Thursday, July 12, 2012

Baby Jogger City Elite Single Stroller Review


 

Product Features

Color: Green Sport
  • Patented quick-fold technology-allows you to fold your stroller in one simple step
  • 12" forever-air quick-release tires with front wheel suspension and lockable swivel front wheel for all-terrain strolling
  • Patented universal accessory mounting bracket ? accessorize your stroller with ease
  • Multi-position sun canopy with clear view windows and side ventilation panels that secure with magnets
  • Plush padded seat reclines to a near flat position with a vented seat top and retractable weather cover, raised kicker accommodates smaller children and provides easy access to the under seat basket

Product Description

Color: Green Sport

From the Manufacturer

The city elite offers modern luxury and comfort over any terrain. Your little ones will ride in style while enjoying the plush seating, raised kicker and vented seat recline.

Product Description

Baby Jogger City Elite single jogging Stroller is fashionable with great features that can be customized for newborns and up A combination of class and comfort the City Elite offers great ventilation and a smooth ride for your child It offer lots of storage and a locking swivel wheel The new Baby Jogger City Elite single jogging Stroller is lighter this will make carry in and out of closet or car much easier 
 
 Most Helpful Customer Reviews
 I used the City Mini for 18 months then decided to upgrade to the Elite...
The City Mini is like a tight little sports car, small compact, tight steering but you can feel every bump on the ground so best suited for indoor use or perfectly paved surfaces. The Elite is like a big Cadillac with a soft gentle ride, but definitely not as easy to maneuver in very tight quarters. It's only 2 inches wider than the Mini but the back wheels have little caps that stick out an additional inch and tend catch on things. So while I can fit in doorways easily, I definitely feel like I need to be more aware of the footprint. With the Mini, I never thought about fitting into spaces and with the Elite I find I am much more careful about "fitting".

What I do love about the Elite are the large 12 inch wheels. We live in a city with lots of brick and cobblestone streets/walkways. I was concerned that I might need to go up to the 16 inch wheels offered by Bob Revolution or the BabyJogger Summit, but the 12 inch wheels handle these rough terrain perfectly. While the Mini was more compact, it was hard maneuvering over the big tree roots growing out of the sidewalks. The Elite pushes so easily over the big bumps that the narrow walkways are no problem at all. I even pushed the stroller around on uncut grass and it maneuvered smoothly. So if you're concerned about 12 inch vs 16 inch wheels, go for the 12 inch to save space unless you plan on serious off-roading or long distance running.

I also called BJ about some of the specifications because several websites indicated the newer 2010 model with forever tires was 12% lighter. That is NOT the case at all. The older models with air filled tires are nearly 2 lbs lighter. So if you're really worried about weight, consider getting the older model. Also, the footprint of the stroller is the same width between 2010 and older models...the extra width is due to the handbrake only. The basket on 2010 model is larger. The royal blue, stone and all black are no longer offered in 2010. Everything else is the same.

Some other strollers that I considered were:
Bob Revolution---didn't choose because back height much shorter and I felt my regular sized toddler would outgrow within a year. Plus the seat did not sit upright fully and I felt my toddler was very slouchy in the seat. There was no bumper bar offered that she could hold onto and sit up. Plus no option for additional seat for second child.
UppaBaby Vista---ride definitely not as smooth. Very hard suspension despite large tires. Basically the ride was like the City Mini so for the huge price tag, not worth it for me.
BJ Summit--I seriously considered this stroller for its off road capabilities but honestly the Elite is perfect for our outdoor use and it's smaller and lighter. No need for the Summit unless you are a serious runner.
Bumbleride Indie---weight limit only 45 lbs vs 75lbs for the Elite, plus no opportunity to add another seat for second child.
Phil and Teds---terrible canopy and some issues with quality.

Overall, I love the City Elite. The only reason for 4 stars is that it is a little wide and I wish the wheels didn't have those silly caps that stick out. Also, great ride but when going backwards to forwards there is always a small catch as the front wheel has to turn 180 degrees. Lastly, I didn't think it would be such a big deal, but the adjustable handle bar is one of my favorite features. I'm short and I find it much much much easier to push the stroller when I have full control of how high the handle is. Didn't realize how much wrist and arm strain I had until I actually had the opportunity to control the height. Really I'd give this stroller 4.75 stars. 
 
 Buy Baby Jogger City Elite Single Stroller

 
 
 
Baby Jogger City Elite Single Stroller, Green Sport