Bugaboo Bee Plus or Micralite Toro? Please help...

[Sam001]

Hi, I am 6 months pregnant currently looking at pushchairs / travel systems. I am completely torn between the new Bugaboo bee plus or the Micralite Toro. Does anyone have any opinions / suggestions?

The things I like about the Bee plus are:
i) Front and rear facing
ii) Stylish

The things I like about the Micralite Toro are:
i) Carrycot can be used as a seperate travel cot or moses basket
ii) Can carry it on wheels when folded (like a luggage) which makes it easy to carry and get up and down the stairs
iii) Bigger rear wheels - better for rougher terrain, however might also puncture easily?!

Please help!

Thanks

Sam

[multimummy]

I'd go for the Micralite toro. Much better value for money. The only disadvantage to the toro is it's not parent facing. It does push so easily and your baby can sleep very comfortably in it too.
I have the fastfold and i also got the all terrain wheels which are quick and easy to fit. It means the buggy can also be pushed along a pebble beach with ease! We love it.
I also was interested in the bee because of it's rear facing ability but it's really only good on pavements from what I've heard.

[multimummy]

Also walking along behind one this morning which had a 3y old in it. The rear wheels were splaying out somewhat. If the tales of poor Bugaboo service were not enough to put me off then seeing that did. Seemed somewhat flimsy to me.
I have 4 kids and find my fastfold to be one of the best designed buggies I've come across.
Toro looks fab to me.

[multimummy]

Also the Micralites are supplied with durable chunky rear tyres. You'd be unlucky to get a puncture but it's not the end of the world if you do. They're easily fixed. With the Micralite the center of gravity is over the rear wheels. This makes them very light and manouverable to push. The seat on the bee is low to the ground too which i don't like personaly.
Big thumbs up to Micralite for quality and value and great functional design. Have you also seen the Micralite superlite? V stylish!

[Sam001]

Hi multimummy!
thanks for your comments, really appreciate. I also like the Micralite and I think the bigger rear wheels do make a difference.

Did you use the seperate cot for the newborn?

[multimummy]

I didn't get mine until Ds was 1y. As it can be used seperately as a "travel cot" i bet it's v useful. Especially in place of a moses basket downstairs so you can keep your sleeping newborn near you during the day also which i think is important.
The bee is tempting as it's stylish but i just don't think it's as versatile as a toro. I also think the large rear wheels on the toro make reversing up steps or bumping down a few steps a breeze.

[multimummy]

If your tall or have a long stride consider getting the handlebar extensions that Micralite sell. They made a big difference for us especially when we're off road (with all terrain front wheels on) or when we have the buggy board on. So ergonomic they're multi positionable and you can fold them away easily too when not needed.

[Sam001]

Hi, I am not tall - quite short actually! Yes I like the idea of a seperate cot, however that means that the baby needs to be flat and in the cot till about 6 months, cause you are not supposed to use the chair until 6 months of age.

Did you buy yours online or from a shop?

I am based in London so will be using public transport quite a lot, so being able to go up and down tube stairs and buses is a must.

[multimummy]

I got mine direct from Mothercare.com - when they had a 20% off voucher. Other places to buy from would be precious little one
kiddicare
groovystyle
There are loads of other places too if you google.

[multimummy]

ps - you might find the pushchair is okay from around 4 months in the reclined position - unless your baby is really tiny.

[Nelliet]

Hi Sam

What did you go for in the end - the Bee or the Toro?

We have the same dilemma.

Thanks

[shatteredmumof5]

I would recommend the bee plus every time.....I have had both the micralite and bee plus (and the old bee) and I really would recommend the bee above the toro?!?!? It is true though that the bees are not really off road whereas the toro can be made so with the addition of the off road wheels :)

[Sam001]

hi nelliet,

Sorry for late reply. We bought the Bugaboo bee plus and has NEVER regretted my decision - it is great, easy to use, easy to fold/ unfold, easy to use on public transports and looks good!

Good luck