Category Archives: Pushchairs

Mar 14 2014

BOB Revolution SE Review (My New Baby)

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Whenever I get a pushchair to review I always crack on with some serious Googling to see what others think. I don’t do this to inform my review in any way, I just like to see if there are any smart features that they’ve spotted and I haven’t. On doing this I was shocked to discover that the BOB Revolution SE hasn’t had much press here in the UK. I know it’s a pretty popular brand in the States, but for some reason us Brits just haven’t got onboard in quite the same way. I can’t for the life of me think why.

This pushchair has gone down a storm here - especially with Craig. It’s a very sophisticated pushchair with the best steering we’ve come across to date. Of course, with a new baby on the way we did have our reservations about whether it could serve us well given we’ll need a twin for a few months - but it’s now become our sole singlet for getting Dexter from A to B and we can’t imagine life without it.

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So what has made us sell our much-loved Graco Evo, and super lightweight Maclaren XT Turbo, and join the BOB Revolution (see what I did there?)?

Look, Quality and Comfort

To kick off - it’s made from aircraft grade aluminum giving it a quality finish and making it supremely sturdy. Surprisingly it still remains super lightweight. Having said this, I can certainly still see the benefit of investing in an umbrella pop stroller for holidays (these are far easier to chuck around and check-in as luggage), but for everyday life these are more trouble than they are worth. They tip under the slightest weight of a change bag and aren’t suitable for trekking, running or off-road trips. Although admittedly, this pregnant and gym-phobic mumma isn’t likely to be competing in an Iron Woman Comp anytime soon, I can definitely appreciate everything the BOB has to offer.

It certainly looks outdoorsy. The material is water-repellant and tough-wearing, and the seat is ergonomic and incredibly well padded. The multi-position reclining seat is also far wider than conventional joggers (at 37cm it’s 2cm more than many of its rivals) but as this is positioned over the wheels rather than between, the overall width of the pushchair is not affected. This has led to us lovingly referring to it as ‘The Tank’.

BOB Revolution SE

There’s tons of room for a fidgety toddler and it’ll support weight of up to 70lbs. I’ve heard some niggles about the head height on the BOB but I have to disagree with this. The hood is big and does gather at the tip of the pushchair seat BUT there are handy pull cords to tuck these away. When the canopy is fully extended it provides great sun coverage and there are additional accessories available to improve this even further. The parent window is also really generous (and has a little flap to block out the sun when you’re satisfied baby is happy), there’s even a gap between the pushchair head rest and frame that can be left exposed to allow air circulation, or sealed up when it’s windy - it’s all in the detail with this bad boy.

BOB Revolution Canopy

Off-roading

This is where the BOB Revolution SE comes into its own. Its front swivel wheel is incredibly sensitive and you can happily steer one-handed around crowds or tight corners. This is also lockable should you want to rock baby to sleep, jog in a straight line or take your workout to tougher terrain. This wheel is also trackable so you can ensure it remains at a constant straight line - just use the tracking knob when the wheel is in the locked position to correct it if it should start to veer off to the left or right. This went down well with Craig as it’s something else to fiddle with.

BOB Revolution SE Front Wheel

The adjustable suspension system is also pretty special. It remains super firm on roads and other even surfaces, but can also comfortably absorb the impact of rough terrain. Craig’s played with this in the fields surrounding our home and reports that Dexter appears to be having a comfortable ride.

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The handle bars are well padded with plenty of chunky foam. Okay, it has a bar rather than separate handles (less great for handbags and shopping) - but it does mean it’s nice and comfy for long walks, and offers great control if you begin to sweat. While the handle bar is not height adjustable, it is a comfortable height for the majority of people (Craig is 6ft 3 and finds it the comfiest stroller he’s comes across). The handlebar sticks out too so tall parents won’t kick the back while taking long strides.

There’s also a big red foot-activated rear wheel parking brake that’s easy to snap on and off and feels really secure when you’re on an incline. As with most joggers, there’s also a safety wrist strap on the handlebar for further peace of mind.

