Bumbleride Flyer 2010

BumbleRide was started by a couple in San Diego that wanted to offer the sleek stylings of the European designer strollers for half the price. BumbleRide strollers come in vibrant, designer colors and are very attractive accessories for the modern parent.

The Flyer is Bumbleride's versatile, standard stroller. It sports four 6 inch wheels and a great suspension system to give baby a smooth ride. Bumbleride has made very minimal changes to the Flyer for 2010. If it's not broke, why fix it?

The Flyer has a roomy seat with 5 recline positions including flat (fully reclined) which is great for newborns. The seat reclines with an easy one-hand bar recline that we love! The Flyer has baby bumper bar but it doesn't do double duty as the car seat adapter like the new 2010 Bumbleride Indie does. The car seat adapter is a separate (but included!) bar. This universal car seat attachment that works easily with most infant carrier seats fits into the same slots as the bumper bar.

The seat is wide and tall enough for our 8 month, 3 and 5 year old testers to fit with no problem. The seat is 13" wide and has an 18" seat back and a measurement of 26" from seatback to canopy that will accommodate taller children. Our 5 year old tester at 42" fit in the seat without her head even hitting the canopy. There is a padded 5-point, adjustable harnesses for safety and an adjustable footrest for comfort. The footrest adjuster buttons have been moved to the inside of the footrest to make them easier to adjust on the 2010 model. There is a one push harness buckle release that makes taking the child out faster than undoing multiple clips. Yes, it is easy for mom but way too easy for our naughty little toddlers to do so that they can escape. Think how quickly a two-year-old can master a one touch button?

The Flyer sports an adjustable handle that is easy to operate with two push buttons on the sides and can be set at any position to accommodate the differing heights of parents. The handlebar adjusters were moved to the inside of the handlebar (so you now do it with your thumbs) to make it more ergonomic for 2010. Even though the handle isn't telescoping, we found that it extends out to 42" from the ground which is far enough that we never kicked the back of the stroller even when exaggerating our stride to test it.

Our favorite feature on the Flyer? The reversible handle that allows us to look at our baby when we stroll. You don't have to remove or reverse the seat on the Flyer to allow your baby to face you. The unique handle bar flips to the other side of the stroller to allow you to push it from the opposite direction. It's as easy as lifting two levers and pushing the handlebar forward. To allow the stroller to push easily in either direction, the Flyer has a locking mechanism on both the front and back wheels. No matter which position the handle is in, Bumbleride suggests that you always make sure that the wheels closest to your feet remain locked at all times for maximum maneuverability.

The Flyer has superior handling and we would definitely consider it a one handed stroller. The maneuverability is great, allowing us to turn on a dime, and unless it's loaded to near the 45 lb weight capacity, we were able to zip this stroller around with one hand. With a larger child, it will take a bit more wrist power.

The stroller also features the very necessary sunshade/canopy that is fabulous. The Flyer sunshade is very large and adequately shades the child with no problem. The best feature of the sunshade is that it folds almost to the bumper bar to protect the baby from the sun, wind or rain. The canopy has a peek-a-boo window, a convenient back pocket for storage and back zipper openings that allow air to circulate through the stroller seat. Bumbleride also changed the peek-a-boo window for 2010 and got rid of the plastic and replaced it with a UV mesh that allows air to circulate through a bit.

The storage basket underneath is very large, easy to access and can easily accommodate a large diaper bag. You can even access the basket with the seat fully reclined. The overall stroller fabric is well-made, tightly woven polyester that is easily removable for washing.

Weighing in at 19 lbs, the Flyer is light enough to lift in and out of the trunk making it great for everyday and has a weight capacity of 45 lbs.

The Flyer folds in half, making transporting this stroller convenient regarding the size. Folding the stroller is quick and easy to do. Grab the two handles on either side of the stroller just above the bumper bar�then push the two grey buttons with your thumbs� and the stroller folds down flat. There is an automatic, secure lock on the stroller that keeps it closed and secure while folded.

Unfolding the stroller is a cinch. After unlocking the stroller lock, you lift the handle bar, shake, and the stroller is ready to go. Couldn't be easier!!

There is also a great Bumbleride accessory called the Snack Pack that is sold separately that is a great option to swap out and use instead of the bumper bar. The Snack Pack is very quick and easy to install and comes with its own adapter bar that fits into the slots on the sides of the seat (same slots for car seat and carrycot adapter.) The Snack Pack is a soft pouch that zips closed and is divided in two compartments inside. We use the smaller side for bottles or sippy cups and the larger side for snacks and small toys. The Snack Pack can also be used on the Bumbleride Indie and Indie Twin.

One of our favorite optional accessories (besides the Snack Pack) available for the Flyer is the Carrycot. The Carrycot was new in 2009 and combines the luxury of a bassinet with the ease of a baby carrier. The Carrycot is not only beautiful but roomy and suitable from newborn up to 19 lbs. The Carrycot lets you transform the seat of the Flyer into a rolling bed for your infant. (It also works with the Bumbleride Indie & Indie Twin). The Carrycot is easy to attach to the adapter slots on both sides of the seat and features great carrying straps that are durable so that we feel secure carrying the Carrycot with our precious cargo aboard. There are also quick release straps under the Carrycot mattress for easy collapse and storage. Another nice feature of the Carrycot is that it comes standard with the Bumbleride Footmuff & Seat Liner accessory. The Carrycot was changed a bit for 2010. The Carrycot now comes with a canopy and fits into the seat with the baby facing mom. We love the changes because unlike the 2009 carrycot that had the child facing out, the 2010 model allows us to take the stroller canopy and put it up and over the carrycot canopy to completely block the baby from the sun (or paparazzi!).

If you're in the market for a durable, infant-to-toddler, everyday stroller, want something more stylish and unique than the run-of-the-mill stroller offerings, yet don't want to pay designer prices, the Bumbleride just might be the answer to your prayers.

The Bumbleride's beautiful design and superior handling make it a close cousin to the Bugaboo, but at almost $600 less, it's a mega-bargain. Even though it's more expensive than your run of the mill Graco strollers, for the extra investment, you're getting a lighter stroller, along with a reversible, height-adjustable handle, removable, washable fabric and a much nicer, more stylish ride. Plus the extra durability and interchangeable fabrics mean the Bumbleride stands a chance with the next child.

 

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