BOB stroller question

[Susie]

Yesterday was Stroller Day at Buy Buy Baby for us, lol.  We tested everything out so we could pick a regular stroller and a BOB to put on our registry and move on, on another weekend, to other baby gear items.  One thing at a time  (I know we won't need the BOB right away, but my parents want to buy it for us, and I want to make that easy for them!)

Anyway, we decided we definitely need the adjustable handlebar of the Flex.  We are a foot apart in height, and with both the BOB and other strollers, non-adjustable handlebars were too short for him, too tall for me, and nobody was happy.  So adjustable it is.  But my question is, how helpful is the hand brake?  We're between the Flex and the Pro, both adjustable, one with a brake.  I am inclined to think the Flex, without the brake, is fine.  

Moms who have run with them, please suggest?

[katinthehat]

The hand brake is nice but not necessary, but, since someone else if buying it for you, I'd get the one with the brake.

[cinco]

I've never used a jogging stroller with a hand brake, and it has been fine. It might be a case of I don't know what I'm missing, but I can't see how it is even necessary.

[runblondie26]

Do you live in a hilly area? If you do, and you're getting the stroller as a gift, then I'd opt for it.

We live in an area with a lot of steep, short hills. Once the kids get heavier, downhills start becoming almost as challenging as the uphills. It takes strength to keep it in control.

That said, I've survived 6 yrs and at least a couple thousand miles without having a hand brake. A nice to have, but not a necessity.

[chw57]

May 31, 2015 15:16:00 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

The hand brake is nice but not necessary, but, since someone else if buying it for you, I'd get the one with the brake.

This. Our double has the brake and I really appreciate it

[carilyn]

I don't have one on mine, and it never occurred to me that it would be a nice option. However, thinking about it now, I definitely agree that it would be nice for downhill running (I'm talking steeper hills). I've had that thing pull me down a few hills with me hanging on for dear life lol. IIf it's hilly in your area I'd go for the one with the brake.

[katinthehat]

May 31, 2015 17:12:33 GMT -5 chw57 said:

May 31, 2015 15:16:00 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

The hand brake is nice but not necessary, but, since someone else if buying it for you, I'd get the one with the brake.

This. Our double has the brake and I really appreciate it

Now that I think about it, it gets used so much more with the double than with the single

[Susie]

Hmm. As far as hills, my 3, 4, and 5 mile loops are flat. My 6-8 mile loops have two pretty good sized hills. 9+ varies depending on route. Gah, decisions.

[arch01]

I have a BOB Revolution and live in a hilly area. A brake would be nice but it's not necessary (IMO) on a single. A double? Yeah, that's a lot of weight pulling you down a hill...

[breezy8407]

I have a double and have used the brake going down hills. Can't comment on the single!

[jene]

If someone else was springing for it, I would definitely get the hand brake. I plan on getting one when we get a double.