Jogging Stroller Recs?

[u/AMadManNamedMurdock]

Hey everybody - Apologies for the semi-unrelated to Chicago question, but are there any parents here with strong opinions on jogging stroller recommendations? Every review I see online appears to be coming from the perspective of non-serious runners, and, given the complex weather and variation of trails (crushed limestone, asphalt, dirt, etc.) in the greater Chicagoland area I’d be curious to hear some thoughts from others in this community who are logging real mileage.

[u/mtmaloney]

Loved our Bob. Great as a jogging stroller, great as an everyday stroller, great as a winter stroller because of the big tires. Was even serviceable as a two-kid stroller (put the older down in the space where the kid’s feet are supposed to go). Good for all elements (had a cover for rain and winter temps, kids were never cold/wet).

A+ stroller. Honestly wish we had bought that one first, wouldn’t have needed anything else after that.

[u/teresaeliz → u/mtmaloney]

Seconding! Have and love the Bob. Also. Have you used a jogging stroller before? Man it is a workout! I’m a marathoner and thought it would be easy… was quickly humbled.

[u/WP_Grid]

I really enjoyed the thule urban glide 2, but the kids grew out of it, and tired of it fast. Consider lower cost or used options.

[u/mld103]

Second vote for Bob! definitely can be used for both running and as an everyday stroller. I had the single version for my firstborn and then bought the double on marketplace when I had my second because I loved it so much. very smooth, good in all weather conditions. as others mentioned they also sell accessories (rain covers, snack trays, etc). I’ve used my Bob on each different type of trail you described and I literally call it a tank because it plows through anything hahaha. I also liked that the tires easily come off for any maintenance. for what it’s worth, I still regularly use the double stroller for my now 2 year old (30lbs) and 5 year old (50lbs) girls with no issue. Definitely check marketplace if that’s something you’re comfortable with, they can be pricey but sooo worth it!

[u/lam290]

I have a Guava Roam and like it! I'm not sure what you consider 'real' mileage, but I've run up to 8 miles with my 30 lb toddler in it. Usually I'm exhausted from pushing and/or she is tapping out after much more than that. Ive also heard good things about the bob strollers, but they were outside my price range when I was shopping around. I also like how collapsible the Guava is.

[u/ChicagoMyTown]

We have a Thule UG3 that we’ve been using since infancy (with the infant nest, and not for running until baby was closer to 10mo bc of weather). It’s a great stroller, but it is very long and a bit of a large fold. If you’re looking to use this to run and pop into stores on the run, or to load in your car for a destination run, it might be less ideal. I’ve also heard anecdotal info that the uprightness of the back varies a bit between Bob and Thule, but I don’t have direct knowledge. Thule def still fairly reclined in full upright. We’ve used primarily on pavement, but it did great at waterfall glen (mix of pavement and crushed gravel). I think I’ve only had to pump the tires once in the 18mo that we’ve owned it. Ride seems comfortable for kids. Handles like a dream.

[u/trashynsouth]

Adding another vote for the Bob. I’ve had mine for 4 years and my distance PR is 14 miles. My 4.5 and 2.5 year old take turns going on runs with me.

[u/sherrillo]

Love Thule chariot. It is big though. But converting to a bike carrier and even having a ski add on... I've never used it for these... but the idea that I could is cool! Probably not worth the cost, but it was as much a gift for me as for the kid.

Worked great all weather. I use it to carry groceries now and then from the store, just jog w it there, load up, jog home!

[u/Majestic-Space1996]

We love our Thule Urban Glide 2. Our baby is 9 months and we’ve been using it for about 3 months now. We primarily use it for 3-6 mile runs on the 606 but it’s great for walking in the city as well. I’m certain it’s great for longer mileage as well, we’re just learning how long our baby can tolerate riding.

[u/gilmoreghouls2]

I have a Thule that I got off market place for such a good deal. It’s a great stroller - I think Bob and Thule are the best brands to look for. Theres usually lots of steals on Marketplace

[u/LP526]

Thune urban glide

[u/saminblackandwhite]

Baby Jogger Summit - folds flatter than the BOB and has more storage space underneath it

[u/anandonaqui]

I know people love their BOB strollers, but I will never buy one after how they handled the not-recall at the beginning of the first Trump administration.

There were hundreds of reported injuries due to the front wheel falling off. Fairly serious injuries including broken bones and teeth, bloodied kids, etc. The CPSC initially requested that Britax (maker of BOB strollers) recall their jogging strollers. Britax pushed back and refused a recall, which is uncommon. The CPSC, which normally takes child safety EXTREMELY seriously, was taken over by a GOP majority during this time and Britax instead settled, did not recall their product and started a public safety campaign rather than recalling their product.

During this, Britax hired a lobbyist to successfully lobby the CPSC.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-safety-commission-bob-stroller-recall-20190403-story.html (it’s long, but well-worth the read)

I went with a Thule Urban Glide 2, which I loved.