Bugaboo stroller anyone?

OCW2010

Is anyone considering a Bugaboo? Particularly, the Cameleon?  Or one of the others?  If so, what other strollers are you also considering, and why?  And why are you picking the Bugaboo?

 I just want to know if the price is justified.

THanks! 

VeilSdeGTO

We were considering the Cameleon. It was my top choice because it was such a smooth ride, came with the bassinet, and had some of the other features we were looking for. However, the price is what made us hesitate.

Then DH saw the Teutonia T-Linx and we ended up going with that. The ride is not as smooth, but pretty comparable. It was also easier to fold and unfold, a little lighter, and switching the seats were easier.

It doesn't come with a bassinet, but it does come with a car seat! Plus, it was 300 less.

It's still in the box but we're happy with our choice.

MrsEmilyS

We have the Cameleon but we haven't used it yet.  It was my dream stroller given the smooth ride, adjustable handle (there is a foot height difference btw DH and I), ability to use with a carseat or not, and overall quality.  We wouldn't have gotten it if the in laws hadn't offered it as a gift.

Temp123197812503460

we got the new bugaboo twin stroller.

i wanted something that would handle the snow, where you can use 2 bassinets, with seats that can face the parents or away, and a side by side not tandem.  the bugaboo was the only one that fit all of these. 

DiademChi

I'm planning on getting the Bee (lighter weight and can pretty much do everything the Cameleon can do).  Search the bump for "bugaboo" and there are several old archived threads of parents glowing about theirs.  Reviews on Amazon are top notch, too.  I know it is pricey, but everyone seems to say it is more than worth it.

Quality usually is.

So I'm saving up. 

dragon_chica

We have the older Bee for DD and love it.  The sun canopy is huge, the ride is smooth, it's light, and when using the seat you can have it facing you or outward.  We weren't too big on the other Bugaboos with the bassinets since we didn't like the idea of having to take DD out of her infant seat (while possibly disturbing her if she was asleep) and putting her in the bassinet and then taking her back out and into the infant seat.  Also, from what I remember you have to remove the bassinet and then collapse the frame before putting it in the car.  That was an extra step I didn't want to deal with.  The new Bee has some new modifications that we like and don't like.  The sun canopy is a lot smaller (don't like) and the side flaps are shorter (we like.)  This time around we decided on the Britax B-Ready for our double stroller and plan on selling our Bee.  Oh, and we bought our Bee used.  It was only a year old and they threw in the rain guard and sun shade.  The whole thing cost us $350.

OCW2010

Thanks a lot everyone!  I'll keep Bugaboo on our list.  I really want to get into a store to see the options in person.  That seems to be hard to find though.

BostonGayGal

I have an old frog that I love (bought for $200 of CL). I have loaned it out to two friends and it still looks newer than new. It is large though. That will stay at my parents' house for long walks.

Because I hope to be giving birth in January, we don't need the bassinet since there won't be a ton of walks for the first few months and because I hope to wear her when she is not yet super-heavy.

The tiny size of the bee is incredibly appealing. The wheel base is even smaller than the Uppababy and I still prefer it to the Uppababy, though I think that is the stroller closest to the Cameleon with the best reputation for fair price and customer service.

I am way too early to be buying, but there is a year-old Bee Plus on CL in our area right now for $275, with the travel bag and the Graco carseat adaptor and I hope to get a deal like that when I am ready to buy! 

JillBean78

I have the Bugaboo Frog, it is 2 years old now and I still love it just as much as I did the day it arrived on our doorstep.  They have discontinued the Frog and you can find it discounted if you look around, the Frog is the same as the Cameleon, the Cam just has a few more options, like being able to change out the fabric for different colors and a different suspension.  I've pushed them both and there really isn't a difference in the handling of the two.

It is by far the best baby item I have and I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

A really good stroller is worth every cent you spend on it.

absent*minded

*waves to OCW!*

We considered the Bugaboo Chameleon (our friends have it) but as I'm sure you know went with the UppababyVista. We liked that there is no bar between the back two tires-- my husband kicked the Bugaboo's bar when walking. Also the UPV includes much more than the Bugaboo in the base price. 

I'm sure you know kirkette has a Bug- I think she has the Bee? Maybe see if she'll give you a demo.

JillBean78

I would try to find one used as well, look on CL and Ebay.  My friend picked up a 3 year old Cam on CL for $500 and it was in excellent condition.

If I was in your shoes right now and I'm assuming you will probably expand your family, I would seriously look into the Donkey.  If you are willing to spend $1000 on a new Cam you might was well spend another $500 and go with the Donkey, it is a single and then it expands into a double.  They sell 3 versions of it.  The single Donkey which is the donkey, but with one bassinet and one seat about $1100.  They sell the version for 2 kids of 2 different ages (which is what you would probably want), it has one bassinet and 2 seats and that is around $1500.   They also sell a twin version which is 2 bassinets and 2 seats and I believe that is about $1800.

