City Mini vs Britax B-Agile

dogsfornow · December 2011

I haven't even started registering yet, but the holidays, when we both have some time off, would be a great time for DH and I to look at some basics like strollers. Thoughts? Reviews? Does the CM have an adaptor so we can use it with an infant seat? The video on their website doesn't show that it can. If so, we would need to get a frame, right?

Clearly these are FTM questions.

LittleApple · December 2011

The City Mini does sell an adaptor for car seats. I love my City Mini. The B-Agile is very similar and does "fix" the issues with the City Mini, BUT I would still buy a City Mini over the B-Agile. I like the wheels on the City Mini much better and the sunshade has plastic windows, not mesh like the B-Agile.

funkymonkeyohyeahhh · December 2011

There was a thread on this topic a few days ago and everyone that responded chose the B-Agile over the City Mini, except me.

I test drove them both and prefer the CM. I like that it can be folded and unfolded with one hand. The BA has an extra step in the process and I held something in my other arm while trying to do it (to simulate a baby in my arm) and it was difficult.

A common complain about the CM is the metal bar across the bottom. I can see how if you are tall and have a long stride you may kick it when walking. (DH and I are on the shorter side so this wasn't an issue.) Also, it restricts access to the storage basket underneath a bit. Still, I prefer the CM for the reason above.

angelfire02 · December 2011

I use a City Mini with the family I nanny for, and I hate it. I know you are not supposed to hang any bags off the handle, but I did one time and the whole thing tipped over! I have used other strollers in the past with the same bag and have not had that problem, so as soon as that happened I was like no way, never going to buy one of these! Again, I know it says not to and it might have happened with any other stroller but it was a total no right then for me.) We bought the Britax B Ready before we knew there were two babies coming and I am in love with it. I am trying to talk my husband into keeping it until the babies are out of their carseats! I just also prefer Britax as a brand, I feel like they really put the research and safety into their products. Just my opinion.

LittleApple · December 2011

angelfire02:
I use a City Mini with the family I nanny for, and I hate it. I know you are not supposed to hang any bags off the handle, but I did one time and the whole thing tipped over! I have used other strollers in the past with the same bag and have not had that problem, so as soon as that happened I was like no way, never going to buy one of these! Again, I know it says not to and it might have happened with any other stroller but it was a total no right then for me.) We bought the Britax B Ready before we knew there were two babies coming and I am in love with it. I am trying to talk my husband into keeping it until the babies are out of their carseats! I just also prefer Britax as a brand, I feel like they really put the research and safety into their products. Just my opinion.

My goodness! How heavy was the bag? I always hang my diaper bag from the stroller and it never tips over! Besides, you are NOT supposed to hang anything from the handle so it isn't the strollers fault.

LittleApple · December 2011

angelfire02:
I use a City Mini with the family I nanny for, and I hate it. I know you are not supposed to hang any bags off the handle, but I did one time and the whole thing tipped over! I have used other strollers in the past with the same bag and have not had that problem, so as soon as that happened I was like no way, never going to buy one of these! Again, I know it says not to and it might have happened with any other stroller but it was a total no right then for me.) We bought the Britax B Ready before we knew there were two babies coming and I am in love with it. I am trying to talk my husband into keeping it until the babies are out of their carseats! I just also prefer Britax as a brand, I feel like they really put the research and safety into their products. Just my opinion.

My goodness! How heavy was the bag? I always hang my diaper bag from the stroller and it never tips over! I always make sure the bag isn't too heavy. Besides, you are NOT supposed to hang anything from the handle so it isn't the strollers fault. This is a pretty dumb reason, IMO.

JellyBeens · December 2011

Here is the thread I started a few days ago on this topic.

