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What's the fuss about bugaboos ?

125 replies

MamanFlo · 10/03/2005 15:45

Hello !
I am in the very long and painful process of buying a pram/pushchair and I see lots of young mums with Bugaboos (I live in Notting Hill !) ...they are definitely not cheap but they are supposed to be among the best...

can someone tell me why ?

thanks for your help !

Flo

OP posts:
Flutterbys · 27/03/2005 16:37

It was all so much easier 20 years ago...we didn't have that many choices to choose from I had a pram from mothercare that had four fixed wheels and a shopping tray and folded down flat in one easy action. Was easy to use on the bus and had no problem fitting it into a car... My daughter has just made me a grandmother at the tender age of 41 ouch !! and her choice of modern day pram is by Bertini it's heavy, is a struggle to fit in the car, would be impossible to manage on a bus its versatile as it is a carry cot and changes to a pushchair but the wheel base is so wide it's a nightmare trying to manouvre through shops.. the only redeeming features I can say it has is it is an attractive pram and it does have the advantage of an adjustable handle... for my money you can't beat the old prams if walking is what you will be doing that's why I purchased a beautiful 1974 Wilson (Silver Cross) coach built pram fully restored and is an honour to push around town... My grandaughter Faith is lucky as she has the choice of the two...I would have hoped the manufactures would have made life easier for new mum's these days but from my experience of modern prams I think they have made to many features and created more complications ... most mum's want to just get up and go not spend 15 or more minutes fiddling about.... good luck I hope someone will simplify things for you all soon

Cooperoo · 27/03/2005 16:54

We have a three wheeler with pump up tyres and got three flats on our first walk (off road in Cyprus with lots of sharp seed things around). Poor dh repaired it all and then we bought some stuff called Slime that you put inside the inner tube. This seals the tyre if there is a puncture once you remove the offending article. You need to pump up the tyre but then you are ready to go. We have had no problems at all since and I use it all the time. I don't know if they well it in the UK but I bet a specialist bike shop would be able to help.

Cooperoo · 27/03/2005 16:55

That should be 'sell it in the UK' . HTH

charleypops · 27/03/2005 18:09

Which one do you have Coop? I think you can buy a similar wheel stuffer thingy over here, don't know what it's called (sure I'll find out however..)

Guess what....

I'm changing my mind now in favour of a mountain buggy terrain (thanks Teaandcake (!)). After all that! Unfortunately they're really expensive, (I'll have to buy the carrycot too) but seem to be incredibly robost. And they come in black . Have to buy a Matrix car seat separately... Oh well, they seem to hold their prices pretty well should I want to sell it on Ebay in a few years.

Cooperoo · 27/03/2005 18:20

Hi Charley,
I just have an old style Mothercare Urban Detour Pinnacle. It has big wheels at the back and an adjustable handle and I have been so pleased with it. It practically walks itself. So much easier than the Maclaren Quest (though this is great for keeping in the car) and Britax travel system I have. I really recommend a front lockable swivel wheel though. What do other people think? It is such a hard decision choosing a pushchair/pram. I have a Silver cross pram with toddler seat for this time round and can't wait to use it. It fits with my lifestyle out here as we walk most places. I then hope to use the three wheeler with a buggy board.

moondog · 27/03/2005 18:22

Thanks coop. We thought the basket was a bit crap too-low and not very roomy.
Bluebear, your poor MIL!!
We tuck the fabric inside the hinged bit now when we fold it. Bit of a drag though.

charleypops · 27/03/2005 19:06

Coop - you wouldn't believe the research I've done on pushchairs including starting a number of threads here bugaboos - stokkes - mutsys - E3s etc etc and thought I'd finally found the one in the Jane 360. I did have niggling doubts with the 360 though - the fact that I've heard that their front wheels sometimes need fixing, also the colour (I only like boring old plain black really) and lack of much shopping space. If you do a lot of off roading, like we do, a fixed wheel is recommended, also dp goes running and I think he'd like to take the baby when he's old enough, so I imagine we would be the type of people to damage a swivel (even locked) wheel. If I didn't have a dog and spent more time in town I would have more choice. The Mountain Buggy Terrain isn't pretty, I'll have to lean it back to turn (sure i'll get used to it though - 4 wheelers have to do it don't they?) and it's darned expensive, but in the long run I think it's going to be the best for us. Also you can easily fix a buggy board.

I'm quite excited about getting one actually

jojo28 · 27/03/2005 19:30

Our Mountain Buggy has been great Charleypops... it really can go most places if you like walking. I've taken mine all over the Sussex Downs and on rocky footpaths in Cornwall and Hampstead Heath. Alternatively it can nip round Selfridges and twist and turn down any busy London high street. For me it was the best choice for what I wanted most from a buggy. Not too heavy or big, simple to operate, roomy seating, and it really can go anywhere oh yeah and it comes in black!! The new version looks even better. We did not get the carrycot attachment we just put in a sheep skin. I did get the matrix car seat and hated it. It is so heavy! We found this site very helpful.

giraffeski · 27/03/2005 19:33

Message withdrawn

giraffeski · 27/03/2005 19:36

Message withdrawn

hub2dee · 27/03/2005 19:44

charleypops, I've found a fantastic MB info site at www.pushchairs.co.uk . They have massive of FAQs, photos, info on enhanced tyre protection etc. V. prompt e-mail replies.

