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Do I need a bugaboo bee? Or am I being sucked in by the brand?

35 replies

BananaPie · 13/05/2015 20:05

I already have a (old and slightly rickety) my3 and a (well used) maclaren. Criteria for new buggy are:

  1. parent facing option;
  2. lighter than my3, and folds in one piece to quite small, so good for travelling (aeroplane as well as fitting in car boot);
  3. takes maxi cosi car seat;
  4. useable with buggy board for older child (e.g. Handle adjusts so that child can stand comfortably under handle bar);
  5. one handed push (for holding hands with toddler).

    I am torn between the bee and the bjcm (although I know the latter doesn't have parent facing option). Will I regret spending the money on the bee or should I get it and recoup some of the costs on eBay once I no longer need it? DH has lost interest and agrees we can spend the money if I want...
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atticusfinchatemybaby · 13/05/2015 20:09

Had one. Hated it. Go for something else.

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Laquila · 13/05/2015 20:09

I was thinking BJCM would be ideal if parent-facing and adjustable handlebar weren't dealbreakers. Actually I think maybe the GT has an adjustable handlebar. I LOVE my BJCM but never used a Bee. I think the seat is quite a bit lower down but can't offer much else I'm afraid. Does the Bee definitely fold with the seat unit on?

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Jackieharris · 13/05/2015 20:10

It's consumerism gone mad!!!

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ShelaghTurner · 13/05/2015 20:13

Had several adored them. Bee for the first year or so then change to BJCM and that's the perfect pushchair combo. Seven years of research has led me to this conclusion.

But plenty of second hand ones in perfect condition. My extensive pushchair research has also taught me that people who sell on treat the pushchairs as well as the babies.

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BananaPie · 13/05/2015 20:14

Ooh, interesting about the bjcm gt. I wonder if that would work with the buggy board.

What did you hate about the bee atticus?

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QueefOfTheDamned · 13/05/2015 20:15

The Bee does not fold small. It's huge folded. And it's rubbish on any terrain that isn't perfectly flat.

Check out the Baby Jogger Versa. Although I have no idea of buggy board compatibility.

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QueefOfTheDamned · 13/05/2015 20:16

You can't use a buggy board with a GT, as far as I know.

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AbbeyRoadCrossing · 13/05/2015 20:18

I had one based on the light and easy to fold hype but sold it. Got a babyzen yoyo which is actually one handed fold and cabin bag size and so light. It doesn't meet your other criteria though regarding the handle and it's parent facing from birth but the buggy isn't. I love that pram though

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MarrogfromMars · 13/05/2015 20:19

Our old Bee has done 0-3 with DS1 and still trundling round with DS2 facing me at 18 months which is lovely and sociable. It's tiny compared to so many other buggies you see so really easy to get on buses etc (we don't have a car). I have no clue what a BJCM is though so can't compare!

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HomeHelpMeGawd · 13/05/2015 20:19

We loved our Bee. We went through several other models, and we always regretted holding off on the Bee for so long, in an attempt to save money that just cost us more in the end.

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TarkaTheOtter · 13/05/2015 20:22

I have a bee (the original one bought secondhand) and it does all those things you want. It isn't that small when folded but will be significantly smaller than your my3 and definitely folds in one piece.
I wouldn't recommend the bugaboo buggy board as it sticks out so much you have to stand to one side. I use a lascal maxi which works well.
I have used two secondhand bugaboos now, both over 5 years old when I got them and both still work like new and incredibly easy to push. I think they are built to last and would definitely suggest you get a 2nd hand one if you don't want to splurge.

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Alexandpea · 13/05/2015 20:25

I have the Bee+ (I think there's a newer one out) and love it.

It's great for hopping on and off buses, light and it folds small. You can take the seat out to make it even smaller when folded if needed. The shopping basket is quite spacious.

We also have a Maclaren but much prefer the Bee. I have used it mainly in London but also on the odd country walk and it has survived.

Only downside is that DS could wriggle out of arm straps at 12 months and we haven't been able to use them since. Otherwise I highly recommend.

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BananaPie · 13/05/2015 20:36

Hmm, opinion seems to be split! Would be using mostly in London / suburbs, with lots of walking, and steps at our nearest station.

Probably is consumerism gone mad. I'm not terribly into brands, but struggling to find anything else that ticks all the boxes. I'm sure I could survive with what I've got already if necessary!

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PrimalLass · 13/05/2015 20:44

I don't care what anyone says about consumerism. I had a second-hand Bugaboo frog and it was fantastic and worth every penny.

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redcaryellowcar · 13/05/2015 20:50

Have a look at uppababy vista?

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BananaPie · 13/05/2015 21:09

Uppababy vista does look quite good too, thanks. A bit heavier than I wanted, but otherwise seems to tick the boxes. Pricey though and seems to only come with the carrycot which I don't need.

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Ihateparties · 13/05/2015 21:24

The vista is bigger than the my 3 and not a 1 piece fold.

What about a bargain easywalker mini? Or a mosey? Also fitting criteria is the versa, armadillo flip, oyster/ouster2... I'm drawing a blank but there are a few more.

I had a bjcmgt with a board for a bit, it does work but not all that well imo and difficult/impossible to recline the seat with a child on the board.

I've never had a bee so can't really comment on that one apart from to say on paper it fits your brief and there is a reason london is full of them.

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BananaPie · 13/05/2015 22:00

The mosey looks great, anyone know if a buggy board fits?

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fairgroundsnack · 13/05/2015 22:05

I have a second hand original model bee and I love it. Pushing with one hand is the best I have ever tried. Doesn't fold that small though.

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rootypig · 13/05/2015 22:05

Buy a second hand Bee. I wasn't sure, bought one a year old, like new, for £250 (from gumtree). Two and a half years later it's been to about ten countries, done thousands of miles - seriously! - and is still going strong. We have never needed another pushchair.

We were in London for the first year, and it was a godsend on buses and to go up and down steps. So light, and the small frame meant I could carry it with DC in it, no problem (and I am short and not very strong).

This is almost risk free because 1. Bugaboos hold their value, so you could sell on for what you paid for it two months down the line 2. Bugaboo sells parts for really reasonable prices, and you can repair everything yourself (we've just needed new handle locks, because DH crucifies them Hmm) so the warranty is less relevant.

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rootypig · 13/05/2015 22:06

Vista is huge for London. I wanted one very badly, but reluctantly let go of the idea, and was very, very glad.

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FlossieTreadlight · 13/05/2015 22:09

The BJCM gt does take a buggy board - would highly recommend it

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SnozzberryPie · 13/05/2015 22:12

I have a baby jogger vue which fills most of your criteria except I'm not sure about the car seat

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silversixpence · 13/05/2015 22:49

I have just got my Mosey today - it fulfils all your criteria including one piece fold, but it does feel quite heavy folded. It is nice and small folded and suitable from birth.

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Laquila · 13/05/2015 23:12

I have a Versa GT, which is brilliant but about the same size as the Vista. The non-GT version feels a bit smaller. Brilliant one-piece fold though!

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