Which double pram for exercising (for DD's 3.5 and 1 yr old)

[Taurean]

I'm considering buying a secondhand double pram (side by side) so we can exercise more easily with both our girls.

We have the City Select which we love but it's not really designed for exercising (fast walking). DD1 is 16kg and DD2 is 11 so although they're still within the recommended weight range for the Select, it's getting difficult to push them both even with DD1 in the top seat.

So any recommendations?

[Bloom]

We have a city mini double which has generally been used for walking around the streets. It is good and easy to pick up 2nd hand. Very easy to steer (no shoulder/arm fatigue which was a problem with umbrella side by sides). The city elite is more of a heavy duty off roader but is harder to come by in double mode.

A friend of mine loves her mountain buggy - but it was expensive even a 5 year old one, and it is incredibly heavy.

[~Kim~]

I borrowed a Mountain Buggy when DD2 was little. DS has only recently cracked 18kg but there's a fair weight difference and it was great with it. I ran with it and it was smooth and comfy. A PITA to fold down or take/carry anywhere, but I didn't so wasn't and issue.
Pump up tyres don't appeal to everyone but for a runner they provide that extra bit of cushion.

[LuluHB]

When I was back in the world of double prams I had a city mini double for my car/shopping pram and a valco "runabout" double for my walking pram. It weighed a bloody ton but it was fantastic for me and the kids - really easy to manoeuvre, good suspension for the girls, great for the weight range you're talking about. It would definitely be an "as well as" pram though - the handful of times I did have to get it in and out of the car it was a nightmare.

I have also used the double mountain buggy (still have my single) and they're fantastic too. I would have liked to get one of these over the valco but at the time money dictated I went with the valco. No regrets though - the valco was a brilliant double pram.

Check out (if you haven't already) the twins/multiples websites. They often have a really good range of double prams at not too bad a price.

[nickle730]

I also recommend the mountain buggy! I had a double for my big two (2yrs 4 months age difference) and I now have a single for DD2. I don't take it shopping as it is quite heavy and unwieldy to put in the car. I leave it set up on the veranda for walking or get DH to put it in/out of the car for markets and the like. Great pram, I highly recommend it!

[Taurean]

Thanks for your replies girls. I'm keen on either a Mountain Buggy Duo or a BJ City Elite double. I had the single City Elite before DD2 arrived and loved it.

There is a MB duo on Gumtree at the moment for $200 and it looks good! So weight distribution is good in a MB duo, even though there is 5kg difference in weight between my girls?

[Taurean]

Lulu - what's the twin/multiples website? Google didn't return much for me.

[Doing my best]

Thanks for your replies girls. I'm keen on either a Mountain Buggy Duo or a BJ City Elite double. I had the single City Elite before DD2 arrived and loved it.

There is a MB duo on Gumtree at the moment for $200 and it looks good! So weight distribution is good in a MB duo, even though there is 5kg difference in weight between my girls?

I don't notice the weight difference at all.. Used a MB duo (the original so without the swivel front wheels) with my 2 for the last 2 years.. So DS was 1.5 and DD was 3 when I first got it.. No dramas with weight at all.. I have only noticed it getting heavy in the last month after not using it since the beginning of the year. (DD is over 5 now and DS is 3.5) and average weight for their ages..

ETA - shame you aren't in Brisbane.. I am reluctantly giving mine away.. (I got it off freecycle, so would feel guilty selling it, even though we spent a bit of money doing it up with new tyres etc).

[Taurean]

I don't notice the weight difference at all.. Used a MB duo (the original so without the swivel front wheels) with my 2 for the last 2 years.. So DS was 1.5 and DD was 3 when I first got it.. No dramas with weight at all.. I have only noticed it getting heavy in the last month after not using it since the beginning of the year. (DD is over 5 now and DS is 3.5) and average weight for their ages..

ETA - shame you aren't in Brisbane.. I am reluctantly giving mine away.. (I got it off freecycle, so would feel guilty selling it, even though we spent a bit of money doing it up with new tyres etc).

Thanks for that feedback hon, I think I'm sold!

Well my DH is actually going to Brisbane on business this Sunday so it could be a possibility!? How much were you going to sell it for? Have you got pics?

[luna moth]

I have a mountain buggy too. We got the duet, as my kids aren't likely to crack the weight limit too soon, and it's narrow enough to take on public transport and into the post office.

I don't notice the weight difference easier. It's easier to push when DD1's not in it, but that's just a general 13kg less kind of relief.

[Doing my best]

:

Thanks for that feedback hon, I think I'm sold!

Well my DH is actually going to Brisbane on business this Sunday so it could be a possibility!? How much were you going to sell it for? Have you got pics?

I could take pictures on Saturday if you like, and check straps (I was never a big user of them) it would also need a good clean.. Not trying to talk you out of it, just giving honest description

And I don't want anything for it. I got it from free cycle so personally don't feel right selling it.

[LuluHB]

Sorry Taurean - I can't find it now (long gone from my favourites). A MB Duo for $200 sounds like a bargain if its in good condition. I sold my Valco only a few months ago for $150 so they're definitely around. And nope, you definitely wouldn't notice a weight difference - you wouldn't notice if there was only one kid in it either.

[Taurean]

Thanks Lulu, that's good to know!

DMB - I've got a couple of the newer models lined up to view this weekend so it's all good I think I'd prefer the swivel wheels. Thanks SO much for thinking of me though!

Audax - thanks for your feedback too, much appreciated!

The one I'm really keen on I should hopefully be able to get for $150 and it looks like an NZ model (not one of the newer ones made in China) however it's got a tear in the canvas on the outer frame near the footrest. I reckon it could be fixed or patched for a reasonable price. Does anyone have experience fixing tears?