Seem to be cheaper than what I've seen in the UK and they have special deals on the accessories.

FWIW, I think the Urban or Terrain in black do look good as they are simple: the engineering is exposed, the fabric is functional. Kind of 'honest.' Other users on here seem to be v. happy with them - I expect because they last so long - fewer bits of plastic, no scissor action folding and no trapped fabric to go wrong !

Let us all know your final decision, oh buggy addict.

PS - In the search for the ultimate, it might be worth accepting you need a great all terrain for your outdoor stuff / dh's running, as well as a cheapo umbrella for buses / visiting restaurants etc.

hub2dee · 27/03/2005 19:47

jojo's site I think is run by the same people as my link. You lot type too damn fast !

In the FAQs on my link, the dealer mentioned something about the slime being a little useless - s/he preferred using upgraded thicker inner tubes, slightly chunkier tyre treads, and one of those anti-puncture kevlar liner tapes cyclists use...

hub2dee · 27/03/2005 19:51

jojo28 - sorry, forgot to ask: DId you go for the Urban (swivel front) or Terrain (fixed). We live in London so would mostly be pavement / shops but do enjoy Hamsptead Heath / forests etc. for leisure walking. If you did get the fixed front: was it a pain in the ass in shops etc. for tight turns or manageable. If you did get the swivel: did it routinely annoy you when going through rougher ground (wobbling a bit etc.)

HelloMama · 27/03/2005 21:59

If you want to order a Jane Powertrack 360 I would advise you to think carefully before ordering from Two Left Feet. See my earlier thread here . However, if you find you need to get some more inner tubes for punctured tyres on almost any sort of pushchair with air-filled tyres, we found these people very helpful. HTH.

charleypops · 28/03/2005 01:08

Thanks for the reassurances about the Mountain Buggy! It really feel like the right choice. Finally. I came across that website myself earlier today jojo and hub2dee - I'm going to have a good look at their package deals tomorrow. I think it's on the actual MB site where it says the new 2005 Urban isn't really recommended for too much off-roading (as it has the swivel wheel), so i'm going to stick to the fixed wheel Terrain, although I would be interested too in what jojo says about the fixed wheel one round the shops. The one I'm going to get is the "Pro" model and has the chunkier wheels with the zip hammock.

HelloMama - what a nightmare you had with getting your 360 Hope you haven't had any problems with it since! Thanks for the wheels link - those look like the ones I'm opting for with the Pro!

hub2dee · 28/03/2005 08:12

Bumping in hope of feedback on swivel vs. fixed Mountain Buggy from experienced users including jojo28

NotQuiteCockney · 28/03/2005 08:35

I hadn't realised this had turned into Mountain Buggy chat. I have a MB Terrain, and love it. That being said, the turning circle is a bit big, and the pram is a bit big - I tend not to take it far into corner shops, as there just isn't room. Some doors are too narrow for it. To turn, you just tip up the front and turn it. Easy.

I think we went for Terrain over Urban because the basket on the Urban was fabric, which didn't appeal.

Our Terrain is on its second child now, and it does still look pretty good. It helps that all the fabric bits come off and go in the washing machine! The bassinet isn't strictly necessary, as the Terrain is good from birth. We got almost no use out of it with DS1 (he preferred the sling in early days) but DS2, at 6 months, still sleeps in it, on the go. I hear the new models make it easier to put on and off, so that's a good thing.

We have had to change the tubes and tires a few times, which really isn't hard. The one hassly failure we've had is, the bearings in the rear wheels sometimes go wrong, making the rear axle turn, and then the wheels fall off. This only happens after a lot of walking, to put it mildly. And it can be fixed, you just have to buy new wheels (rather than just tires or inner tubes). I'm sure our pram has hundreds of miles on it by now, though.

hub2dee · 28/03/2005 09:09

NQC: the mugaboo users have slinked off into the corner as the Mountain Buggy outdoorsy types have made a big picnic in the middle of the room.

Glad your MB sounds like it is lasting well. The pushchairs.co.uk site sells wheels / tyres / tubes / puncture resistant bits as well as bearings if you need them.

So 'tip up and turn' works OK for you. Hmmm....

Ref: on the large size, could you contemplate an umbrella strolelr for shop use or would that be unnecessay spending and no-space in hall ?

charleypops / other MB users: this will make anal buggy addicts nervous... I just found out the European MB has a spring in the vertical from axle to hammock (US and UK ones don't) !!! Wonder how this changes the feel / if this component is reliable ?

You mention the bassinet wasn't really DS1's cup of tea (probably becuase of super comfy sling !), but that DS2 uses it even at 6 months... as I am yet to take delivey of sprog, and understand how the little things work, can I clarify if it is really feasible to use the bassinet so 'late' - are babies at that age still stay happy to be pushed around lying flat ?

