BJCM price and 3 vs 4 wheel

[Deliaskis]

Hi there,

I asked a couple of weeks ago for recs for my almost 6mo girl who no longer needs a big full on pram, and had decided on the Baby Jogger City Mini as it came highly recommended.

However, I now see the 2011 model has a 4 wheel option. The best price I can find on this is £219, with the 3 wheel option at £189. But with all the accessories (was planning on raincover, footmuff and maybe belly bar, we're approaching £300) it's starting to add up and I'm wondering.

So firstly, anyone seen either option for less than the prices I had found?

Secondly, I also saw someone mention the Red Kite Urban Jogger as a possible cheaper alternative (although only as a 'spotted' item, not used and recommended IYSWIM), and at £75 including all the bits and bobs it's looking like a really good buy. But it's only available as a 3 wheeler. What's the difference in pushing/safety between 3 and 4 wheels? DH is quite set on 4 wheels as he thinks it's much more stable, but I don't really know what the real pros and cons are.

I really wanted the BJCM but am now struggling to justify the cost when adding on all the extras.

The other option was the Quinny Zapp Xtra which we had ruled out as difficult to fold.

Also heard the McLaren XT mentioned?

Heeeeeelllllllllpppp!

D

[Deliaskis]

Hmmm a reading about the Red Kite urban jogger and it doesn't have the easy fold that the BCJM has, which was one of the reasons for getting it. Argh!

[pramsgalore]

your dd is only 6 months so you will get loads of use out of it, 3 wheelers are a bit tippy and lots of people have said the bjcm 3 is very tippy, i would go for the bjcm 4 wheel version, they do seem to hold their money well, where did you find that price, thats really good. cheap pushchairs are usually just that cheap, and bj have a life time warrenty on frame and wheels so i have read.

[5inthebed]

You won't find the BJCM fold on any other pram I'm afraid. it really is the best pram I've had fold wise.

I'd get the BJCM rather than the Mac XT.

Raincover, you don;t need to get the BJCM one, I bought a cheaper alternative on Ebay for £8ish and the belly bar, again is optional. I'd only get the belly bar if the child was older, as it is quite high. I had the snack tray for DS3 and it sat at eye level when he was in the pram.

No experience with the 4 wheel, but the 3 wheel was fantastic! Quite now that DS3 almost outgrown a pram, as I'd probably get the 4 wheel one.

Almost makes me want to have another child

[Deliaskis]

The price was from groovystyle.co.uk pramsgalore . I think you've talked me into it, you're right, DD is very young so we've got ages to go at.

And thanks 5inthebed re accessories, I'll have a hunt for cheaper alternatives.

[Tiggywunkle]

There is a similar fold on the B-Agile (with additional step) due out soon. I read the Red Kite had a one handed fold on a review but I have to say I don't know what that means. The four wheel I am hoping is more stable - however I do two things which affects stability that you probably won't do 1) I use a car seat on it which does make it top heavy and 2) I push one handed because I hold my toddlers hand (but I push one handed anyway when I can). The main times I find it tippy are when cornering eg turning away from the car boot or going around a corner. But the three wheel version is very well loved and you may never fond tipping an issue like zillions of other people! The resale value is very good and as pramsgalore says there is a lifetime warranty on the pushchair (but not the fabrics). You really won't regret getting one!

[Deliaskis]

Tiggy thanks for your thoughts. I managed to download the instruction leaflet for the Red Kite one and whilst it is a one hand fold, it's several step and not of the same kind of 'grab here and pull' type mechanism as the BJCM.

I have decided I'm going for the BCJM anyway, 4 wheels and all! pramsgalore reminded me that I will have possibly years out of it, and we are in the lucky position of not having had to buy anything big at all for DD yet as inherited loads from DSis so this is the only piece of 'hardware' I am investing in, so might as well pick what I really want I reckon!

Thanks for thoughts.
Dx

[TribbleWithoutACause]

You seriously won't regret it, I love my BCMJ (I don't find it tippy though). It has been the best bit of kit that I've bought.

[Deliaskis]

Ordered it! Arriving in 3-5 days!

[Pootles2010]

Ah fab. Have you ordered footmuff yet? I was umming and ahhing over that for mine, it is expensive! Went for it, its great.

It's a faff to put on, because you have to undo the mechanism that allows the easy fold and sort of thread it all through, but that keeps it in place.

The front bit (that actually goes over their legs) can zip off if its sunny day, or you can zip the fleecy liner out if you just want the waterproof bit, if its rainy but warm. Really worth the money imo.

[Deliaskis]

I did pootles all matching and everyfink! Stupidly excited now...

[Deliaskis]

Update! It arrived this morning and is fab. Waiting for DD to wake up now so we can go out lol.

In praise of www.groovystyle.co.uk I paid £219 for the new 4-wheeler, also ordered the raincover and footmuff. Ordered by phone at 4.30pm Tuesday, they rang yesterday to say it had arrived and did I want it delivered today, I said yes, they rang again this morning and they gave me a 1 hour time slot for delivery, it arrived bang on time, all present and correct.

Would definitely use them again, really impressed with their service. Don't know how big an operation they are but I have spoken to the same person a few times which is nice as they know your info without 'what's your reference number' in 'computer-says-no' voice.

OK, she's waking up now. Here goes...

Dx

[SlinkyB]

Hi Deliaskis just wondered how you're getting on with your new pram? Am seriously considering getting a BJCM for my ds who's 6.5 months, but not sure whether to go for 3 or 4 wheels?

Any feedback appreciated!