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/61299967.aspx

I have read the links recommended in the replies and amazon has comparisons in the reviews by users of the B-Agile who seem to prefer it over the City Mini. I am going to go with the Britax because I like their quality and I am kind of brand loyal lol (DD has a Britax Advocate in DH's car and we love it).

sarahbeth827 · December 2011

I love my city mini! I know the stroller has a few issues (bar in the back and small basket) but those issues don't really effect me! My husband is tall and kicks the bar on the back when he walks but I am short and don't have the problem! The basket is a ok size but that bar on the back makes it really hard to get to. I put my diaper bag on the handle (I've never had it tip!) and just use the basket for an extra blanket and other things like that.

mrs_j_may_08 · December 2011

I chose the B-Agile over the CM because I liked that I didn't have to purchase the separate adapter bar and we are getting the B-Safe seat so it will click in nicely. I also have long legs and noticed that I kicked the bar occasionally on the CM and the basket was difficult to access (the basket is being improved upon with the 2012 CMs). The CM was slightly easier to collapse due to not having to push in the gray button like on the B-Agile, but the B-Agile was still pretty easy. Also, the harness was a bit difficult to undo on the B-Agile, but I'm hoping I can just adjust to that and it will get a bit looser over time.

dogsfornow · December 2011

Thanks. We're both pretty tall, so it sounds like there is a good chance we'll be Britax folks.

cubsgirl13 · December 2011

Have you seen that there is a new version of the City Mini coming out in Feb/March, called the GT version (you can google it for some good videos on the comparisons)? One of the features that really sold me on it was the handle bar extension for taller people (DH and I are both tall). So, hopefully with this extender, people won't be kicking that bottom bar anymore.

angelfire02 · December 2011

LittleApple:
angelfire02:
I use a City Mini with the family I nanny for, and I hate it. I know you are not supposed to hang any bags off the handle, but I did one time and the whole thing tipped over! I have used other strollers in the past with the same bag and have not had that problem, so as soon as that happened I was like no way, never going to buy one of these! Again, I know it says not to and it might have happened with any other stroller but it was a total no right then for me.) We bought the Britax B Ready before we knew there were two babies coming and I am in love with it. I am trying to talk my husband into keeping it until the babies are out of their carseats! I just also prefer Britax as a brand, I feel like they really put the research and safety into their products. Just my opinion.
My goodness! How heavy was the bag? I always hang my diaper bag from the stroller and it never tips over! I always make sure the bag isn't too heavy. Besides, you are NOT supposed to hang anything from the handle so it isn't the strollers fault. This is a pretty dumb reason, IMO.

Funny, I thought I had been VERY clear about me knowing everything you stated. You can think it was a dumb reason, but your kid wasn't the one that fell over in the stroller.

LittleApple · December 2011

angelfire02:
LittleApple:
angelfire02:
I use a City Mini with the family I nanny for, and I hate it. I know you are not supposed to hang any bags off the handle, but I did one time and the whole thing tipped over! I have used other strollers in the past with the same bag and have not had that problem, so as soon as that happened I was like no way, never going to buy one of these! Again, I know it says not to and it might have happened with any other stroller but it was a total no right then for me.) We bought the Britax B Ready before we knew there were two babies coming and I am in love with it. I am trying to talk my husband into keeping it until the babies are out of their carseats! I just also prefer Britax as a brand, I feel like they really put the research and safety into their products. Just my opinion.
My goodness! How heavy was the bag? I always hang my diaper bag from the stroller and it never tips over! I always make sure the bag isn't too heavy. Besides, you are NOT supposed to hang anything from the handle so it isn't the strollers fault. This is a pretty dumb reason, IMO.

Funny, I thought I had been VERY clear about me knowing everything you stated. You can think it was a dumb reason, but your kid wasn't the one that fell over in the stroller.

I hope you don't Plan on getting a bumbo....

dogsfornow · December 2011

LittleApple:
The City Mini does sell an adaptor for car seats. I love my City Mini. The B-Agile is very similar and does "fix" the issues with the City Mini, BUT I would still buy a City Mini over the B-Agile. I like the wheels on the City Mini much better and the sunshade has plastic windows, not mesh like the B-Agile.

