Anyone got a 2012 Bee - any wheel issues?

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Hi, I'm quite keen on a Bugaboo Bee for our December baby but I have read the ongoing sagas about the wheel shimmying (2010) and then sticking (2011) issues.

I had hoped they would have fixed this for more recent models but have just seen a review on Which of a November 2011 model which still has wheel issues.

Has anyone got a new Bee during 2012 and can comment on how the wheels have behaved?

TIA

The wheel shimmying issue has not been resolved properly. The wheels no longer stick, since they stopped using metal bearings and went back to the original plastic. But the shimmying still needs to be rectified with the plastic washers, I believe that Bugaboo supply them with all new Bees. I have a 2010 one and have a stock-pile of washers I got from Bugaboo as they do wear out. It's a great pushchair in lots of ways but I'm disappointed with the wheel problems on such an expensive pushchair. It seems like such a basic thing to get right....how hard can it be!

Having said that I will be using it for DC2, also due in December. I'm currently deciding on a different colour hood, cocoon etc and I know it's size and lightness will be great for me as I live in a city and use public transport. I've been toying with the idea of a Cameleon but I think it would be too big.

Btw, I send monthly messages to Bugaboo on their Facebook page asking when they will have a more permanent fix for the wheel shimmying as I don't think it's right that people have to change washers when they wear out. They tell me that they are working on it!

Thanks Emma! At least they acknowledge it needs fixing I suppose... So basically it can be fixed but you need to keep replacing the washers? How hard is that to do and how often do you need to replace them?

Just trying to figure out if this rules out the Bee or not, I like the size and lightness too (am in London) and there seems nothing else similar so would prefer to keep it as an option!

My other options are the Uppababy Cruz, Easywalker June or the iCandy Strawberry but these are all pretty new to the market (first two not even out yet) so for all we know they may have issues too that just haven't been discovered yet.

Yes I have found Bugaboo's customer service excellent. They have dealt with every issue quickly and efficiently. The washers are super easy to change, I've only changed twice in 18 months but the shimmying depends on the weight distributed over the front wheels. I bought the Bee when my DD was 14 months and she's now 3. She has mostly faced outwards so lots of weight over the front wheels. I've really notice the shimmying whilst pushing it empty when she walks. But I'm expecting to notice it more when I start using it with new baby in December as it will be parent facing and little weight in it.

I would definitely keep it on your list, it is great in many ways. And you should only need to buy the one because it grows and adapts with your little one. I bought a Quinny Buzz travel system at first and got fed up with the weight and bulkiness. It's not long before you crave a little, light pushchair!

But I can't comment on your other choices. There's loads of experts on here who will be able to give you more advice. But googling them....they all look fab. I'm a frustrated pramaholic who would buy loads if my DH didn't put his foot down!

decisions decisions! Am off to try them all out in a few weeks. Thanks.

I've had two bugaboo bee plus pushchairs. I had one of the first batch made in 2010, it was brilliant at first, then it developed a wheel shimmy. I contacted bugaboo several times and they never acknowledged the problem or dealt with it (presumably because at that time they didn't have a solution).
I've recently bought another one...for the same child who is now 4 (we walk 8 miles a day so he can't possibly manage all of that!), and again we have some shimmying issues, however, only when the pushchair is empty. I've contacted bugaboo who are sending out a service pack of washers. I think the washers, judging by what others say, are a very good solution. They look simple to fit so I'm not worried about that.
I have to say the bee is a very very manoeuvrable pushchair which makes light work of a 4y old and my ds has excellent posture when sitting in the seat.
I'm also pleased to report it still works well in rear facing for nap times (it's better semi reclined or reclined I find if rf)!
Bugaboo had told me during a telephone conversation that the seat was designed to rf up to 1y and after that they expected customers to forward face the seat (keeping more weight over the front wheels and reducing the shimmy effect). I find the seat v easy to switch over (after viewing a YouTube demo) and will change the seat around several times a day when out all day. He prefers to face me for nap times or if it's a very windy day, or if he wants to talk a lot.
I think the washers are a good fix and I love the bee pushchair, I would recommend it to family and friends any day as we get such a lot of pleasure out of using ours. It's a lovely push, light to handle, fits easily in our car, good for public transport, durable enough for everyday use, stylish, very comfortable for the child too. It can even manage mown grass, cobbles, park and some other light off road surfaces. I also love the way it looks. It is like having a piece of art in my hallway. I also like to swap the hood colours and liners around to refresh too. I use it a lot so being able to change its looks and easily clean it are important to me too.