Updated opinions on MB Duet?

[Rhienne]

DC 2 due next year, DS will be 2+2. Looking for a double buggy.

We live innercity, borrow or hire a car occassionally, mostly bus/uground/walk. (Not in UK, buses V pram friendly, uground has lifts everywhere). Narrow is key, and I'm not keen on inline doubles, for various reasons.

The Duet sounds perfect, but I wondered a couple of things.

There are some v poor reviews about Duet quality, but also many comments about a dodgy early run, and the newer ones are better. Anyone bought a Duet 2012 and can let me know if they had any quality issues with it?

Did those using the duet for siblings, not twins, find it was too narrow for the older child? DS is slim, but needs to fit with winter clothing.

Any other thoughts Duet owners can share?

Thanks. :)

[AnaisB]

I've had one for my 20 month old and my 8 week old. Only had it a month, but love it so far. Did is slightly bigger than average (2-3 clothes) and fits without a problem. Only downsides are that it needs a lot of boot space and is heavy to lift in and out of car.

[Tiggywunkle]

Dont underestimate the amount of boot space you need. The fold is large. It barely scraped into my car.
I didnt find the size of the Duet seats an issue - just that the children were too close together that the eldest could annoy the younger endlessly (whether they meant to to or not - they just did by being too close - even simply moving a hand or a foot could hurt the other!). I dont think its the best choice for siblings - much better for twins.

[cheapandchic]

I have a new version. I love it. My eldest is in size 4 clothing so not small at all...she fits just fine. She fills the seat, but loves it and never complains. I think it is the best double ever. Despite looking big, I have yet to find a single door that I could not fit through...its incredible.

Its easy to push. Its great in every way. I do agree that the only slight negative is that it is big when folded. It doesnt really fold up, it just sort of flattens...but honestly I only take it in the car once a month.

[juniperinNZ]

I love my duet! Had it since feb, and it's been fantastic. I've got 3 dc, 4, 2 and 7 months and any combination of them in there works well (can even fit all 3 with one sitting on the front or on the buggy board!). Feels really well made, can get anywhere with it and through tiny spaces - despite people thinking it'll never fit - optical illusion! Used it loads on buses and have always fit on - to the amazement of the drivers!
Really easy to turn etc, and goes everywhere - i've even pushed it over some sand dunes and along the beach! My 4 yr old still fit in wearing her winter stuff, so no prob with size of seats.
Had a carrycot on one side when dc3 was tiny and worked really well.
I don't find the weight a problem, mine goes in and out the car most days, and as I have an mpv i have to lift it quite high, but always managed. It is quite big when folded, but no bigger than the urban really.
Don't know if they do them in the UK but was quite excited (rather sadly!) to see that when you've only got one dc in there you can buy a sort of bag that attaches on in place of the other seat to store all your shopping.

[Ihateparties]

I really expected to like the duet but didn't really, for slightly different reasons than given above, I just found it hard to store, it's narrow for a side by side obviously but bulky and it's actually really long, a good 10cm longer than my tandem. Okay to push, quality not as good as older mountain buggies but it's certainly sturdy enough. As I say, expected to love it but just didn't, suspect I'm just a tandem kinda girl at heart though

[juniperinNZ]

That's interesting you say about it being long, as that's one of the reasons we didn't buy the +one and went for the duet instead, as the +one seemed to be so long, the front wheel seemed about a mile in front! The Duet doesn't seem long to me, it's shorter than quite a few of my friend's singles. Interestingly enough I had a tandem before the Duet and didn't get on with it - must be a matter of tastes! :)

[Tiggywunkle]

I think you do either like tandems or side by sides. However much I try to like side by sides, I always head back for a tandem. I am surprised at the +one feeling long because I think it feels tiny!

[Tiggywunkle]

I should say in relation to other doubles including the Duet.

[Rhienne]

Thanks. All good points to think about. As I said, we rarely use a car, so hassle in and out of the boot is a minor factor for us.

I haven't owned either yet, but I just can't seem to get enthusiastic about a tandem.

Have seen a few Duets on the street lately, and the kids in them seem comfy. Guess DS will just have to get used to less elbow room!

[cheapandchic]

I have the duet. Love love love it.

Both kids sooo comfortable and so easy to push. Have not found a door it cant fit through and I take it all around central london.

[cheapandchic]

Oh. And I had the older model shipped to me by accident. I then sent it back. It was not great and the quality of this years model is 100% better. Better hood, better brakes, better handle....I suspect the negative remarks were from the older model. The new one is the best!!!