My first stop was Babies –R-Us, where I found three-wheeled strollers whose tags warned that they are not recommended for running. Huh? Of course, if you look closely, you would not take your child running in one of these contraptions, as they are the equivalent to pulling on your Nike Retro’s for a 10k (sure dad looked cool running in them with his sweatband and knee socks back in the day, but even he has now shaved the Tom Selleck stache and runs in his Triax). Much like Nike, stroller manufacturers have realized that most parents are not running 10k’s, so they produce three-wheeled strollers with rubber tires that look sporty and do nothing more than give children a more comfortable ride around the block, the importance of which I cannot over-stress.
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2011 BOB Ironman has added cushion. |
At home on the internet, the skies opened and heavens (Google) shone down upon the most important word in a running parent’s vocabulary: BOB. I would buy anything from this company, if only because BOB is actually an acronym for “Beast of Burden,” which for a woman who cannot carry a purse because they are too bulky, summed up my thoughts on learning that a 23 pound stroller is deemed “light.” Yes, BOB also makes the duallie (if you can seriously run with one of these monsters, you are a beast and I will yield to you on the road out of pure respect), but theirs will withstand some serious use and, with shocks, provide needed cushion.
At home on the internet, the skies opened and heavens (Google) shone down upon the most important word in a running parent’s vocabulary: BOB. I would buy anything from this company, if only because BOB is actually an acronym for “Beast of Burden,” which for a woman who cannot carry a purse because they are too bulky, summed up my thoughts on learning that a 23 pound stroller is deemed “light.” Yes, BOB also makes the duallie (if you can seriously run with one of these monsters, you are a beast and I will yield to you on the road out of pure respect), but theirs will withstand some serious use and, with shocks, provide needed cushion.
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BOB Sport Utility Single Stroller |
We chose the Ironman
(MSRP $409), as it is endorsed by the Ironman, which is a level of physical fitness to which I can only aspire (perspire?) and is 100% made for running with a lighter, more rigid frame and semi-slick tires. BOB makes an off-road version (Sport Utility Stroller MSRP $379) that differs from the Ironman with its high-impact polymer composite wheels and wider, treaded tires to allow better traction and more durability, but I am not sure that I want to give my husband that much freedom. The tires and wheels, combined with a stronger frame made of chromoly, a high carbon steel, and aluminum vs the aluminum alloy frame and wheels of the Ironman, add three pounds to the sport-utility stroller over the Ironman’s twenty-three pounds. Both models have the fixed front tire which is only for the hard-core parents who can reach speeds (my husband has held consistent six minute miles, never doubting the security of our son) or seek terrains where they need added stability, as it does diminish the practicality of the stroller for more mundane outings (more one that later).
We did consider the Revolution SE
(MSRP $449), as it has the same adjustable shocks and travel as the Ironman but the front wheel can turn, which makes the stroller practical for running errands, or lock out for running. The difference is that the rear wheels are wider and front smaller, so even locked out, it is not ready for the speed of the Ironman.
(MSRP $409), as it is endorsed by the Ironman, which is a level of physical fitness to which I can only aspire (perspire?) and is 100% made for running with a lighter, more rigid frame and semi-slick tires. BOB makes an off-road version (Sport Utility Stroller MSRP $379) that differs from the Ironman with its high-impact polymer composite wheels and wider, treaded tires to allow better traction and more durability, but I am not sure that I want to give my husband that much freedom. The tires and wheels, combined with a stronger frame made of chromoly, a high carbon steel, and aluminum vs the aluminum alloy frame and wheels of the Ironman, add three pounds to the sport-utility stroller over the Ironman’s twenty-three pounds. Both models have the fixed front tire which is only for the hard-core parents who can reach speeds (my husband has held consistent six minute miles, never doubting the security of our son) or seek terrains where they need added stability, as it does diminish the practicality of the stroller for more mundane outings (more one that later). We did consider the Revolution SE
(MSRP $449), as it has the same adjustable shocks and travel as the Ironman but the front wheel can turn, which makes the stroller practical for running errands, or lock out for running. The difference is that the rear wheels are wider and front smaller, so even locked out, it is not ready for the speed of the Ironman.
BOB’s are not small and will take up considerable trunk space; with the front wheel left on, they measure 41.5inches long and 18 inches high and with the wheel removed 35 long and 13.5 high. They are easy to collapse, in two quick steps, and the wheels come on and off much like those of a bike, so removing them for travel is not an issue.
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| Revolution with infant car seat adapter |
A BOB is not cheap, so to justify the investment in my thrifty mind, first, I shopped around. Of course, there is always Amazon or a used model on e-bay, but being REI members, we took advantage of a 20% off weekend and got a good deal with the liberal return policy of REI (if you are planning ahead, REI has scratch and dent sales for their members that produce some amazing deals.). Next, I registered for the BOB car seat adapter 
that will allow select, though popular, infant car seats to clip into the stroller, so that the stroller can be used sooner and safer and not mandate the purchase of another stroller just for early use with the carrier. The adapter takes a little work to install but is completely worth it. It also makes a great registry item. The only other BOB accessory that we have used or needed was the Warm Fuzzy
(MSRP $49), as there is more than ample storage for cups, keys, etc. built into the stroller, making other accessories only added weight.
My only stupid and costly mistake was to think that we would need an additional "umbrella stroller." We never used it. Our son was comfortable in the BOB and hated the umbrella. It is not hard to navigate even with the fixed wheel, and you get better with practice. When we travel, airlines have never flinched when we gate check the stroller.
that will allow select, though popular, infant car seats to clip into the stroller, so that the stroller can be used sooner and safer and not mandate the purchase of another stroller just for early use with the carrier. The adapter takes a little work to install but is completely worth it. It also makes a great registry item. The only other BOB accessory that we have used or needed was the Warm Fuzzy(MSRP $49), as there is more than ample storage for cups, keys, etc. built into the stroller, making other accessories only added weight.My only stupid and costly mistake was to think that we would need an additional "umbrella stroller." We never used it. Our son was comfortable in the BOB and hated the umbrella. It is not hard to navigate even with the fixed wheel, and you get better with practice. When we travel, airlines have never flinched when we gate check the stroller.
After five years, 5,000 miles....and our story being published by BOB, my son still climbs into his stroller weekly. We replaced the tires around 5,000 miles, but the stroller, though dirty, appears that it could legitimately last until my son hits the weight limit of 70 pounds, though I will have retired from running him up hills long before. And I am not the only one who is a fan of her BOB; Consumer Search ranks the Ironman as the best jogging stroller and gave high marks to the Revolution. Amazon buyers give the Ironman and Sports Utility Stroller five stars, but my research could have started by looking out my window at the neighborhood moms who all push their BOB’s, but as a runner, I could not trust anyone content to walk.
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| Chariot Cougar with Jogging Kit |
Honorable Mention: One of my links is to Chariot Carriers (now Thule), who is predominantly known for their amazing bike trailers, though they also make jogging kits (Amazon $95) that convert their trailers (Amazon $535) into joggers (you do the math), but if you are a multi-sport athlete, this may be an economical answer, as Chariot also makes kits for skiing and hiking and all receive comments about smooth rides and comfortable kids. The Chariot will not be an option for running with a very young child, as though they have an insert (Baby Bivy for children between 6 and 18lbs ($66) or Infant Sling $75), it is only recommended for use with a strolling kit. We bought our stroller when my son was eighteen months and even being of average height and weight, we still had to compensate for the straps to securely fit and he was not happy for as long as in his BOB.
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