BOB Revolution Brake

Obviously if you’re using a jogger off-road regularly, you’ll need to clean it. The BOB features quick-release wheels for this purpose (which is also handy for transportation if you have a smaller car boot). There are also double-sealed wheel bearings to keep out dirt and minimise resistance.

Folding and Transporting

Collapsing the BOB is easy. It features an easy two-step folding mechanism and folds down to an impressive 38″ x 24″ x 16″. If you want to see it in action, head on BOBgear UK on YouTube for instructional videos and ideas for integrating the BOB into your exercise regime.

Suitable from Birth?

Yes and no. It’s not advised to run with any child until around 6 months, or until they can support their own head with ease. You should also be very cautious when taking tiny tiddlers out on rough terrain. Dexter is 22 months now so obviously this isn’t a problem but I would say I wouldn’t have felt comfortable physically running with him until he was 8-9 months

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Source: BOBgear.couk (a stock photo as we haven’t bought the adapters yet)

This doesn’t stop you using your BOB Revolution from birth though. Car seat adapters are available for £20 and support all BRITAX and BOB Gear car seats (I’ve spotted the US version supports more brands so hopefully that capability is soon to be available here). When using a car seat, baby will be parent facing and at a great height thanks to the large chassis and wheels. Impressively, you can still use the integrated sun canopy and parent window when using a car seat - I haven’t come across any other pushchair that can do this.

Anything else?

  • The basket is very generous for a three wheeler. Admittedly we’ve been spoilt with the Graco Evo which boasts a huge basket, but the BOB is more than fit for purpose.
  • There’s additional storage within the seat itself with two mesh pockets on either side of your child, and a further mini pocket on the back of the seat.

BOB Revolution Storage

  • There are tons of extras available including snack trays, cup holders and the most awesome little parent console that sits atop the handlebars. This is typical of pushchairs and travel systems in the BRITAX family.
  • As with all BRITAX strollers, there’s also a five point harness which considered the safest harness system available.

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Any Cons?

Of course. No pushchair is perfect and you have to thoroughly road-test them before committing to buy. The BOB Revolution SE won’t be for everyone but it is right for us.

The only thing I’d point out before you rush to buy, is that it’s a big boy. With it’s super generous proportions and (albeit detachable) big wheels, you couldn’t park in your hallway and move around it comfortably. We have under-the-stairs storage in our home which means we can pop it out of the way, but if you’re limited on space, this could put you off. It’s also well worth ensuring you can get it in your car boot. We have a 5 door Ford Focus and it fits in if you take off one wheel every time you pop it in - this doesn’t bother us, but may be problematic for others.

Price and Availability

Tellingly, the BOB Revolution SE is only available to buy at selected retailers - mostly selected Mothercare stores. Online, there are a few different places to go, but the stockists aren’t all familiar to me. This is perhaps why you won’t see many, if any, out and about in your local town centre.

BOB Revolution Colourways

It has an RRP of £405 but of course, there are deals available if you shop around. This puts it firmly in the higher-end bracket of strollers on the market, seconded only by the Bugaboos, Stokkes, Quinnys and OBabys of this world. In my opinion it’s worth every penny. Having owned a Quinny, OBaby, Graco, and iCandy before now, it beats the hell out of them.

There are 5 different colourways to choose from too - navy, plum, red, orange and black. Mine is black but most of the fabric is actually grey and this will be the case whichever colour you opt for. I actually love the fact it’s two tone but it’s worth checking out the website before deciding.

There we go! I hope you’ve find this review helpful and I’m more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Hope to see more of you wheeling one of these babies around soon! For a full spec, you can pop on over to BobGear.co.uk, or ask the guys at BRITAX on Twitter or Facebook.

Disclaimer: I’m a BRITAX Mumbassador which is why I’ve received my gorgeous BOB Revolution SE in exchange for my thoughts. I raved on a little but for very good reason :-)

Feb 16 2014

Review: Proviz Buggy Lights from Cheeky Rascals

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I was recently fortunate enough to get a sneak preview of the Silvercross Reflex and intrigued by the integrated buggy lights. It seemed like a great idea, but Dexter and I rarely venture out in the dark, or even dusk. But with this unpredictable weather we’ve been experiencing, even a brief stroll to the shops can get pretty dark if the sky is overcast.

