Requirements:
-Small-ish fold. Doesn't have to be tiny, but smallish.
(I keep the Avio in the back of our BMW X5...there is still tons of room. I like the umbrella style fold and that I don't have to bend over to lock it or pick it up. It folds somewhat one handed, I'm getting better at it, and lift/roll it in.
-Must have an AWESOME push/steering. Really. I love about my Easywalker that it is so well-balanced and designed that I feel like I'm pushing air, even though it's pretty heavy. Same thing with my MBUD. I want that in a push.
Amazing push! It has ball bearing wheels and I can push/turn it with one finger with even my 30 lb 3.5 year old
-Fold must not be irritatingly hard to operate.
There is a learning curve, but after using it a dozen times, it is already easier for me to do. It's just different than any other stroller out there.
-Must have full recline (or darn near it.)
Yes!
-Sturdy construction. It needs to last and last and last.
Made in Italy and so, so fine! Need I say more?!
-Four wheels (if it's otherwise absolutely perfect I suppose I MIGHT try a three-wheeler, but I'd have to be completely and utterly in love with it.)
Yes!
-Good brakes.
I love the brakes on the Avio! Completely flip flop and fancy shoe friendly! They are cable linked you don't have to use the top of your foot at any point to lock or unlock the breaks.
-Excellent basket/shelf for storage underneath.
I HATED the basked on my BJCM. The Avio has a great amount of storage for an umbrella stroller in my opinion. It is more of a shelf with low sides and accessed from the side. I had a PBkids lunchbox, small child's backpack, an adult fleece jacket and two children's fleece jackets in the basket this morning and could have fit more.
-Very good to excellent canopy coverage.
The canopy has an extendable flap and can be rotated forward as much as you want if you unsnap it from the back of the seat. I have fair skinned children and canopy coverage is very important to me. This offers what I was looking for.
-Peekaboo window in canopy. Or other method to see kid from the back.
Small peekaboo from back of canopy.
-Must appeal to me style-wise, and preferably not be something you see every day. Because, see above, I'm a brat.
Umm, yeah, me too...another reason I hated my BJCM. I've yet to see anyone in our "prestigious" area have this stroller. But I see lots of Bugs, Uppababy, BJ, BOB's.
-MUST have a tall seat, and a weight limit of 45 lbs. or above.
55 lbs, and my 3.5 year old fits with several inches to grow.
-Good leg support/foot rest.
My 3.5 yr old likes it better without the bumper bar and his feet fit perfectly on the footrest. I leave the bumper bar on for my 14 month old and put the legrest up. It's not as big as one on a Mac, but the backs of his legs are fully supported and would be if he was laying down.
Pluses- nice to have but not required:
-full-featured carrycot available. I'm not sure I'd get it at this point, because I'm not sure how long Katie Sue has in the carrycot before outgrowing it, but I want the option there for future use if nothing else. This almost makes my make-or-break list but not quite, so I suppose we'll say this weighs heavily in the favor of a stroller.
It has a BEAUTIFUL carrycot! I didn't get it, yet, but come baby #3, I'm going to try my best to convince DH I NEED it!
-bright colors. I like 'em.
Fuchsia, red, lime, light blue, black and navy...need I say more?!
-reversible seat. I probably won't use it long/much but I like having the option on a mall stroller.
Nope, doesn't have, but does have the carrycot and carseat adapter options.
-ability to try it out in Los Angeles area before buying is a huge plus- again not REQUIRED but would be very beneficial.
You should be able to find it somewhere I would think! After all my research I bit the bullet and bought it sight unseen. And I'm very happy I did!
-wide range of accessories available. I like accessories. I may not use them but I want that choice.
Carrycot option, carseat adapters, rain cover, parasol, winter muff in matching beautiful colors, summer seat liner, and a carrybag.
-adaptor/compatibility with Cybex Aton available- not necessary but would be nice for travel, etc. Please note: anything with an adaptor that accepts Maxi-Cosi also accepts the Aton.
So far I think they only have adapters for Graco, Peg, and Inglesina, but I have read they are working on more!
-Compatibility with the Buggypod Smorph is a plus, either attachment size, since I already (will) have one, just nice to have that option. Compatibility list:
According to that list, it is compatible with the Inglesina Zippy, so I would assume it would also work on the Avio.http://buggypod.com/docs/customer/Buggypod_compatibility_list.pdf
-ride on board compatibility- I haven't gone for this option yet, but I may at some point, again, leaving the possibility open appeals to me. But this ranks pretty low on my list of wants.
I have the Valco buggboard, but haven't tried it yet. I can if you would like.
I don't care about:
-weight, as long as the push and fold are good
-cost- I'm happy to find a deal on a new or used one of course, and the thrill of the bargain-hunt is definitely appealing to me, but I'm willing to consider anything, no cost barred. Including importing from overseas, as long as you can find a store that speaks English and ships here.
I too love the "hunt" and was able to get my Avio in navy brand new, open box for $200 as opposed to the $500 it regularly is!
-what kind of tires/wheels it has, as long as they're sturdy.
If you read all of that, I'm impressed.
Let the suggesting of strollers and me shooting them down begin!
(No really, I'd love to consider ones I haven't looked at much, and hear about your experiences with them. Don't take it personally if I don't like them. I'm a brat.)