Is the Maclaren Techno worth the money?

[Knackeredmum13]

I already have the Bugaboo Cameleon for everyday but want something lightweight to keep in the boot.
Everyone seems to recommend the Maclaren Techno but it seems like a lot of money, and looking at it I can't see why. It doesn't look any sturdier than cheaper models. So I wondered if it really was worth buying or whether I should get something else?

The techno is great but it really isn't lightweight in the scheme of things. You would be better off with a quest if you want something to "chuck in the boot".

I do think maclarens are much better than any other umbrella stroller. I tried a lot and they were so terrible to push.

My all time favourite was the Volo, but with no recline it's not for everyone.

The one we have has done 3 children and is good enough for a 4th. Very sturdy, easy to use. Well worth it IMO

I have the XLR and its in perfect condition for dc2 after daily use from.birth with dd. Maclarens are just robust, worth the money and well designed. They resale well. They dont wear down (the wheels seem to last forever) and they are comfy to push.

I have the maclaren quest and a bugaboo cameleon. I can't see why I want the larger maclaren. I wanted one that is small, light weight and will lie flat for naps. It's also for going on overseas trips. A quest already fits all the criteria.

Yes, it is, although if lightweight is top of your list, it ain't lightweight.

I bought a Chicco umbrella fold which was such false economy. My DD's feet used to miss the footrest and drag against the wheels (terrible for shoes!) and it was so difficult to push and manoeuvre. Bought the Techno XT and I could push it easily one handed. Totally worth it.

What are the differences between the Quest and the Techno?

I can see that I will end up using the umbrella fold a lot so something easy to push would be good.

The bugaboo takes up the entire boot plus its a pain to fold. It's also no good for travel or getting the tube. It was so expensive though that I feel a bit guilty spending a lot of money on something else. Having said that I got a really cheap stroller from Kiddicare and it was atrocious!

I went to john lewis and mothercare etc to look at the different maclaren. The quest was the cheapest one that lie flat. It's also the lightest. I assume it must be missing some features in the techno xl and xlr, but I'm not sure what they are. Have you looked at their website? Or go to a shop to try them out. Definitely don't buy a cheap stroller. They are awful to push. The maclaren is good but not as good as the bugaboo. But at 3yo DD is too tall for the bugaboo but fits inside the maclaren! (Her head is higher than the bugaboo hood so that can't be folded down anymore).

The XLR is compatible with a carrycot and a car seat. Is a little wider (and heavier).

I had an XT I wouldn't buy another I would go bjcm.

XT can't fold one handed or push & the shopping basket is pointless.

But I did love them before becoming a parent so I don't know if it's just dd that's made me dislike them, she hated it screamed constantly

I too would go for something with a bar handle, although you can push an xt one handed it's still more difficult than some of the other stuff available now, things like the babyzen yoyo, recaro easylife, graco evo mini m&p armadillo city, red kite zumi etc. If you really want an umbrella fold it's hard to argue with maclaren's record but if you are considering other types of fold then it's worth looking elsewhere too.

Yes I did specifically wanted a umbrella fold so has ruled out everything other than maclaren. They look the smallest in the boot! And we were specifically buying it for getting on the plane at the time (about 2 years ago). The airline was very specific about only umbrella fold to the gate. (They put the strollers into like umbrella shape plastic bags so I can't fault them).

I mean umbrella folds look the smallest in boot but I'm not sure if it's just look though. I haven't really compared them folded.

I've just been to look and I think we will go for the Quest. I couldn't see what I was getting for my extra almost £100 on the Techno.

Plus it comes in different colours.

I'd say the wasted money is on a bugaboo! Techno is a main buggy not an extra, it's fab and will be my only buggy through two kids. The cheaper ones are what you want if not needed from newborn and just for occasional use.