Runner moms...BOB question

[shelbyann]

Do I want the Ironman or the Revolution? My head hurts from thinking too much about this, please someone tell me what to do.

We live in an urban area and I usually (when not PG) run around 30-40 MPW give or take. My primary running route consists of both busy city streets (lots of pedestrians and stoplights) and paved park paths/greenway. I hope to use this stroller for general walks around the neighborhood too, and some of our neighborhood sidewalks are kinda rough, with lots of those old parquet stones and tree roots growing up between them.

I really don't want to buy a "travel system" so the BOB would probably also be our primary stroller until she's big enough to fit into a regular stroller. (And I have one of those snap-n-go frames that we'll also use with the infant seat until she outgrows that.) We walk a lot of places from our house (restaurants, shops, etc) but do have plenty of car space and storage space so I'm not *too* worries about lugging around a big jogging stroller. 

My main reason for wanting the Ironman is that it has a brake (?) and I run in a very hilly area. But I worry that with the fixed wheel, it will be too cumbersome to navigate on regular walks or errands or whatever. WWYD?

[kams]

Revolution for sure. I run hills and have never needed a brake. I just keep the strap on my wrist. It is so nice to have the moving front wheel, especially if you use the stroller for anything other than running.

[cinco]

I live in the mountains (the wimpy East Coast version, but still) and the Revolution works great. I fix the wheel and can run on trails too.

[runblondie26]

Revolution for sure

[breezy8407]

I have the Sport Utility - similar to the Ironman. I haven't had a model with turning wheel, but I have never had a complaint without one. We mostly use ours on flat multi-use trails and residential streets, so we don't make a lot of turns if that makes sense. H used it as the primary walking stroller all summer during daddy daycare for walks, trips to the park, and grocery store.

We got ours via CL, so if I would have had the choice, I probably would have went with the turning wheel.

But to add to your not wanting a travel system, I totally agree. We got the Graco Odyssey and rarely use it. I would much rather cart around the double BOB. You will be fine with the snap and go and BOB.

[kams]

Dec 30, 2013 11:33:21 GMT -5 breezy8407 said:

I have the Sport Utility - similar to the Ironman. I haven't had a model with turning wheel, but I have never had a complaint without one. We mostly use ours on flat multi-use trails and residential streets, so we don't make a lot of turns if that makes sense. H used it as the primary walking stroller all summer during daddy daycare for walks, trips to the park, and grocery store.

We got ours via CL, so if I would have had the choice, I probably would have went with the turning wheel.

But to add to your not wanting a travel system, I totally agree. We got the Graco Odyssey and rarely use it. I would much rather cart around the double BOB. You will be fine with the snap and go and BOB.

Yes - I used the snap n go a TON the first year. Cheap, and way lighter - great to keep in the car. Never needed a travel system.

[shelbyann]

It makes me feel better that all of you hardcore runners are fine with the Revolution. I think I'm just being needlessly worried about this braking situation. So you attach it to you via a strap? I have this vision of me running down a steep hill (probably with crappy sidewalks), tripping and falling, and the stroller flying down into a busy street below.

LOL. I'm probably being paranoid...I'm not sure I am ready for this parenthood thing!

[emuni04]

I have the Revolution and love it.

I second the advice re: travel systems. I did have one and really didn't like it because it was so bulky. Plus, we switched over to a convertible seat at 6 months, since we have a 30 minute daycare commute and L HATED her bucket seat! Now I use the stroller shell as a regular stroller because my husband refuses to get on board with buying a new umbrella stroller. If I would have it to do all over again, I would have just gotten a lightweight umbrella stroller!

Paranoia is normal...welcome to being a (soon to be) Mom

[breezy8407]

Dec 30, 2013 11:39:08 GMT -5 shelbyann said:

It makes me feel better that all of you hardcore runners are fine with the Revolution. I think I'm just being needlessly worried about this braking situation. So you attach it to you via a strap? I have this vision of me running down a steep hill (probably with crappy sidewalks), tripping and falling, and the stroller flying down into a busy street below.

LOL. I'm probably being paranoid...I'm not sure I am ready for this parenthood thing!

I have used the hand brake a few times...mostly going down a small steep hill by our house. Hard to say if I truly need it or not, I just use it because it's there. Plus, I have the weight of the double and two large toddlers, so maybe that's the difference.  I don't use the hand strap while running either, so bad mom here I guess. 

I still don't feel ready for this parenthood thing It's a crazy ride. 

[arch01]

The Revolution for sure. It was our only stroller until I found a Maclaren Triumph at a garage sale for dirt cheap when DS was 15 months old-our go-to stroller is still the BOB. The swivel wheel is a must.

[Stingyshark]

Not that I'm running or anything, but we got the revolution. We went for a walk this am & DH loved it. He said he would rather use it than our regular stroller, which is an Uppa baby vista.

We also don't have hills.. But it was a very smooth ride for Paisley.

[hannahb]

I haven't run with him yet, but I have the revolution. It's been great for walks. I do have a snap and go which is perfect for short trips, drs visits, etc.

[coconutbug]

I've had both the single and double Revolutions and used them as my main strollers. I did have a snap and go and a couple umbrella strollers, but only used them for short trips, airports, etc. I never felt the need for a travel system.

[kams]

When you're not paranoid at all, then it is time to worry a little

[humpforfree]

I got the revolution to use as our primary also.

[Deleted]

I've never run with the Ironman but I love my Revolution. So does DS. 

[shelbyann]

Sounds like revolution is most definitely the way to go. Now to find one on clearance somewhere, I hope. Thanks all!

[Deleted]

Have you looked on CL? I got mine on CL and it still looks new four years later.

[nabum]

We have crappy sidewalks and a lot of hills in my neighborhood and we have a revolution. I've never missed having a break, and never fixed the wheel on a run.

[Stingyshark]

I also got mine on CL for $200. Has some wear but nothing I can't handle.

[mcfelix]

Dec 30, 2013 13:07:52 GMT -5 Stingyshark said:

Not that I'm running or anything, but we got the revolution. We went for a walk this am & DH loved it. He said he would rather use it than our regular stroller, which is an Uppa baby vista.

We also don't have hills.. But it was a very smooth ride for Paisley.

I have the same two strollers. Revolution is great for running - I've never locked the front wheel and I run in a hilly neighborhood. I just keep the strap around my hand at all times. A friend has a BOB with a fixed wheel and it's a huge pain. I love the uppababy vista for errand running bc of the huge basket, but the revolution is definitely best for walking and running. It handle bumps and grass very well!

[jamalynn]

Another vote for revolution.

[jillybean222]

revolution and a snap & go...the snap & go was a purchase for my 3rd kid and i wish i had it for all 3 - what a lifesaver (and an arm saver)...i LOVED that thing)!

[mollyrunner]

I personally really like the fixed wheel. We didn't get the BOB though because DH wanted a taller model with 20" wheels. Check out CL for sure!

[katinthehat]

I have a single and double Ironman and love them but they aren't our primary strollers. That being said, I take it to Target all the time and it's not a big deal to pop it on the back wheels and turn it. I love the hand brake and use it a lot with the double and not quite so much with the single.

But, I think if you're looking for a one and done stroller, go with the Revolution. But, stalk CL or Ebay for an Ironman as well

[Brit]

I vote for the revolution because the swivel wheel is a must for me. We just took ours to Europe and it was amazing on cobblestone.

As an aside, in the past we have brought out standard MacLaren to Europe because it is smaller, but compared to the Bob, a normal stroller totally sucks on cobblestone and uneven sidewalk. The Bob was like a dream.