We recently returned from a week long trip visiting family and did not bring “BOB” with us. First trip without him. We thought “we can get by without him”, “will we really use him all that much?”. Well let me tell you needing him only once was enough for me to wish we’d brought him. Never again will we leave you home “BOB”.
My BOB Duallie Jogger was the first baby item I bought. This was the one item I could not wait to purchase! I researched jogging strollers more seriously than anything I have ever bought. Hands down the BOB was the one for me! I actually had two double strollers. A Graco that allowed me to put the car seats on it and my BOB Revolution Duallie. I could not wait to get rid of the Graco once the girls grew out of their car seats. I barely used the the stroller itself – yes it was very handy when they were infants to just “snap” their car seats in it, but once they could fit in the BOB the Graco was destined for the back of the garage.
I admit, the BOB is heavy and big, but please show me a double stroller that isn’t! They are all awkward and bulky. It does take up all the space in the cargo area of my Honda Odyssey (this vehicle and I have a love hate relationship – more on that at another time). We have taken our BOB on multiple plane trips and it has always traveled well, we just plane side check it. Even on smaller planes we have had zero problems plane side checking it.
As far a a running stroller I love it! The front wheel swivels and does have the option to lock, but I never lock mine. I have logged hundreds (totally serious) on mine and have had one flat tire (pine needle of all things – my dad patched it without a problem). I run in all seasons with it too! In the winter I use the weather shield, which helps keep the girls warmer. My temperature limit is 11 degrees fahrenheit or warmer (this includes the windchill temp too – we are hearty Midwesterners – if you are going to live in a cold climate you need to try to enjoy it no matter what – we will raise no wimpy children). When I take the girls out of the stroller after a run on a cold day they are always nice and warm – obviously I dress them in their snowsuits, boots, etc.
So you are not a runner but want a good durable stroller, I still recommend BOB! Yes it does look wide, but I have been able to get through every door I have entered when out and about, no greasing the sides required. I will at times rearrange store clothing racks if we bring BOB shopping. The one store I cannot go in with BOB is Gymboree. I don’t know how your Gymboree is set up, but mine is difficult to just walk around in without a stroller and with a double stroller – not going to happen. The only thing – ok there are two things – I would have liked to had the choice of more colors when I bought mine (they now offer more colors in the Duallie model) and I wish they made the Duallie so that it could support two car sears and not just one. I still get jealous when I see the single BOB and car seat attachment (not fair!).
Finally, this is an expensive stroller. But you get what you pay for. This bad boy is all metal and built to last! Their resale value is very good! I have had friends come over to give my BOB a test drive. They all sold their current jogger and bought BOB’s. People have even stopped me on the street and asked ” is that a BOB?” Someone even asked me if the girls names were Bob – I kid you not they were totally serious – I am sure I gave them a look that said “are you really asking me that question” – with a polite reply of “no”. You can try and shop around if you like, but everyone sells them at pretty much the same price. But, it is always worth looking for sales! The only thing you could shop around for is the shipping fee. Here are some sites where you can purchase a BOB Duallie. I am unaware of any store that keeps the Duallie in stock so you will probably have to purchase your BOB on line.
Target (search “BOB Revolution”)
Note- no one is paying me to write this post. This is my honest opinion about a product I purchased myself and absolutely love!