Micralite Fastfold, Volo or something else? (Apols for another pushchair thread but I need help!)

[laughingduck]

Right, it appears that something is up with my Maclaren Techno which we have had since ds2 (21m) was newborn and I think that I may need to purchase a replacement. I am quite keen on the Volo as it has all the features we now need (given that ds is a toddler now) the most important of which is that it is cheap . My only reservation is that we have had three maclarens now (one for each child) that have all broken in some way and I'm not sure that I want to spend yet more money on something that will most probably go the same way. I have been looking also at the Micralite and I'm seduced by the possibility of one handed steering and the wacky trendy look but have read mixed reviews. ds2 is fairly tall for his age and so the legroom is important to him (we briefly had a Zapp which he outgrew at about 18m), also one handed steering would be good as well as compactness as we would need to use as a holiday buggy too (I know I'm not after much ). Would love to know if anyone has used a micralite with a toddler in particular as the mn review said it may not be suitable for larger children? TIA

just a point about the volo - you have to buy the hood seperately and you really need the hood in the summer and when it rains
can you get a second hand one anywhere?
I think the micralite is a bit odd looking, so can't help you there!

Hana, thanks, I think they come with a hood and raincover this year - at least that is what the mothercare lady told me .

I can't help from the toddler POV, DS2 is only 4 months, but the micralite is very tall when it is folded, so check it would go in your boot before you buy.

There's another thread today about quinnies being only £75 a Boots.

Quinny Zap

Thanks Chocolateface, we had a Zapp last year (in orange ) but ds2 outgrew the length of the footrest bit and was very uncomfortable, otherwise would have kept it as it was pretty good for steering and holidays.

Arrgghh just bought a Zapp (along with a few others) as they were reduced today at Boots.com. Have I wasted £75? DS is 14 months now and not v small.

depends, BELE, some kids I see in them seem to like them but ds2 is quite fussy about being able to stretch out and whilst the Zapp is nice and wide it is not that long which didn't suit him. I have read that some people on here use them successfully with 3 year olds though .

Hope so! DS likes a lot of space too. Ah well, time will tell. I can always sell it!

Yes, I bought mine in the sales last year, had 12 months use out of it and sold for £10 less than I paid for it - ebay is silly sometimes!

hi, i never was maclaren fan, i bought one and sold it, also i had jane energy. i loved my 3 wheeler so much but i needed something small for 20m dd(then) so i bought micralite, and love it. i love the way it pushes so easily, without too much work, and yes you can push one hand, front two wheels are a bit wide in narrow shopping rails(shops like next monsoon) its not bolt upright but dd walkes most of the time, and happy to lay back when on pushchair, also if dd wants walk we can hold hands and i still can push the pushchair or fold it and pull it one hand.
she is now 2 we hardly use it, but i defo use it with next baby. very light and bliss to push.
hth,