Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem pushchair

[mersmam]

I'm deciding between one of these (only available in America) and an icandy pear (see my other thread!!)
Does anyone have any 1st hand experience of the Kolcraft? I like the look of it and the price (half the price of the pear even with shipping!) but I'm reluctant to buy something I haven't seen. I am most worried about the size and weight of it as some of the reviews I've read indicate it's pretty big...
Can anyone tell me how big it is compared to the average UK double buggy?
Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Hi, I can't do links but one of the mums (techno) has recently bought one of these and she loves it it. If you post on there she may be able to give you a bit more detail???

Thanks carrielou - but where do I need to post to contact her? Am desperate to know more!

find us in pushchair shed in products

will do - thanks

my kolcraft hi mersmam i actually love the kolcraft with the different seating positions, both seats reline hoods are huge, shopping basket is huge and easy to get to i would definatly recommend it. the only cons are it is very long and if you get one imported it doesnt come with rainwear, i cant actually thing of anything else i dont like about it. everyone asks me if its heavy but actually it is not as heavy as it looks and is very easy to manouver. it is definatly longer than most tandem doubles as i have a graco tandem raincover on mine which fits perfectly until you recline the seats then its a bit of a squeeze but does cover both seats.
any other questions just ask

Thank you techno - I have been searching through pushchair threads for you to no avail .

Some questions:
Could you please tell me approximately how long it is unfolded (I can only find folded dimensions on the internet)?
I'm thinking of using it for a 2 year old and a newborn - do you think the seats go flat enough for a newborn?
Would you ever use it as a single or does it look a bit ridiculous when you take one of the seats off?
Are you happy with the overall look of it and how does it compare with other double buggies, have you ever regretted buying it for any reason?
Where did you buy it? I'm looking at ebay but wondering if there's anywhere else with cheaper shipping costs.

I think that's it for now - thank you so much.

That's very useful advice about the raincover... thanks!

ive been in hiding lol, no havent been on much been busy with ds birthday which was monday now have dd1 off school sick!
right here we go
1.length unfolded approx 140cms(from handle to front wheels)
2.i wouldnt recomend seats for newborn as they are bucket seats iykwim, but it does come with 1 carseat adaptor so you can use a carseat althought not sure which carseats are compatible, i assume it would be any as the adaptor is like the bit on top of the shopping trolleys in supermarkets!!
3.i wouldnt personally use as single as the front seat would be so far away you would need to keep stopping to reach the child.

1. i think it looks fab i have had so many comments walking down the street people wanting to know where i got it, how comfy the kids look ect... its definatly lighter than your usual tandem and much easier to steer, goes up most drop kerbs without lifting (i had this problem with the first wheels, had to lift even up small kerbs)

never regretted buying it just wished i had found it sooner as my dd2 is nearly 3yrs and ds just turned 1yr. i luckily enough found it on ebay as someone brought it back with them from america so i didnt have to pay the shipping prices or duty to have it imported. i saw one in my local paper recently for £260 but have never seen anyone with in in my town. they do come up on ebay every now and then so depending when you need it by i would keep checking. hope that helps. is a bit of an essay

VERY helpful thank you so much!
There are some brand new ones on ebay at the moment - the shipping costs virtually double the price but it is still under £300 in total.
I'm not sure whether I'll go for it or not, as I want something where the newborn can lie flat, and also ideally something that can convert to a single. The icandy pear fits all my needs but is nearly twice the price
Will have to have some serious discussions with dh!!

Thank you again and I hope your dd1 gets better soon.

what about a p&t or do you not like them? as newborn will lay flat in that and can be a single. the icandy apple is a heavy pushchair so i imagine it being converted into a double with the pip converter and extra seat would be a bit of a hefty pram but i suppose it also depends if its for mainly walking or if going to be in and out of a car?
have you thought about a mamas & papas duette? you can have a full size carrycot and a pushchair unit on it!

I really want a pushchair that can convert to a single where the child can face me. This is my 4th (and prob last) baby and I want to take this last opportunity to be able to chat with my toddler as we go about our daily business! I'll only be using it for walking (we walk just about everywhere, to school etc... so at least I'm saving petrol money which can go towards the buggy!) Have thought about the mamas and papas duette, but dh doesn't like it and the cost is even more shocking than the icandy.

It looks as if the icandy is really the only option for what I want - although the price is disgusting! At least they seem to have good reselling potential...

I'm going to have a look at the pear next week anyway (dh has seen one already and approves) so I'll reserve final judgement until then!

the pear does look nice and that is what i wanted but i couldnt justify the price as dd2 was already 2yrs 9mnths and walking mostly although i have been told the carrycot is small. i got the kolcraft as found a bargain one on ebay(plus trying to convince dp for baby number 4 )as i found out the duty once in the country would have been about £70 so in all would be looking at just under £400 anyway.
duette is pricey if bn but the older style ones sell at a bit more affordable price on ebay.
anyway good luck on your search

How about the Zoom tandem - its sold at kiddicare. Very similar in style to the Kolcraft but no shipping costs. I haven't tested one personally though, just admired them in the shop!

Thanks Pippinella, I have looked at the leebruss zoom before and thought it was a bit expensive. However have just looked again and it would work out a bit cheaper (about £60) than the pear with one carrycot... it does not convert to a single like the pear, but I am going to think about it... Thanks!!

Have had a look at the reviews and I think the zoom is going to be a bit long for my liking... still sticking with the pear I think (although a bit annoyed to hear that a new tandem the icandy peach is coming out in June - too late for me!!)