Jogging Stroller: Baby Trend vs BOB

aliska

So, I'm a runner.  I'm still running twice a week at 24 weeks, have run a marathon, and am going to run a 1/2 marathon to lose the baby weight.  I'm looking for a stroller that can handle high miles...I'm also not made of money.  Clearly BOBs are really nice for running, but they are over $400.  The lady at BRU recommended the Baby Trend Expedition LX.  I've heard bad reviews from actual runners about this stroller (wobbly wheel that may or may not fall off).  She said that was because they didn't tighten the front wheel frequently (how much is frequently).  Any runners our there who have used Baby Trend?  It would be nice to save the money, but if it can't handle actual running, I'm not saving anything.

bluerevolution9

I am also looking at Joggers, not because I am a runner (Im not) but I live in a city and I was something super maneuverable and lightweight.  I have been reading lots of reviews and really like what people what to say about the city mini.  Have you looked at that one?

TanyaKM

If you are actually going to use the stroller for running, I would absolutely get the BOB. It is well worth the investment. I'm a big runner and I listened to my running friends who tried to save money by getting a cheaper stroller -- don't do it! They aren't as durable, they wobble while running, wheels fall off... I heard all sorts of issues from friends who tried to go the cheaper route and then ended up buying the BOB in the end anyway.

If you weren't going to use it for running I would say you could get away with it, but I plan to put some serious mileage on this stroller, so I went with the BOB. 

KariChadDora

I don't have any personal, first-hand experience with the Baby Trend but all I have ever heard from anybody is rave reviews about the Bob.  I have a Bob and I love, love, love it.  This past summer/fall I trained with a group of mamas for a half-marathon, all of us had Bobs but one woman who had a Trend and she HATED it.  She ended up borrowing a friends Bob for the remainder of our training season and said hands down, there was no comparison.

If you can swing the Bob financially I say go for it.  We actually bought ours used on Craigslist for about $200, which is still a fair amount, but it was only a year old and in great condition.  I stalked CL for months until I found the right deal.  We didn't buy it until after out little guy was born, about 3 months old or so. You aren't going to be running the first few months probably anyhow so you have time to search for a good deal. I am pretty sure I could turn around now, almost 2 years later and sell it for $150 still, they hold their value well.  And personally, I would make sure you get one with the front-wheel that swivels, I never, ever lock my front wheel into place and have done lots of 5 milers with it that way and it's plenty stable. All jogging strollers are cumbersome to maneuver around corners if you have to constantly lift the front wheel to turn it.  

marriedtoeric

TanyaKM:

If you are actually going to use the stroller for running, I would absolutely get the BOB. It is well worth the investment. I'm a big runner and I listened to my running friends who tried to save money by getting a cheaper stroller -- don't do it! They aren't as durable, they wobble while running, wheels fall off... I heard all sorts of issues from friends who tried to go the cheaper route and then ended up buying the BOB in the end anyway.

If you weren't going to use it for running I would say you could get away with it, but I plan to put some serious mileage on this stroller, so I went with the BOB. 

All of this.  My boss is a runner, and said the greatest "kid-related" invention for runners are inflatable wheels (i.e. tires that mimic bike tires, come with a pump, etc).  He said they had a cheaper stroller the first few months, but he tried out a friend's BOB and was forever converted.

aliska

Thanks everyone!  I'm going to put the BOB on the registry, and see what happens.  If no one is crazy enough to buy it, then I'll start saving up and looking on Craigslist.  I wouldn't actually "need" it for another year since LO won't be 6 months until January...and I live in Wisconsin...too cold for baby.  Thanks again!!