Silver Cross Linear Freeway - or similar?

[BrianCoxIsAChristmasPud]

Had a quick look through the threads and can't see anything about the Linear Freeway, apologies if Ive missed a thread though.

I've kinda chosen this one (yet to buy) based on my needs/requirements/lifestyle. Being:

No car (but will have to fit in a car - my ex and my mum's)
Public transport use daily
Dog walking/school run with older DD
Small house
Return to work Jan 2014, getting little one to nursery in freezing cold - I need a nice solid, warm (IYGWIM) pram.

Last time (9 years ago) I had a Graco travel system (I have no idea which model) and it was brilliant, solid and lasted 3.5 years (it was second hand and had been used for 2 years prior to this)

My friend has an Apple iCandy, I have used this when babysitting and I do love it - it's fab, sturdy, easy to push (also 2nd hand and is now 3 ish years old, maybe a little younger).

I have road tested (well, in store tested) the Silver Cross and it felt great, easy to push and seemed well made.

So, money isn't an option (as my lovely mum is buying and is happy to buy whichever I chose) but I'm not necessarily a brand-obsessed person and don't want to spend £600 + just because I'm not paying!.

My questions.

1. Am I overlooking a good, less known brand?
2. The preloved/ebay/local for sale sites are swamped with 2nd hand, almost new, Silver Cross 3D prams - I have heard they are not up to scratch, am I setting myself up for a fall with the Linear Express (different chassis)
3. Are Graco still as good as they were 9 years ago.

Extra info - I need height adjustable handles as ex and I are giants. I have a carseat and don't plan to use it in whichever pram I go for - prefer a carrycot for the first few months. I dont want a stroller type outfit, I prefer the bigger prams, weight not really an issue.

If you got to the end of that - well done

Thanks in advance.

Just looking at the Mothercare own-brand range, they look good - is this an avenue worth pursuing?

The Linear freeway is a decent pushchair but it is huge and a PITA to use on public transport because of its width and if you need to fold you'd be screwed, the seat unit has to come off to do so.

As for pushing its quite a smooth ride but not for off roading.

I'd look 2nD hand aa many people sell then due to the size and they go pretty cheap :)

Wouldn't touch the 3d or Mothercare pushchairs tbh as the complaints are endless!

I had the Silver Cross Linear for dd2. I loved it as a lie flat pram. We had the Sleepover version which is safe to use overnight. We lived on all one level and it was great to be able to wheel dd down to bed at night.

The handles are adjustable and the highest option looks to me like it would suit someone very tall (not an issue I have at 5'2). I found it easy to push and no issues managing it around shops etc. The basket is a good size.

It's definitely not an off-roader though.

I agree that it doesn't fold down small but that wouldn't be a problem if you plan to walk everywhere.

I have to admit I did not like it so much once we converted to pushchair mode. I never could seem to get the seat at a comfortable setting for dd when she was just about sitting up. She was more comfortable in it once she got bigger and it is handy that it was be rear or forward facing.

I also bought the SilverCross carseat and that clips on the chassis and is handy for quick trips.

I had a Graco Mosaic travel system for dd1 and hated it. Would rate the Silver Cross much more highly.

I have the linear freeway atm, and i love it. My 4mo who is very long for her age still happily fits in the pram mode.

Its lovely to push out and about but as has been mentioned is probably not best suited for off road use.

Its quite a big pram, but as i walk everywhere this is no issue for me.
it wont fold up with the unit on the frame which will be awkward if you need to fold up on public transport.

Car seat is extremely easy to pop on and off. Shopping basket is a decent size too :)

Handles can adjust so you should be fine there. I find that its extremely cosy in there for my LO, she is always warm no matter the weather. The rain cover is also great.

It looks good, good colour range, well made, sturdy and if you can get over the large size/folding down issues i'd totally recommend this.

Hi, sorry didn't mean to post and run, am away for weekend and not much access to internet.

Great to read the reviews, thank you.

Can I ask why it isn't a good off roader? Is it the weight? I don't do much off road walking but it may be called for on occasion, so I need to consider that option.

I had the linear freeway but I found it too heavy to push so I sold it and got a Maclaren

I don't think its the weight personally I don't think the suspension is balanced very well so it makes it a really rough ride for baby and difficult for you to handle.

Agreeing with peanut, its more to do with the suspension (or lack of lol) ive taken mine down a brick/rubble dirt track and grass before so its not a total no go, just a bit of an awkward ride. Baby stayed fast asleep though :)

I have a silver cross and love it. My DS is 4 months and Is lovely and snug in the pram and car seat. We also have the stand that permanently stays in the living room so we can clip the carry cot onto it and DS naps in there. That way the wheels can stay in the car or porch.

I have a dog too and would second those that say it's not good for off roaring. DS seems to bounce around a lot in there. I use my baby carrier for dog walks.

My pram was second hand, and I'm glad I didn't buy new as I don't think it will be long before DS out grows it x

We used one of these for DD when she was small, we called it the tank! [fgin]
No doubt it's sturdy but I found it hard to get up kerbs and found it hard work on the pavements where we live, lots of tree lined roads with uneven paving.
I imagine DD was lovely and cosy in it but the trouble I had pushing it meant we got rid as soon as the winter was over.

Hi, thanks for the reviews, Is really good to know.

So much to think about, my head is spinning with prams lol.

Appreciate the advice, will mull it all over