Cameleon really worth it?

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

My second and final child is growing up fast (9 months) and having been a bit of a pushchair geek in my younger days I'm aware that my time is running out to try them.

I have an iCandy Apple and a Bee which I'm thinking of selling for a Cam. Is it worth it or should I let it pass me by? Every bugger seems to have one so there must be something good about them?

[rogersmellyonthetelly]

Yes they are fab. I would flog the apple and buy a second hand cam tho. The new ones are not really that different and there are second hand bargains to be had!

[ThePinkNinja]

I love buggies :)

I wanted the cam too but with a bee and a couple others and second baby on the way I couldn't justify it.... So I bought a frog on eBay - even better deals and I got the "cam buggy" fix I wanted. I bought foam tires and I LOVE it,....

Only major odifference is handle bar isn't adjustable....

[Kveta]

I just got a new cam, and am very impressed - it isn't the perfect pushchair, but it is lovely, very lightweight, easy to steer, generally I like it a lot. Plus which, DD (nearly 5 mo) is approaching 8kg fast, and was killing my back to carry her all the time, so having a pushchair for her is brilliant!

[daisydoodoo]

i did really like my cameleon, but there was a period when the dd's were about 14 months old to about 18-20 months when they just werent comfortable in the cam. the eat was either too reclined or too upright meaning they were either fussing to sit up more or slouched down.
I used a different pram at that time, funnily enough the icandy apple! I prefer the apple. its much sturdier and the seat much better especially with the adjustable foot rest which the cameleon doesnt have. if you could have adjusted the footrest on the cam, it would have stopped the slouching when too upright dilemma.
So presonally id stick with the apple maybe upgrade to the newer peach if you really really have to have a new pram.

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I'm not bothered about a new pram so much although I did covet the strawberry when it came out. All my prams are left over from DD1, I haven't had a new one this time which considering how many I went through with DD1 is something of a miracle! :o

If I got one it would be 2nd hand. I just can't shake this feeling that I should see what all the fuss is about...

[SirDoris]

We've had ours since DD was born. She's now 3.5 and rides on the buggy board while DS 14mths is in the buggy. It's been great for us, although definitely buy second hand as part of what you're paying for is the carrycot which you won't be using.

[Tiggywunkle]

Its definitely worth having a Cam - I have had two now and its great. I do find it a bit hmm...fiddly....just that it takes a bit extra if that makes sense ie the old unfold isn't that easy, the hood takes two hands really to pull up, the basket access isn't that great, the brake can stick and need 2 hands to release. But there are loads of Pros to it. Definitely one to try!

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

I've got a Gecko. Haven't used a cameleon so don't know how they compare but you can pick up a secondhand gecko on eBay for approx £100 (or less).

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I did very nearly bid on a Cameleon last night but chickened out as I haven't sold my apple yet. Gutted though as it was in excellent condition and went for £155.

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

Will look for the Gecko. They look pretty much the same, isn't it just the odds and sods that are different?

Can you swing the handlebar round the other way on the gecko so the big wheels are at the front?

[rogersmellyonthetelly]

Gecko is identical to the cameleon apart from a few points - smaller seat and hood. Non adjustable handlebar. Non adjustable suspension on front wheels, seat frame doesn't have foam all the way around, the new cameleon has switches for folding, the gecko has peg buttons that you pull towards you like triggers. Also gecko has air wheels at the back, newer cameleons have foam wheels (I think the air wheels give a nicer ride) None of these makes a huge difference really, it pushes well and is nice and light.
When buying a gecko do be aware that the hood and seat fabrics can fade with time, particularly on black ones, so check with the seller first.

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

Hope you don't think I'm being cheeky but my Gecko is on eBay at the moment. If you're anywhere near S Wales and want to come and have a look you'd be welcome.

It's on for £100 but I'd accept £80

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I'm nowhere near Wales :( Argh, I don't know what to do.

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

Could you search eBay for cam/gecko near you and ask to go and have a look before the auction ends so it doesn't cost you anything if you decide it's not what you want?

I'm after a P&T at the moment but I'm not sure it'll fit in my tiny boot so am trying to find some for sale so that I can try it in the boot before parting with any cash! Have spent far too much on buggies for years recently so need to make sure the next purchase is a wise one!

[Joiyuk]

I bought a preloved cam off eBay and I loved it! I have had quite a few different pushchairs with ds who is 2, but I will definitely get another cam when we have another baby!

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I keep bidding on them on auction sniper ebay and pulling out at the last minute! Really I have to sell my Apple as I haven't got the money till then. They seem to vary wildly in how much they make so I won't know what to go for till then.

[StateofConfusion]

I was pram mad with ds and dd, I've since inherited a bugaboo frog and no buggy compares, both me and dp love it my dd is 4yo next week and still fits in it nicely but its all cleaned up ready for dc3 to arrive in a few weeks.