Note: This topic is for discussing pushchairs. Read our round up of the top pushchairs to find out which ones were awarded Mumsnet Best.
Note: This topic is for discussing pushchairs. Read our round up of the top pushchairs to find out which ones were awarded Mumsnet Best.
Pushchairs
new P&T is PANTS.
Frustraaated · 23/02/2012 18:02
Argh, having just persuaded DH to let me buy our first ever new pram for DC3, I have gone and made a huuuuge mistake - or have I?
Bought an Explorer from Oxford Pram Centre a couple of weeks ago, no hood problems (they have updated it I saw on here, so was reassured by that), but I cannot for the life of me fold it or unfold it with its supposed 'easy one hand fold'. The red bit that slides across gets stuck so that you cant push in the red button behind it. Only after jiggling and jiggling can i finally fold it.
Finally got to the end of my tether yesterday when standing in the rain with three screaming children trying to fold the ruddy thing to get it into the car.
Then when it finally folds, it is so unwieldy, bits hit the floor (scrapes all over the frame after just four outings), i eventually shovel it into the car having bashed myself and covered my jeans and cardigan with mud from the wheels....
if I didnt need an off road tandem I would be back to my BJ immediately, I suddenly appreciate that fast fold sooo much. Anyone else have these problems with the Explorer, or have I got a dodgy frame?
Hevster · 23/02/2012 20:45
reckon you have a dodgy one, the fold isn't as good as BJ but it shouldn't be as bad as yours - ring OPC and explain, they are usually really good at sorting issues
Frustraaated · 07/03/2012 13:14
Just had my Explorer back from the repair shop. I contacted both P&T (on their website) and emailed Oxford Pram Centre, the buggy was picked up last Thursday and came back to me yesterday... 4 working days, not bad. Although it shouldn't have had to go back at all, the customer service is good. So. They have replaced the fold mechanism and the brake that occasionally got stuck. No probs so far with new brake. It is definitely easier to fold, so I obviously had a dodgy folding mechanism. But, I still have to jiggle the seat forward a bit, so it isn't 'one handed' as they claim. The button still gets a bit stuck and IMO is a bit plasticky. Not that you could ever fold it one handed anyway because the handle would bump on the floor and rip the handlebar. It is a nightmare to pick up and put in the car, especially when it is muddy.
I am happier... But not totally happy with this buggy. They said on the repair sheet that they had replaced the fold mechanism and 'adjusted the frame for improved operation'. Should a brand new buggy really need this?! 
overall, I still think this is probably the best buggy for my purposes, ie serious off road but also tandem around the shops.
But, I think it is shoddily made. Sorry P&T but I do.
For anyone else considering this buggy, my only other quibble is that when the seat is in the lying flat position there is a huge windy gap between the seat and the hood. You get a windshield, but have to put it on separately which is a faff.
Frustraaated · 07/03/2012 13:47
PS aaaahpushit, there is an amazing deal on in Boots on the Explorer, way cheaper than OPS even, around £319 I think. I did masses of research on where to buy which I can pass on if you need it. Currently looking for a Hammerhead seat, let me know if you find one anywhere?! They are hard to get hold of and about £80 it seems...
I have been using an old E3 seat, but weirdly it fits underneath but not on top with the elbows...?
With hindsight I think I should have bought a Sport.
Will post this in your thread too in case you are only watching that one!
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