Also wishing for a Strider Plus as we have the original Strider and LOOOVVVEEEE it so much, but on our current budget there is no way we can afford the $700 either.
BUT have found an e3 phil & teds for $20 at a garage sale in great condition ( how lucky are we ) and have bought the toddler seat to go on it. It's really easy to fold up and is lighter than the strider, it just doesn't feel as stable IYKWIM? Fitting two kids in any old how will be the priority I think....