Proviz Buggy Lights from Cheeky Lights

In fact, buggy lights are a great idea. The idea is to ensure your pram, buggy or pushchair can be seen by cars, cyclists and even runners, when visibility is otherwise poor. This can include early mornings when you’re on the nursery run and the sun is struggling as much as you are to make a good impression!

When nursery experts Cheeky Rascals offered to send me some Proviz Buggy Lights, I couldn’t wait to pimp up our dirty Maclaren. This pushchair seriously needs exchanging for a twin now that Dexter is soon to be joined by his sister, so I wanted something that fits all frames and is easily clipped on and off. The Proviz Buggy Lights are simply perfect for this.

Proviz Bluggy Lights Close Up

Easy peasy to attach, you simply loop them onto the frame of your buggy or pram, and secure using the plastic clip. Given the flexible fitting, they’ll fit the majority of, if not all, brands of pushchairs and can be attached in limited light if you’re popping them on at the last minute. There’s also no reason at all you can’t pop them on watch or rucksack straps for older children too. They’re small and unobtrusive yet omit a strong LED light that can be seen up to 150 metres away. To turn them on you simply press the bulb. Press once for flashing, twice for full beam and three times to turn off.

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On a separate note, the buggy lights act as great little beacons for waddling toddlers who are apt to stray off course. As we live in a quiet cul-de-sac, these work a treat on Dexter who has recently taken up grand theft auto and wanders towards parked cars and vans to check their doors are locked. On a recent dusk-time trip home from the park I noticed he kept seeking out the lights on his buggy and was nervous to amble more than 3 metres from them - great for keeping my little guy from investigating people’s driveways!!!

The Proviz Buggy Lights from Cheeky Rascals are available for a tiny £9.99 per pack of two (both with white LED lights and two CR2032 3V Lithium batteries included) in black, red or white flexible casings. The battery life depends on how they used, but the bulbs are easily replaceable if needs be. There’s absolutely nothing that could improve them, and I’d go so far as to say these are an essential accessory for any buggy-wielding parent - you can’t be careful enough on those roads.

We received these buggy lights (and more besides) from the fabulous guys at Cheeky Rascals in exchange for my thoughts. More reviews coming up!

 

Jan 29 2014

Introducing the Silver Cross Reflex! Umbrella Fold Simplicity from Birth

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I’m a massive fan of umbrella fold strollers. For discreet storage in the home, ease of getting in and out of the car, and negotiating busy public transport, they offer a supremely practical solution. For second-time around mummies who have quickly tired of their bulky travel systems, or mums with toddlers who need something more portable for everyday trips, they’re also the pushchairs-of-choice.

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Dexter has a Maclaren XT for this purpose. We originally bought it for holidays abroad as we had one or two disasters hauling travel systems around busy airports and getting them to pass strict baggage allowance rules. But I must admit, the Maclaren isn’t without its faults. If your change bag goes within 30cms of the handlebars it’ll tip over in protest, the basket is a nightmare to access, the sun canopy is virtually useless, and it’s a pain in the butt to keep clean.

When I was offered an opportunity to have a first-peak and play with the new Silver Cross Reflex - I couldn’t wait. Could this be the perfect solution for jet-setting families, and could it rival the simplicity of the Maclaren and dazzle me with new features I didn’t even know I needed? I think it just might have.

Reflex

First up, it’s the first UK-made umbrella fold that’s suitable from birth. The pushchair can be simply modified for baby using a newborn accessory pack which converts it into a parent-facing pram. The beauty is that even with this add-on, it can still be collapsed via the umbrella fold mechanism - this means no more dismantling for transportation or storage. The pram sports a seriously comfy-looking bamboo baby-nest which keeps baby snug and warm whilst remaining breathable for the summer months.

