E3 three wheeler v. Instep Nipper

[melw1]

Ok Guys, I need some help! I currently have an Instep Nipper, which is great, but I don't particularly get along with the fixed wheel. ALso not helped by seeing a fabulous E3 in our local baby shop! NOw I am trying to justify selling my Nipper (any offers??) and spending out extra on an E3. My questions are:

Is it sturdier than the nipper?

I have a 4 month and a 4 yr old so only will be used for 1 really - is it still worth it?

DOes the pram go in a straight line when pushed by one hand (other hand looking after 3 dogs!)or does it go all over the place? (This is why I chose a fixed wheel originally)

Is it easier around the shops than a Nipper?

Is it bolted together or rivetted?

ANy general comments or am I becoming unreasonably obsessed by the E3?

Cheers,

Melanie

Sorry I cant offer advice on E3 or Nipper and I dont want to add to your confusion but if you're after something for just one little one - and can wait till they're 6months+, then I can recommend a micralite as being a synch to push one handed. It has 4 wheels but the back ones are big ones so it works well on all surfaces and its very light and manoeverable. Also looks fantastic - I'd be tempted by an E3 if I needed a double though....

Thanks TreacleTart for your info. Thing is it has to be a three wheeler as take dogs off road a lot around the hills in sunny wales!

Whilst I'm mentioning 3 wheelers - how do these two models (Nipper, E3) compare with the MOuntain Buggy Urban?

Help gratefully received...!

Melanie

Me Again! Sorry everyone but am getting desparate for advice...

Should I get Mountain Buggy urban, E3 or stick with my Nipper? Or is the MB Terrain better balanced than the Nipper to make it easier around shops...

Advice gratefully received.....

TIA,

Melanie

Hay Melanie
I recommend a MOUNTAIN BUGGY TERRAIN. I had an E3 for my toddler who is nearly 3 and baby 5mths good only for walks didn't think much of it off road and toddler looked squashed init. Just my View

Sorry to confuse things here Melanie, but I'll just throw in my tuppence worth and recommend the Jane Powertrack 360. I have a 2.8 yr old and 4 months old baby, and bought this when PG with DD. Looked at the E3 as well but realised DS wouldn't fit in it (he's a sturdy lad!) for long enough and that if I wanted a single, the Jane was better.

It's incredibly light, you can have the front wheel swivel or fixed, the seat is sooo easy to life and recline,, and the seat is also nicw and wide so will last longer as baby grows into a strapping toddler.

If you're selling your Instep, I have a friend who wants a second hand one. Where are you and how much do you want for it?

Have to say I love my nipper - got used to not having a swivel wheel though. My single buggy (urban detour) does have a swivel wheel but I found it was only useful going around town a nd it caused to much bumping and being difficult to push if I left the swivel on at other times - even just bumpy pavements. The urban double is wider than the nipper - a friend has one - and much heavier to get up stairs or in and out of the car - but fine to push. It does get stuck in places I can get through with the nipper. I guess it depends on what you will use it most for. I can't say I have any expreience of the others though

I push my E3 with one hand no problem, but haven't used it over rougher terrain than the local park . The big seat will fit a 5 year old (according to philandteds)..and it's so easy to take the second seat off when you only have one child with you.
Don't know about bolts/rivets..will check later..but it seems very sturdy.
I think I read somewhere that the mountain buggy (double) is better for off-road but it is useless around town unless you only frequent shops with automatic double doors...E3 is fab for getting through doors.

Sorry to add yet more confusion, I haven't got a Nipper but I have the InStep 10km (same frame but bigger wheels than the Nipper). I use it daily for off road walks, with a dog in tow, and have no complaints at all. In fact I'm sure we take it over terrain that it is not really designed for (we live in Austria) and it is fantasic! Don't go for a wiggly front wheel if you are a dog walked going off road. If its a twin you are after I'd stick with the InStep version.

E3 is fab, I love it!!!
MB is too fixed and basic I think unless you really are off roading a lot in which case there is nothing better for the job!!

Thanks everyone! Lots of food for thought!

Lulupop - I'm hoping to sell my Nipper for £100. Has had 4 months use. Bought for £200. Let me know if you (or anyone else for that matter) is interested. Postage would be about £15 courier. Or collect of course if you're passing (North Wales!)

In the end, I have gone for the MB Urban (having measured the Terrain it just won't squeeze in the car) - I spoke to the lady in Devon from mountainbuggy.co.uk who said if front wheel is locked it should be fine on trails etc. I really do need a pushchair that can cope with town/countryside 50/50 so just hope I have made the right choice - don't think my hubby or my finances could cope with going through choosing another pushchair!

Thanks everyone for their help - all comments much appreciated!

Does the MB urban have a lie back option at all?
I think I ruled it out as it didn't?Mivght have updated it in the last 2 yrs though?

Yes the Urban does have a lie back - almost flat - and anywhere between there and upright - just adjusted by two buckles/straps. I gather though that the terrain model with the hammock seats has zips so you would only have a few preset positions.

So far really pleased with the Urban. Have been on about 5 mile walk today through town and out into the woods. Fixed the wheel in the woods and worked fine - not as bombproof as my nipper's fixed wheel, but quite ok. I'd have had both hands on the handlebar steadying the nipper anyway in the really rutted bits, so steadying and steering/adjusting a little as well was no bother.

Out on tarmac roads/lanes it was doddle - v. light to steer, can do it with one hand. It is difficult though to bump up a large pavement with the front wheel though as it moves!

So far so good!

melw1
Have you still got your Instep Nipper as I could be interested in buying it off you.
Thanks Snowbird

Hi Snowbird,

Yes I have. It is in v. near perfect condition as only used for 4 months. Has a v slight mark on the handlebar grip. Otherwise perfect! Comes with Handlebar tray for drink / wallet etc. and raincover.

Yours for £100 plus postage at cost, about £15 courier I believe. Cost me £200 new.

Let me know as soon as you can as I've also advertised it elsewhere.

Melanie

I know this sounds daft but it is a double? I know you were having problems with the fixed wheel and dogs but was ok on a day to day basis?

Just read that back, what I meant is, is it managable round the town and basic walks.
Could you email me snowbird1073 at hotmail dot com.
Thanks

Hi Snowbird - have emailed you....M

Hi - Just to let you all know my nipper (single) is for sale - see the classified section or email me at mwymer at swsolutions dot co dot uk.

thanks