Teaandcake · 28/03/2005 10:12

Charleypops - I'm really pleased that you've decided to go with the Mountain Buggy. Just for the record though, the Urban swivel wheel is also 'lockable' so you can have it non swivel for off road use. As you say, the terrain may suit your dog walking needs better, and those pro tyres look fab! It is well worth looking into some of the anti-puncture measures suggested on this thread, its so disheartening to go out for the day, get a flat and have to come home early. I agree with you on the fabrics, the plain old black looks the business, far better than those fussy, patchy coloured jobs.

I also second what Hub2dee says about having a lightweight umbrella fold buggy to keep in the car for round town trips (perhaps a few months down the line).

jojo28 · 28/03/2005 11:26

Hi guys,
sorry I've only just awoken from a chocolate haze! With regards to the swivel wheel.. I noticed on the site I linked to that they did not recommend the Urban for off road use and I was kind of surprised because that is the one I have had and it has been great off road. Obviously I don't know how it compares to the terrain - all I can say is that it has never been an issue for me when walking in the country I have just always locked the wheel. The swivel wheel is great in town particularly in little corner shops or restaurants but now my little fella is 2 and a half I do have an umbrella buggy for buses etc. However I still use the urban for long walks in town and in the countryside it is so comfortable and a breeze to push. I remember being on the heath, it was raining and I pushed my buggy straight up a muddy slope past a couple struggling with their brand new buggyboo going nowhere fast! How awful is that!! I love the look of the bugaboo and that it faces forward but it just was not practical for my lifestyle. That is the trick to find the right fit for you. God sorry for rambling - hope some of it helps.

hub2dee · 28/03/2005 13:26

jojo - thanks for clarifying the Urban with locked swivel is OK for mild off-road. I think if you are a regular jogger the Terrain is better, but for us ordinary folk then the Urban sounds like it can handle shops plus grassy / woody parks without too much problem.

Wish I could have seen the mugaboos watch you push your MB up that slope !!!

Ooohhhh... it's like Buggy Wars out there.

PS - Chocolate haze sounds nice. Got any spare ?

charleypops · 28/03/2005 13:53

Rolf hub2dee @ our picnic! However I'm now going to have to find out more about the additional European vertical springy axle. Thanks(!)
If you're thinking of going for a new Urban you'll need to check that it really will be ok for off road, as they specifically have a paragraph on their website saying they don't recommend the updated 2005 model for much of this at all. Jojo's will be the older model which sounds like it's slightly more suited for both.

Teaandcake - That slime stuff looks like a good emergency measure for the tyres, also from the website linked below, you can ask for a spare set of the "normal" wheels for free - so maybe I could take one of those out too. At least there's plenty of room to store it in that big basket. I think a lightweight stroller kept in the car is a great idea for after the first 6 months or so.

Jojo - I bet you felt just awful steaming past that bugaboo giong up the Heath! If I'd got one (which I was going to originally) I'd've been SO

hub2dee · 28/03/2005 14:35

Just knew I should have kept my mouth shut for you, cp.

The para on pushchairs.co.uk "Due to the new adjustable handle and some increased 'play' in the swivel wheel when 'locked' we now feel that the new 2005 Urban is even LESS suitable for off road use compared to the Terrain. But it is still much better than many other makes which describe themselves as All Terrain Pushchairs !" is probably geared to the hardcore outdoorsy types / joggers who expect to spend lots more time on rough than smooth I expect.

You could always be daring and opt to buy the '04 model - I think the adjustable handlebar may have been added as a marketing feature to appease reviewers etc. but it obviously means there's a little bit more 'play' in the system at the top end. I cannot see from the small drawings on the Web how the swivel wheel / locking mech has changed from the '04 to '05 design. Maybe you could drop the people at pushchairs.co.uk an e-mail about your (our) concerns.

Lovely weather, eh... could you pass the Pringles please ?

charleypops · 28/03/2005 19:58

After re-reading Jojo's comments, I've now decided I definitely need to have a go with both the Terrain and last year's Urban (if they're still around) before I make my absolute final decision. Does anyone know if the Terrain is wider than the Urban?

hub2dee - I will get in touch with Pushchairs.co.uk to get the low down on the locked wheel shake etc and let you know, but could you tell me where you saw that info about the spring thing? I can't find it anywhere.

hub2dee · 28/03/2005 20:16

Hi cp !

I've already e-mailed the poor people at pushchairs.co.uk !

I've asked them about the swivel, and I've asked about what I've guessed is increased flex in the '05 models and will post any comment received.

I learnt about the spring when I asked the gurus at pushchairs if there was any difference between UK / US models (we might receive an Urban as a family gift from the States). Nigel explained that the UK model now has the US polyester seat fabric (used to be cotton / canvas) and mentioned the spring in the Euro models as an example of the various differences.

You can confirm this is Gospel Truth by going to mountainbuggy.com and clicking Eruope. You get taken to 'One Tree Hill' (or something like that - the European master distributor I guess) and if you read the English text they do refer to this spring...

FWIW, I doubt this is going to make a world of difference to the MB experience. If anything it is one more thing to go wrong.

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