Bugaboo Buffalo suitability for London?

[Legaleasy]

Hi all

We test drove the new buffalo over the weekend in John Lewis and were v impressed. It feels sturdier than the cam 3, has ample storage space, larger cot and seat, one piece fold which stands upright and is a similar weight to the cam 3.

Has anyone who has made the plunge to buy the buffalo done so in centralish London? Everyone around us has bee or something equally as light and swear by it for getting on public transport, in as out of cafes etc. I think we would prefer something a little sturdier, as we will hopefully get out and about at weekends (this is first baby so i may be dreaming!) plus have parents who live in pretty rural locations. We will use public transport but more likely a car. I'm concious this is also a new model from bugaboo, so perhaps greater scope for issues (although can see no issues so far from other countries where it has already been released). Cam 3 would be our other preference.

I'm really torn and with it being our first nothing to compare it against so any advice would be very welcome!

Thanks all.

[Tiggywunkle]

The width is the same as the Cameleon and the Mono Donkey, and I bet you see plenty of Cam's around London :)

Meanwhile the handle is telescopically FAB and will retract right down in a small space - great for on a bus or in a tight space.

Yes, there is scope for more issues in any first batch pushchair, but as long as you buy new from a reputable retailer, you will be covered by the Bugaboo warranty - which is good.

I have one on order and can't wait. I much prefer the solidity of the Buffalo to the Cam - in fact they dont really compare in many ways. (I have had 2 Cam's and 2 Donkeys to put this into perspective). I think its a good choice TBH.

Meanwhile, if you are ordering DO check the estimated date of delivery. I suspect JL will hold their own stocks of the pushchair so they should be able to tell you their stock levels. I know for independent retailers, orders are now being taken for the second batch in November BUT retailers will have placed orders for the first Sept batch, so again ask the right questions about which batch yours will come from / if they have free stock.

[Twattybollocks]

Tbh I've not heard great things about the buffalo. I know quite a few people who have imported it, and the word from them is its not easy to get up and down kerbs and quite heavy to steer. Also, it's very very heavy. I went and had a look myself on Saturday at our local mothercare, and I tried to lift it, as I've read online that its only 2kg heavier than the cam, but I put my back out and put it down quite quickly! The 11.4kg weight that has been bandied about is for the chassis only without wheels and seat. I was told by the sales assistant that its the second heaviest single they have, beaten only by the maxi cosi mura.
Having lusted after it for months, and seriously considered importing myself, I can honestly say seeing it in the flesh (and lifting it) has cured me of any desire to own one.

[Tiggywunkle]

I lifted it and didn't think it was that bad, but I am used to lifting double pushchairs. When you remove the wheels, it makes quite a difference.

[whitewineforme]

The Bugaboo website says 11.9kg including the chassis, wheels and seat, do you think that may be incorrect? As a comparison I had a look on the icandy website as I have a strawberry, and supposedly that weighs 11.4kg (chassis, wheels, seat unit included). I don't find the Strawberry too heavy, so I'm hoping the Buffalo will be manageable for me as I've already pre-ordered it.

[Twattybollocks]

I don't think it's correct. The woman at mothercare told me its 16.4kg

[whitewineforme]

Hmm that is a big difference to what they are claiming on their website then! Might have to pop to John Lewis and see how it is to lift in real life.

[Ihateparties]

I never take the manufacturers word on weight, i get on the bathroom scales with stuff . I'm scientific me......

[Legaleasy]

Thanks for the replies ladies. On the weight issue I must admit I didn't notice much of a difference when lifting each in the shop. And I do agree it's much sturdier, we gave it a good push about in the shop.

Good point about stock availability as well Tiggywunkle. Peter Jones were up to 60 out of 100 pre-ordered for the 1 sept batch on Sunday when we went round, so sounds as if going quickly now the prototypes are available to view!

[chocolatemartini]

Saw my first buffalo in London Regents Park today. Was in a hurry otherwise i'd have gone over to try and befriend its owner and compare it to my cam. Also could have asked how they were getting on with it in London! Sorry, missed opportunity!

[Tiggywunkle]

I dont believe JL take any money until they have stock there ready to ship, so its worth doing a preorder if you want one.

[carrielou2007]

I went in to order one in John Keeis on Sunday. I love love love my cam, hate bee+ but does what I want it to and thought last baby sod it get s buffalo (don't like donkey in mono at all) lovely fab pram u Gil I tried to push it!! Waaaaaay too heavy yes easy to push but my goodness sooooo heavy! By the time I add shopping and a buggy board lets just say I ended up perusing a new Mulberry instead...

[Xalla]

I'm about to pre-order this too.... It's the 'all-terrain' bit that appeals to me - we live on the coast...

Anyone actually tried it out and about?

The weight thing is worrying me... I think I might give JL a ring and see if I can speak to one of their sales people about it...

[DevonLulu]

When are the first ones arriving?

...... waiting reviews!

[whitewineforme]

I had pre ordered it, but cancelled last week as I was worried about all the comments I had read on the weight. I got to try it out in Mothercare this week and it was really very heavy, for comparison I think the salesperson said the Buffalo is 16kg and the Cameleon is 9kg (roughly). It would be a great pushchair for someone who needs the all terrain capability or the extra weight limit for a bigger child, but it wouldn't have been right for me. Will look forward to seeing reviews from those who it suits though!

