enables easy storage
• Large, adjustable sun canopy with peek hole
• Rear wheel parking brake
• Seat back storage pouch and underseat storage basket included
• Adaptable to infant car seats (adapter sold separately) and other attachable accessories
• Weather shield included

COMPATIBILITY:  The Baby Jogger City Mini is compatible with the following infant car seats (individual adapters sold separately):

• Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
• Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 30/30
• Graco Snugride
• Britax Companion
• Evenflo (most infant car seat models)

ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES: Baby Jogger brand specific and sold separately:

• Bug Canopy
• Rain/Wind Canopy (Included)
• Foot muff
• Child Tray
• Liquid Holster
• Parent Console
• Belly Bar
• Belly Bar Console
• Car Seat Adapter (see above)

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Weight: 16.8 lbs.
• Capacity: 33 lbs. (seat), 17 lbs. (storage)

DIMENSIONS:

• Open: 42" L x 24" W x 29.5" H
• Closed: 30.5" x 24.25" x 9"
• Seat Width: 10.5"
• Seat Height: 20"

THE PRICE:  $229.99 [PRICE INCREASED JUNE08; ORIGINAL PRICE $199.99]

AVAILABLE COLORS:

• Blue / Grey
• Black / Black
• Green / Grey
• Orange / Grey
• Red / Black

ALSO CONSIDER:

• Maclaren Quest
• Maclaren Triumph
• Maclaren Techno XT
• Inglesina Zippy
• Bugaboo Bee

Something we missed?  Want to see a specific stroller reviewed?  Email us: strollerinfo@gmail.com