In case anyone is interested, I bought Darren's used Valco Tri Mode in Sunrise/Navy.
I really, really like it! I only got to try out the Baby Jogger City Classic, although I was choosing b/t the Valco, Phil and Ted's, and BJ City Elite, but that was the only one available where I live.
The fold is not nearly as complicated as it appears, and it's easier to pick up and carry than the BJCC. The sunshade does not provide as much coverage, but it also isn't in my toddler's face when it's folded back. :thumbsup: It steers really well and easily. I wish that the back was a little taller for my toddler's head (he's about 38-39" tall and long torsoed, so the top 1/4 of his head is over the seat back), but most of the time, the baby will be riding in the main seat anyways. We got the hitch hiker board w/it, so ds1 can ride on that. I'm thinking about ordering the toddler seat for it, too, so I have that option. The fabric is heavier duty than the BJCC's and the seat seems more supportive and comfy. I love all the storage on the stroller as well. One of my favorite features is that the front wheel has three positions--swivel all the way, totally locked, and swivel 45 degrees--great for rough terrain where you still need to turn a little bit. The wheels snap on and off easily to make it more compact to put away and lighter to carry. In fact, I got it unfolded, and reassembled the wheels and the hitch hiker, w/o reading the instructions, in less than five minutes. It was a piece of cake!
The Valco is super sturdy--doesn't tip at all even when the wheel is on swivel and ds1 climbs in on his own. I'm really pleased, and I know we'll get a lot of use out of it.
hths someone trying to choose who can't see these strollers in person.
henrietta
I really, really like it! I only got to try out the Baby Jogger City Classic, although I was choosing b/t the Valco, Phil and Ted's, and BJ City Elite, but that was the only one available where I live.
The fold is not nearly as complicated as it appears, and it's easier to pick up and carry than the BJCC. The sunshade does not provide as much coverage, but it also isn't in my toddler's face when it's folded back. :thumbsup: It steers really well and easily. I wish that the back was a little taller for my toddler's head (he's about 38-39" tall and long torsoed, so the top 1/4 of his head is over the seat back), but most of the time, the baby will be riding in the main seat anyways. We got the hitch hiker board w/it, so ds1 can ride on that. I'm thinking about ordering the toddler seat for it, too, so I have that option. The fabric is heavier duty than the BJCC's and the seat seems more supportive and comfy. I love all the storage on the stroller as well. One of my favorite features is that the front wheel has three positions--swivel all the way, totally locked, and swivel 45 degrees--great for rough terrain where you still need to turn a little bit. The wheels snap on and off easily to make it more compact to put away and lighter to carry. In fact, I got it unfolded, and reassembled the wheels and the hitch hiker, w/o reading the instructions, in less than five minutes. It was a piece of cake!
The Valco is super sturdy--doesn't tip at all even when the wheel is on swivel and ds1 climbs in on his own. I'm really pleased, and I know we'll get a lot of use out of it.
hths someone trying to choose who can't see these strollers in person.
henrietta