Even if prams aren’t your thing, you can use the car seat adapters to plug in your Silver Cross Simplicity car seat for quick trips. This means your Reflex has all the flexibility of a traditional travel system. It’s a small disappointment the adapters aren’t universal, especially as I’d expect the Reflex’s appeal to be strongest for second time-mums who already have a newborn car seat, but I doubt that Silver Cross will hold out on this for long.

The chassis itself also has some great features. The handlebars are extendable (a major plus for tall mums and dads everywhere), the brushed chrome effect is attractive without being blingy, and this bad boy has lights! Yes lights. These are 3-mode (static, flashing and rotating) integrated LEDs that sit within the chassis on either side of the pushchair. There’s a 4 second delay to activate the lights (simply push them in and hold them to turn them on) to save you from accidentally bumping them on when you’re getting the buggy in and out of the car boot. The idea is to improve visibility for parents, other pedestrians and cars on the road. A great little solution for mums and dads who walk late at night. These take standard batteries which can be found at your local supermarket.

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When folded down the chassis has a dual hooking lock to keep it uber compact. I thought this was genius but it was later pointed out to me by Gadget Mummy that this could be fiddly for some mummy’s - she’s written up an impressive account of the Silver Cross Reflex herself which can be found here. Personally I like to think this will be easier to transport and store, but I can appreciate that it will require two hands to release the catch - not so easy with a baby in your arms or an armful of their paraphernalia.

The standard forward-facing pushchair seat also has some neat little features. The seat has a 3 position recline and a lie flat function. The ergonomic seat is naturally curved for greater comfort and is best described as a hammock design. The frame is therefore kept away from baby at all times and promotes healthy airflow to mitigate against sweaty backs. There’s also a clever bumper bar (perfectly detachable) which doesn’t require taking off before you fold the pushchair. This would be fabulous for Dexter as he hasn’t got past the novelty of leaning out to grab at leaves on bushes or chocolates in the newsagent (grrr).

The reflex has a 5 point harness and comes complete with comfy detachable buckle pads to offer a more secure ride. The apron is well padded with a ribbed design for extra style points. This is also finished off with reflective piping which gives greater peace of mind in built up areas. I must admit I’ve never bothered with an apron before and Dexter tends to kick it off - but the reflex has magnets which secure to the bumper bar to keep it in place. This is ideal for the winter months and scores highly on that list of features you didn’t realise you needed!

Reflex Canopy

I’m also really impressed with the pushchair canopy. This is absolutely enormous and comes right down and over baby offering maximum sun protection. If you plan on taking it to sunnier climates (as we will be) this is huge bonus as it means you won’t have to go through the faff of using ill-fitting parasols to shelter baby from the sun. This has built in UPF 50+ sun protection too - genius! There is also a handy parent viewing window at the top so you can ensure baby is dozing peacefully without having to adjust the canopy and shoving your face in the front - I’ve lost track of the number of times we’ve disturbed Dexter doing this. I can’t think of anything scarier than finding Craig’s or my face inches away from yours - Dexter seems to agree!

The basket is surprisingly generous and also elasticated at the sides for side access. This is such a clever and simple idea, but typical of Silver Cross’s attention to detail. There’s also a handy pocket located on the back of sun canopy too for stowing keys, purse, sunglasses and other essentials you might need so you won’t disturb baby.

Reflex Colourways

To sum up, it’s an incredibly versatile and well constructed piece of kit. There are seven different colourways (chilli, black, lime, damson, raspberry, sky blue or sand). Tested up to a weight of 25kg and weighing in at an impressive 8.5kg itself, it’s certainly a lightweight alternative to a traditional travel system, and will fit in the majority of car boots. I’ve fallen a little bit in love with it so am already planning on getting one for an upcoming trip to Paris in April.

It’s out in March with an RRP of £250 (including adapters, apron and raincover) so you’re good to go from day 1, and will be available from John Lewis or www.silvercrossbaby.com. If you need the newborn pack, it’s an extra £75 on top. A fab price for what essentially has all the components you need for a travel system.

DISCLAIMER: I have not been compensated for this post. I simply got an enviable sneak peek and thought it only fair I share my impressions with you.

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