FWIW, my son is in the 95th percentile in height and he still fits in the Frog just fine, even with the canopy down. 

 

jesselayne8

Our frontrunnner right now is the bugaboo bee plus.  I like that it is lightweight and small.  The only thing I am worried about is the car seat adaptors only work with the Maxi Cosi and the Graco Snug ride.

If we had the money though we would definitely get the donkey!!

Nechie122

I have a Frog and really like it. I love that DD can face me or the outside world and we've even used the bassinet as a bed when DD started refusing to sleep in her crib. The stroller is really light and handles well and I get so many compliments on it.

The one big disadvantage is not only that it folds in two pieces but that the bassinet doesn't fold up further and takes up a lot of room in the trunk. Also, it doesn't have a lot of storage room underneath.

In short, it's a great walking/urban stroller and maybe less practical in the suburbs if you plan to use it primarily in and out of the car.

pandi02a

I am loving my Chameleon.

SpceCadet

OCW2010:

Thanks a lot everyone!  I'll keep Bugaboo on our list.  I really want to get into a store to see the options in person.  That seems to be hard to find though.

Depending upon where you are in So Cal, there's a great stroller store called OC Tykes located in San Clemente.  They have nearly every moderate to high-end stroller in their store and are very helpful.  I went there a few times before deciding upon which stroller was right for our family.  They let you take them on test drives outside on the paver sidewalk to test the ride and I was able to see which would fit into my trunk.  They also offer car seat installation checks a few times a month.

mishu917

mummyofsix:

Um yes, I have had at least 12, probably more..... *blush* 

- I dont think the bee can do everything the Cam can, and I wouldnt use the Bee for a newborn, JMO. Good choice to go with the Cameleon. 

-  The Cam is wayyyy better than the Frog. While I like that the Frog is all black, what you lose in the chassis, size of the seat and suspension is worth the extra money for the Cameleon. 

- Ummm..... are they worth it. A year ago I would have said YES! and not thought twice. Now I dont know anymore. I would pay up to $800 for a new one, and you can get them for that online. I dont know if I would spend the full $1000 for it again (and I have done, many times....) because I think that for that price there are better options. We have a Cameleon and an Orbit now and I think the Orbit is far, farrr superior. I am actually thinking of selling my Cam now because 9/10 times I will always pull the Orbit out of the car before I even think of the Cameleon.  

Not to be all self promoting, but I discuss all the Bugs a lot on the website below, with reviews and stuff. I am a bit of a Bugaboo addict, or at least I used to be....  

OP, we looked the the Cam and were really close to getting it. Then we saw the Orbit and never looked back. We have no regrets and my parents bought us all the pieces which was fantastic!

MoFree

I'm glad someone started this thread.  For reasons only she can explain, my husband's BSC mother sent us a Bugaboo frog stroller even though I am not pregnant and don't know when I will be.  It was reduced significantly in price since it's being discontinued.  I hope I get to use it one day and can report on its pluses and minuses.  If you're considering the frog, Albee is selling it for $599 in black, red and navy and $529 in sand and orange, including shipping. 

Kimee13

We went in thinking we were going to get the Frog, but were actually talked out of by the sales associate who steered us towards the Uppababy Vista(this happened at 2 different boutiques).  We both preferred the looks of the Uppababy Vista and we are so glad we went with it - it ROCKS.  It's a fav of the girls on the board.

chocoholicchick

::waves to OCW::

Like absentminded, we bought the Uppababy instead of the Bugaboo Cam.  The big basket underneath plus the ability to add the second seat later basically tipped us towards the UBV.  I will say that I think the ride of the Bugaboo is definitely better than the UBV.  Also, I wasn't a big fan of the Orbit for some reason. 

My friend owns the Bee and she said she wishes the basket was bigger.

Sunflower0908

I am seriously considering the Bugaboo Cam, and pre-pregnancy, always thought this is what I would buy.
Now that the time has come, I can't help but think that the UBV might be a better bet, mainly because it is $300 cheaper.

I am going to a store near me where you can take them out and testdrive the strollers on the sidewalks. I'll decide for sure then.

JillBean78

I agree with MummyofSix.

And is that your Stroller Addict blog??  I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!

pandi02a

mummyofsix:

OP: I strongly suggest you try both first. Sorry, but I cannot imagine how anyone sees the Vista as being as good as the Cameleon, I just cant. Make sure the warranty (2 years with the Cameleon, 3 with the donkey), the ability to add accessories, the resale value, the colors and personalization, etc is worth you giving up. Sorry, again, JMO. 

I agree with this too. After pushing both the UBV and the Bug the Cameleon is such a smoother ride. They are in different leagues.