[Tiggywunkle]

This weekend....one shop I know of get stock on Friday but they aren't supposed to release until the 1st. I have one on order :) I am super excited!

[Coralpearlgold]

Hi,
I ordered the bugaboo buffalo from Holland months ago after hearing about it I couldn't wait until it was released here and so managed to find a site that would deliver for free! My daughter was about 6 months at the time and I had previously owned an I candy peach jogger and a bug cameleon. I loved how sturdy I candy was but preferred the look of the bugaboo and I felt that the buffalo is the best of both. I have been soooooo happy with it and my daughter seems comfortable too! I live in Brighton and spend a lot if time in the city centre but also like to get out for country walks and I have had no complaints doing either... I really really recommend this buggy! The storage is fantastic, it folds really easily, it is bulky but I have a big boot so it's fine... I literally love mine (and I'm really fussy and indecisive ) with regards to living in London, I'm sure you will be fine! I have got on a couple of buses with it and had no probs... As long as baby is happy then I am so thumbs up all round!!! X

[DevonLulu]

Any other reviews anyone?

[Tiggywunkle]

Mine is being awfully slow to arrive - yawn - its been on order ages but apparently was due to leave Bugaboo yesterday so hopefully I get mine this week.

[Legaleasy]

Hi everyone. Just to update you all... We eventually went for the buffalo in the end and it arrived last week from John Lewis (two days after baby William who arrived five and a half weeks early!). I'm very very pleased with it. It looks good, feels very sturdy over the rubbish London paved streets and have loads if space for shopping etc. it is heavy, granted, but I don't mind that to be honest and we will do a lot of walking in it so think it will suit us.

I had a bit if a nightmare ordering one from John Lewis in the end and actually cancelled my duplicate order with mamas and papas which was a mistake, as the latter could guarantee delivery on 4th sept, whereas john lewis only got it to us mid last week.

Happy to answer any questions anyone has if you are trying to make a decision!

[MET128]

Hi,

We were thinking of this as we want an off road pushchair. This is important for us as we do lots of walking and I am hoping to be able to continue to do so on the local footpaths with our new baby.

I like the cameleon but it has silly small front wheels. I saw a lady in the park yesterday and she could not get it to push up the hill on a gravel path so i imagine its pretty hopeless offroad.

We were looking at the Baby Jogger City Elite but have been warned that the carrycot is very small and therefore might only get used for a couple of months. And also it does not do rear facing.

The bugaboo buffalo claims to be all terrain but as you cant actually try it outside its hard to tell. It is very expensive and I am worried that I would just end up with a very expensive pram that was still only any good for around town. It has no suspension and smooth tyres. It also has 4 wheels whereas all the offroad ones seem to have three wheels which everyone says is better for rougher ground.

Has anyone actually got a buffalo yet? is it any good off road?

Any advice gratefully received!

Thanks

[Xalla]

I've ordered one. Will take it on the coastal paths by where we live (albeit empty - baby hasn't arrived yet!) as soon as it arrives and post again then!

[poppingin1]

I used to live very central and had a Bee and now have a CM GT.

Honestly I wouldn't go for anything heavier than the CM GT which is just a teeny bit over 9Kg. It is just not worth it anywhere in London, especially not anywhere central. I lusted after the Buffalo until I saw the weight.

Its one thing when you try it out in a store, it is really another when you are using it day in and day out around London.

Even with my GT only being a little over 9Kg I still own a Maclaren Triumph for days when I will need an even lighter pushchair, and days like that are many and I use each pushchair as much as the other.

[caitlinfc]

Hi all,

Just thought I could answer some of your questions, I'm Australian and already have a buffalo and LOVE it!! In terms of weight, I just put it on my bathroom scales, 12.2 kilos with the carrycot the baby seat attachment is much smaller and i imagine weight less due to the lack of a mattress. That includes absolutely everything including and extra sheet and toy bar. The differences that i can see between this pram and the cam are;
-one piece fold which is really very easy

• it seems to be much more sturdy and strong probably in part due to its weight

-the seat is bigger and can hold a much heavier child
-the canopy has an extra zip down panel which I really really like it solves the problem of trying to put muslin wraps up to block out the light. The canopy blocks out almost all light without making it too stuffy as there is still plenty of airflow.
-the under-seat basket is HUGE and easy to access not like the cam
-you can easily hang bags off the handles, it even has hooks to help you do this. Even with lots of weight on the handle bars it still feels very stable and grounded.

• It is fantastic on uneven surfaces, we live on the beach and its very easy to push on the sand, grass etc.

I've taken it on trains with no issue, it fits well in a small SUV boot (BMW X1) with space for the shopping still. Very easy in the shops, basically turns on itself. All round great pram. I'm very happy with it as is my little lady. If you have any questions about it I'll do my best to answer them :)

[wispaxmas]

Hello, I'm resurrecting this thread to ask is anyone else has bought and used the buffalo. We're in outer London and have a dog who really enjoys her woodland walks, and I don't want to have to stop them when baby comes.

I've had a couple plays with the buffalo in store, and I've pushed it around the whole store one handed, folded it, switched out the seat for carrycot, and was overall pretty damn impressed, especially compared to the other all terrain models they showed me, which seemed a bit more flimsy, and harder to maneuver.

I just wanted to know if it has been tried and tested in the great outdoors?