What Features To Look For In A Jogging Stroller. Swivel Wheel Vs. Fixed Wheel.

BOB Ironman Single Stroller

So you've decided to purchase a jogging stroller, and you need to know what you're getting into. When choosing the perfect jogging stroller to fit your lifestyle, there's a lot to think about. Perhaps the most important question you need to ask yourself is, what exactly do you intend to do with it? This may seem like an obvious answer, but many people choose to purchase a jogging stroller merely because they're pleasing to look at, not necessarily because they're an avid jogger. So, with that being said, are you a "serious" jogger, or are you a "not so serious jogger"? The answer to that question alone will help you narrow down your search tremendously. If you're new to the market, and you've done a little research, you may have discovered that there are tons of jogging strollers to choose from. That is because, as the popularity of the jogging stroller grew, several manufactures realized that it wasn't just serious runners or joggers purchasing these strollers, but people who liked to hike, or walk off-road, and some just because they look cool.  So they began designing different styles of three wheel strollers, such as all-terrain strollers, fitness strollers, expedition strollers, etc. With these new designs came the introduction of swivel wheels, along with several other features. Now you have the choice between 8-inch tires all the way up to 20-inch tires, coil spring suspension systems, adjustable shock absorbers, 3-inch travel, adjustable handle bars, parent trays, child trays, MP3 speakers, adjustable canopies, etc. I could go on and on about all the features available, but let's break it down for you in a different way. 

Baby Jogger Summit XC Single Stroller

First of all, let me explain the difference between a swivel wheel and  a fixed wheel. The fixed wheel was the original design for jogging strollers, aka "true" joggers. It tracks straight, does not turn or "swivel", it is "fixed" to run you in a straight line. This means durability, and safety! This is extremely important for someone who is planning on jogging and/or running. The swivel wheel provides easy maneuverability, and turns on a dime. This wheel is best for tighter corners or narrow aisles, like the shopping mall. To turn a fixed wheel you must pop-a-wheelie, in other words, lift the front tire off the ground and then turn. Not the best for maneuvering around at the grocery store, although I've done it. 

As for the other features, if you're a "serious" jogger, than those extras, such as parent trays, child trays, and MP3 speakers, will only add weight and possibly get in the way. However, what you do need to look for  are safety features, such as hand brakes, parking brakes, running leashes, and reflectors. These features are especially important for jogging and/or running. If you're a "not so serious" jogger, the parent trays, child trays, and speakers might come in handy. 

To recap, below is a list of what to look for in a "true" jogging stroller with a fixed wheel.

Schwinn Free Runner Jogger

• Large inflatable tires, either 16-inch or 20-inch
• Hand brakes built in to the handle bar
• A parking brake
• Aluminum lightweight frame
• Shock absorbing suspension
• Running leash
• Deep seat that will keep your child back, away from the front tire
• 5-point child safety harness
• Rain/sun canopy
• Adjustable handle bar - if not adjustable, make sure it fits you well.
• Most importantly – A FIXED front wheel

For the "not so serious" jogger, this list gives you an idea of what features are available. 

BOB Revolution Stroller

• 5-point adjustable safety harness
• Front SWIVEL wheel, usually 12-inch with 16-inch rear wheels
• parking brakes - whether jogging or not, this is an important feature
• Spring suspension system, or shock absorbing - even though you're not running, a smooth ride is important.
• Adjustable canopy - important anytime you're outdoors
• Comfortable handle bar
• Reclining seat - some recline to a near flat position, perfect for a sleeping baby.
• Parent tray - usually comes with cup holders and an organizer
• Child tray - usually comes with a cup holder, and sometime a snack holder
• Storage - under-seat basket, and a rear seat pocket
• Easy fold designs, or trigger fold designs
• Quick-release wheels - makes it easier to store, or transport.
• MP3 speakers, or ibaby sound systems allow you and your little one to listen to tunes.

The InStep Grand Safari Swivel Wheel Jogger Vs. The Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single Jogger

Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single Jogger @ Amazon.com

If you're having a tough time deciding between these two jogging strollers, there's a good reason for it. First of all, The InStep Grand Safari and the Schwinn Turismo are made by the same parent company, Pacific Cycle, Inc. In essence, these two designs a almost identical. They both come with the locking front swivel wheel and 16-inch rear wheels. Both designs include: exposed spring suspension, a foot-activated dual-rear parking brake, rubberized-adjustable handle bar with remote locker, 5-point adjustable harness's, and dual trigger folding mechanisms. They also come with the same extra features, such as: molded parent tray with cup holders, pivoting child's tray with cup holders, under-seat storage, protective sun canopies, and MP3 speakers. So.....what's different, and why does the Schwinn Turismo cost  $40 dollars more?