May I ask why you prefer the plastic to mesh? Just preference or is it a functionality thing?

rosesforme · December 2011

I have test driven both and way preferred the City Mini. I am only 5'5 and I found the Britax to be too short as did my husband who is 5'9.

We are getting the 2012 City Mini GT. The bar problem at the bottom and basket issue have been addressed, it has an adjustable handlebar and other improved features. HTH.

And to answer your carseat question. With the CM you need to buy an adapter. There are two models, one that handles a whole variety of seats and another that is just for the Chicco. The Britax you do not have to buy an adapter if you use a Britax carseat but do need to buy one if you are using a different carseat.

FLchicken · December 2011

mrs_j_may_08:
Also, the harness was a bit difficult to undo on the B-Agile, but I'm hoping I can just adjust to that and it will get a bit looser over time.

It's funny you mention the harness because that was yet another reason I choose the B Agile over the CM. I read many reviews of people with older toddlers who were able to get out of their strollers easily (not just CM) and that the harness on the B Ag was harder to get out of. I like the idea of my toddler not being able to sneak out. hehe

I love our B Agile. We have been super happy with the way it handles all 'road' conditions. I also love that the peek a boo window on top is mesh. It allows extra air flow and if it raining, you can just cover it up with the flap.

Kimee13 · December 2011

We went with the CM for our travel/umbrella stroller and LOVE It for those functions(Uppababy Vista is our main stroller). My only complaints about the CM are the basket is small(er), doesn't turn as well as our UBV and the brake is a pain with sandals. While I love Britax carseats I'm not a fan of their strollers; after a disappointing test-drive I quickly crossed them off our list.

As for the CM tipping over, I've never had much of a problem. I've hung my full-sized diaper bag packed with stuff in it, as well as my LV Neverfull MM jam-packed on the mommy hook with no problems. The only time it got a bit iffy was when it was empty and my diaper bag was on it, however, I suspect that would happen with most strollers in this size-range.

GirlWithTheMostCake · December 2011

We got a City Mini and will also be getting the GT in Feb. Just to clarify for anyone confused the 2012 City Mini is a new model and the City Mini GT is an entirely separate new stroller. The 2012 City Mini will not have a bar covering the basket, so that issue has been addressed. The GT will be the same with wheels that have more traction on them and are slightly larger, as well as an adjustable handlebar.

I would say CM all the way. I can't stand the fact that the Britax is simply a knock off of a City Mini. I prefer to support companies that work hard to create innovative products than those who simply ride their wave. Just a personal choice.

I also can't stand that Britax doesn't have MAP meaning you can find it at all different prices at all different places. It's annoying to me. I can't stand price searching. When a product's price is regulated I have more respect for the company.

As for it tipping...the Britax will too if you hang something too heavy on it. A stroller of their weights can only support so much weight on its handle. It's science, not a defect in any way on either stroller's part.

funkymonkeyohyeahhh · December 2011

LittleApple:
angelfire02:
LittleApple:
angelfire02:
I use a City Mini with the family I nanny for, and I hate it. I know you are not supposed to hang any bags off the handle, but I did one time and the whole thing tipped over! I have used other strollers in the past with the same bag and have not had that problem, so as soon as that happened I was like no way, never going to buy one of these! Again, I know it says not to and it might have happened with any other stroller but it was a total no right then for me.) We bought the Britax B Ready before we knew there were two babies coming and I am in love with it. I am trying to talk my husband into keeping it until the babies are out of their carseats! I just also prefer Britax as a brand, I feel like they really put the research and safety into their products. Just my opinion.
My goodness! How heavy was the bag? I always hang my diaper bag from the stroller and it never tips over! I always make sure the bag isn't too heavy. Besides, you are NOT supposed to hang anything from the handle so it isn't the strollers fault. This is a pretty dumb reason, IMO.

Funny, I thought I had been VERY clear about me knowing everything you stated. You can think it was a dumb reason, but your kid wasn't the one that fell over in the stroller.
I hope you don't Plan on getting a bumbo....

