affordable jogger?

[bectoo2]

Hi Everyone,

I am wondering what everyone's thoughts are on a cheap jogging strollers (some I've seen at BRU and WalMart for about $100) VS the really nice ones (BOB). I would love to get a really nice one but my budget is only about $100. I don't jog but I do walk about 4 miles 4 days a week all on sidewalks (some bumpy ones, but it is all paved). Right now I have an umbrella stroller so I think anything would be better than that. However, we will TTC next summer so I am wondering if it is worth the money for a cheaper jogger now or if I should save and wait to get a double when the next baby is here. Regardless, I will need a double when the next one comes along but will one of the cheapies get me through the next two summers? Also, what is the benefit of a swivel wheel in front? If it doesn't have a swiveling wheel I should still be able to turn coners right?

TIA!
Becky

[joolsplus3]

Most of my neighbors get one single, then a double for both kids, then use the single again after the older one is walking :). Or you could get one Phil & Ted's stroller and add the doubles kit only when you need it... (sometimes if you join the Yahoo 'strollerswap' group people will be selling very gently used...like, pristine.. strollers of the highest quality for a great bargain... or www.returnsforsale.com has good deals on closeouts and returns of good strollers. I far prefer a swivel wheel...if it doesn't swivel you have to press the stroller down...I talked myself into tolerating my non-swivel joggers as 'a good upper body exercise', but honestly it was a pain :P

[ccradke1]

My sister just bought the InSTEP Run Around (http://www.babybestsellers.com/runaround.php)for $90 through Baby Best Sellers (http://www.babybestsellers.com) I know a few people who have got good deals on that site.

[solmama]

From personal experience, I wouldn't get a Schwinn or InStep, especially if you plan on heavy use. These are the most common of the cheaper jogging strollers, unfortunately. We purchased a single Schwinn jogger when our daughter was born. After 3 months of daily use, the u shaped bar that supports the seat back wore through the canvas/plastic at the seat bottom causing the seat to collapse. Instep (makers of Schwinn joggers) replaced the seat, free of charge, under warranty...that seat now has the same issue. Unfortunately I no longer have a pic of this defect to post. The main reason to have a swivel wheel is if you really won't be jogging...mainly for walking. If you truly want to jog, a fixed-wheel jogging stroller is what you want. The swivel wheel doesn't track well at high speeds:). Perhaps returnsforsale.com has something, I don't know. Good luck!

[trailrunnermom]

This shopping method takes more time, but if you can watch your local craigslist.com and/or yard sales, you can often find a nice second-hand jogger (my neighbor bought my old BabyJogger for $80 at our yard sale). Also, if there is a running group in your area that has a website, they might have an online bulletin board where you could post a "wanted to buy" message.

It is nice to be able to get out and walk, especially once the 2nd one comes along! :)

[didymama]

i recently bought a instep 5k used and really like it. i have 3 children and never llike double strollers. if you only have 2 children i would invest in a nice carrier-ergo, mei tei etc (not bjorn junk or the like) this also makes it easy to shop etc because you don't have to worry about prying hands as much. my younger 2 are close in weight so i frequently double carry-one in front one in back. the ergo is good for this as are gypsymama wraps if you are willing to take the time to learn. if you get one long wrap and get profienct with it you can even carry both in one!