
The most popular stroller these days seem to be the Bugaboo. While I love the look and many features of the Bugaboo (smooth ride, multi-terrain wheels, easy maneuverability, reversible seat/handlebar, etc.), I could not get myself to fork over $900+ for one. Thus, began my search for an affordable, stylish yet functional stroller for the NYC streets. If the stroller is great on the streets of NYC, then, you know for sure it’s better anywhere else in the U.S.! It was slim pickin’s, but I finally decided on the Bumbleride Flyer due to the rave reviews I found online by other moms. While it does look great and has a reversible handle (a feature I really wanted), this stroller highly disappointed me for these reasons.
1. Poor maneuverability and bumpy ride. Living in NYC, bumpy roads and sidewalks are commonplace. The Bumbleride stroller was very sensitive to small potholes and even gravel on the road, so your little bundle of joy may feel every bump with its zero-suspension wheels. With that said, going over curbs was a challenge. When I tried to go onto the ramp of the sidewalk, it stopped short, and my 2-month-old almost flew out!
2. Makes wide turns. You might as well have one of those truck signs that say “Caution: Makes Wide Turns.” On my stroll through a fairly spacious store, the stroller made it hard to move smoothly between aisles, even with me using both hands.
3. Uneven underseat basket. When you reverse the handle of the stroller so that the baby is facing you, the basket rubs against the front wheels … even when there’s nothing in it! I tried to go on a nice, peaceful stroll through the park, however, I was greeted with a whizzing noise of the basket rubbing against the wheels.
4. Doesn’t unfold easily. While the Bumbleride is fairly easy to fold, unfolding it was another matter. There were many times when I tried to unfold the stroller, and it got stuck. It would sometimes take around 10 minutes to open back up.
5. Heavy and bulky. Bumbleride claims it’s 19 lbs. but it felt a lot heavier and took up a big chunk of the trunk space in my car. I didn’t actually try weighing it, but if you live in a walk-up or need to transport the stroller a lot, lightweight is one feature you need and Bumbleride is not light.
Although, the stroller is cute and has a reversible handlebar option, all the cons outweigh these two positives.

Guest blogger Jeannie Lee is mommy to Max and has been living in New York City for the past 15 years. 
7 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Strollers | tags: bumbleride flyer, gear, stroller. | #