LOL! Yes Thank you for the laugh.

jamlsull · December 2011

I have the CM & love it. I haven't used the B-Agile, but do like Britax seats as I have a Boulevard.

From the pp's comments here are my thoughts & experiences:

I always hang my diaper bag on the handle with the bag's stroller clips. Never felt like it would tip over. I also have one of those large clips that you can hang shopping bags on, used it with my diaper bag & no tipping.

I have on occasion kicked the bar while walking. Not a huge deal to me but if I was constantly doing it it would bother me (just see when you test them out.)

I got the adapter for the Chicco carseat & loved the fact I could pop it in & out to run in the store. Very easy.

The underneath bag isn't huge, but I've never needed to put too much down there so it doesn't bother me. Although we have put toys, blankets, extra diapers, etc down there with a small cooler & it all fit! There is also a pocket behind the seat that you can slip stuff like that in. And as far as access to it, you just have to unsnap one side to get something bigger in there, then snap them back up.

The folding/unfolding is SO easy. And it folds super compact. I love this.

It steers great for me, DD seems comfy in it, reclines basically all the way flat, very large sunshade with 2 windows so I can always see her. I love my CM.

jamlsull · December 2011

Oh & forgot to add about the brake. I always read about people saying its hard to use with flip flops. You just have to push the back part down instead of flipping the front part up with the top of your foot. I've never had a problem using it with flip flops!

LittleApple · December 2011

dogsfornow:
LittleApple:
The City Mini does sell an adaptor for car seats. I love my City Mini. The B-Agile is very similar and does "fix" the issues with the City Mini, BUT I would still buy a City Mini over the B-Agile. I like the wheels on the City Mini much better and the sunshade has plastic windows, not mesh like the B-Agile.
May I ask why you prefer the plastic to mesh? Just preference or is it a functionality thing?

Personal preference and also if you are caught in a rain storm or it is super windy and want to keep the rain off your child, the plastic will protect your child. The mesh? Not so much. I like to be able to keep an eye on my youngest while in the stroller and always have the window flap open.

Kimee13 · December 2011

jamlsull:
Oh & forgot to add about the brake. I always read about people saying its hard to use with flip flops. You just have to push the back part down instead of flipping the front part up with the top of your foot. I've never had a problem using it with flip flops!

I'm one of "those" that have this complaint, it's still a pain especially compared to the brake on our UBV which you just push to stop/start. Def a negative to us, a fairly small one though since we use this stroller for vacation mostly.

LittleApple · December 2011

funkymonkeyohyeahhh:
LittleApple:
angelfire02:
LittleApple:
angelfire02:
I use a City Mini with the family I nanny for, and I hate it. I know you are not supposed to hang any bags off the handle, but I did one time and the whole thing tipped over! I have used other strollers in the past with the same bag and have not had that problem, so as soon as that happened I was like no way, never going to buy one of these! Again, I know it says not to and it might have happened with any other stroller but it was a total no right then for me.) We bought the Britax B Ready before we knew there were two babies coming and I am in love with it. I am trying to talk my husband into keeping it until the babies are out of their carseats! I just also prefer Britax as a brand, I feel like they really put the research and safety into their products. Just my opinion.
My goodness! How heavy was the bag? I always hang my diaper bag from the stroller and it never tips over! I always make sure the bag isn't too heavy. Besides, you are NOT supposed to hang anything from the handle so it isn't the strollers fault. This is a pretty dumb reason, IMO.

Funny, I thought I had been VERY clear about me knowing everything you stated. You can think it was a dumb reason, but your kid wasn't the one that fell over in the stroller.
I hope you don't Plan on getting a bumbo....
LOL! Thank you for the laugh.

I couldn't help it.

Want a personalized experience?

City Mini vs Britax B-Agile

Re: City Mini vs Britax B-Agile

Choose Another Board

Search Boards