InStep Grand Safari Swivel Wheel Jogger @ Amazon.com

 First of all, the Schwinn Turismo has an aluminum frame, as well as aluminum rims, making it weigh less, 31 pounds as opposed to the InStep Grand Safari's 33 pounds. Second, the Schwinn Turismo has a max weight of 60 pounds, 10 pounds more than the InStep Grand Safari. Other than that, the only differences include the fabric, and available colors. The Schwinn Turismo is made with aluminum, plastic, and nylon, whereas the InStep Grand Safari is made from steel, plastic, and polyester. 

So, in the end it depends on whether or not you feel that the extra 10 pound weight limit, aluminum frame/rims, and color scheme options are worth the extra $40 dollars. Maybe you prefer nylon over polyester. Regardless of which jogging stroller you choose, keep in mind that the minimum age of use is 6 months. Your baby must be able to support his/her own head before they are "safe for transport".

Good Luck!

The BOB Revolution Stroller Vs. The Joovy Zoom Jogging Stroller. Which Is Best For You?

Comparison

The BOB Revolution and the Joovy Zoom Jogging Strollers are considered to be higher end strollers. Both also have a lot in common, which can make a decision between the two very difficult. First of all, let's look at the core similarities. They are both quality built, sturdy, made from high quality materials. Both include lightweight aluminum frames, a 12-inch front locking swivel wheel and 16-inch rear tires. They both have suspension systems, five-point child safety harness's, parking brakes, sun canopies, large under seat storage, multi-position reclining seats, and running leashes. Joovy Zoom and BOB owners both praised the jogging strollers for being easy to put together right out of the box. They both fold flat, and have removable wheels for easier storage, and they both include a quick fold design. All of these things are very important. When I ask people, what are the 3 main things they're looking for when they're purchasing a jogging stroller, the top 3 are, #1-swivel wheel that locks, #2-large canopy, #3-easy to push. Both of these jogging strollers have all that, and a bag chips (it's slang in case you're wondering, they don't actually come with a bag of chips.)

             BOB Revolution Stroller

Differences

Okay, now let's take a look at the core differences. As far as the design goes, the BOB Revolution really shines in this area. They've added a couple handy features. For example, the BOB has adjustable tracking, this means that it actually goes straight while other joggers tend to pull one way or the other when the swivel wheel is locked, you can adjust the BOB to your liking. The BOB also has adjustable shock absorbers, which can be a nice feature as your child grows. In the younger infant stage, you may want your shocks to be softer, allowing a smoother ride for baby, as they grow and they're weight changes, you can adjust the shocks accordingly. Another nice feature is, the BOB is narrower, so if you plan on using it to go shopping, it should negotiate narrow aisles a bit better. As for the design on the Joovy Zoom Jogging Stroller, it sports a 3-inch travel suspension, and stands up taller, resulting in a taller handlebar. Which could be a problem for some. Also, there is no rear axle, which allows for maximum stride length, a nice feature for the serious runners.

 Joovy Zoom 360 Jogging Stroller  

As for the "perks", as I like to call them, the Joovy Zoom outshines the BOB 4 to 1.The Joovy has a signature over-sized canopy that adjusts to multiple positions, blocking the sun at every angle.  Also included with the Joovy Zoom, a parent console with two cup holders and an organizer, even though it's neoprene and is velcroed on, it still super handy to have. With the BOB, you have to order the parent console separately, and they're expensive.  The Joovy Zoom also come with reflective stitching for those of you jogging at night, and a tire pump for emergencies. As I said earlier, they both have quick fold designs, the Joovy Zoom folds in one, and the BOB in two. Both are super simple, but the difference is, the Joovy Zoom includes a folding lock. Therefore when you're loading and unloading the folded jogger, it doesn't come apart on you. Now, I have seen some reviews claiming that the newest version of the BOB Revolution, the 2011, has some sort of a folding lock on it. whether it's just a strap I'm not sure, but it is certainly a nice feature to add. 

The big difference between the two of these strollers is the price. For me that's the deal breaker. The BOB Revolution Stroller is priced at about $120 dollars more than the Joovy Zoom Jogging Stroller. It's not that I'm cheap, but $120 bucks is $120 bucks. Unless of course you can find the BOB used, or on sale. I did hear the REI puts their BOB Revolutions on sale twice a year. That's another thing I should mention, the BOB Revolutions resale value is incredible. They hold their value regardless of how many years you've owned it, as long as it's in good shape of course. 

Conclusion

So to recap, and conclude, the BOB Revolution Stroller is probably the better design, and it's reviewers claim that it is effortless to push, light as a feather. Having the tracking option, and shock adjustments is a big bonus, not to mention the resale value...Amazing! This jogging stroller has a huge following, and I can see why, it's an amazing design that will last for years and years. However, it is very expensive, not just to buy, but to accessorize. It comes with minimal perks, therefore you must buy them all separate, which is a big negative for me. The Joovy Zoom Jogging stroller comes with everything you need, and then some. The parent console with cup holders and an organizer, the reflective stitching, and tire pump. The over-sized canopy with multiple sun blocking positions. Oh, and did I mention that it's $120 dollars cheaper! Just though I'd throw that in. Anyways, for me the choice is clear, I hope now that it is for you as well.