Prams - Peg Perego Skate, Bugaboo Cameleon, Steelcraft Strider??

[MrsB26]

So i obvioulsy need some pram help lol.

After looking around at prams for what feels like months it's finally time to take the plunge and get abit more serious about it all before we actually purchase one.

So far, these are my fav's - Peg Perego Skate (new one coming soon), Bugaboo Cameleon and the Steelcraft Strider.

Besides the obvious difference in price - and we are talking a difference of nearly $1000 between the Bugaboo and Steelcraft - i cant really find any other stand out differences.

If you own either of these prams could you please honestly tell me what you love/hate about them. I saw a couple with a Bugaboo at the shops on the weekend and i chased them down to ask them about it but i think i may have scared them a bit as they weren't very friendly with me I really love the lok of this pram but is it worth all the money???

TIA xoxo

[~breeze~]

Hi hun, I see no-ones replied yet. I cant help you with your question but I'm bumping this up so hopefully someone else can soon

Good luck choosing the right pram for you
xxx

[Kailani]

I'm not much help either, but I too will be looking at those prams with great interest. The peg perego skate pram looks really good and it's in a baby bunting catalogue I got in the mail today on sale from tomorrow so I will definitely be going there and checking out prams this weekend. I'll let you know my findings! It is very pricey though, $1500 but that includes the matching capsule which clicks onto the pram and I want a capsule too! Anyway, hope someone else has some more useful info?

[Michelle71]

There is another thread looking at the pros and cons of the bugaboo - it is just too late for me to figure out how to link the thread for you

[Kitt3n]

Hi Mrs B

I cant really comment on the others but as far as Peg PErego's go they are absolutely fantastic.

I had 2 pegs for dd - first one was second hand when i got it after having previously serviced 2 babies, and we walked minumum 1 hour a day, everyday, off road etc..... it lasted for about 2 years before i needed to replace it - and that was mainly because the first one i had was quite bulky and was hard to get on the bus. I dodnt even want to look at any other brands. It was still in great condition and i sold it.

My second one still did the same kinda walking and is now going to service baby # 2 - DD was still being pushed around in it till she was about 4 and a half.

Go the peg!

[Nicambhar]

Hey Kristy. PML about chasing down the bug owner's.. DF nearly did it a couple of times to some Strider owners.
Anyhow, as you can see, I have the strider4. Am yet to put bubs in it, but have it all set up and take it for regular walks around the house LOL...and I love it already. I did chose it over the bug though if that's any help. I think the main reason being that it just seemed sturdier not to mention the price difference. I was all set to buy the bug when I went out pram shopping, but had never seen one up close and was a bit disappointed when I did see it.
Can't help on skate.
Good luck, it's all very exciting. xx

[fionas]

I didn't do a direct comparison between the bug and the Strider but went with the latter mainly because it had all the features I wanted (bassinette, forward or rear-facing seat, light, easy to fold even for me, who's the most unco person in the world) and I figured the $1000 I'd save would allow me to stay home for an extra week or two on maternity leave.

I've been very happy with the Strider.

[*Beema*]

Hey Kristy

This was my reply to a similar question the other day, plus a few more things I have added since!!

These are the reasons why I love my Bug!!!

• The pram is very light, 8-9kg, with each component is less than 5kg, there isn't one that matches it weight for weight with all the plus's below.
• Easy to steer, even one handed
• Once you know how to fold and un-fold, it one easy movement, quick and simple
• Rear and Forward facing
• We use ours as our basinette for our bubs, she is going to fit in it for quite a while, so her "bed" comes with us anywhere, she sleeps in our room at night, then I just push her out in the morning.
• We can even use our Angel Care sound and movement monitor in it
• The bassinett or seat clicks in - simple to put on/take off
• The large tyres are inflatable - one of the big negatives about the Strider - crappy on any surface other than nice flat smooth pavements, they don't have any "give" iykwif, making the ride not a smooth, I take my Bug "off road!!!"
• The Bugaboo has suspension which is also adjustable, makes a big difference in comfort for bubs.
• Hunt around for a good deal. The RRP was $1599, I got 10% off plus an $150 instore voucher I could used for anything - I bought Bug accessories
• We use it as our bassinett for bubs, until she is big enought to go into her cot (which hasn't arrived yet anyway), she was early, and atm is 2.8kg, and doesn't even take up a third of the bassinet
• Who gives a crap about status symbols, I bought it for so many other reasons then who else had one.
• It fits in the back on my hatch - with the bassinett, I just unclip it!
• If you want to make it more compact, you can take the big wheels off very easily - this pram doesn't require a degree inrocket science to use it!!
• You can take it through the snow and the sand, great for us we love both
• The adjustable handle length, DH is quite a bit taller than me!
• Some complain about the storage bag being difficult to get to with the bassinet on it - yes it is, but damn I can still get a lot in there and it isn't that bad, and with the seat attachment it is a breeze and it can hold a lot!!
• The wheel base isn't as wide as a lot of the three wheelers, I can easily navigate the baby around
• Turning circle of a pinhead - amazing

We wanted to by one pram the would last us a long time, the best investment I have ever made.
I have a friend who wanted one and didn't end up getting one, bought an Emmmaljunga, it was too heavy and difficult to steer, then bought a BeamerQ also a Quinny and is now looking at another pram, should have just bought the Bug to start with would have saved a fortune

Also we have bought the breezy and sun canopy for summer which provide great uv protection - need is Oz but still excellent ventilation.

The is also a toddler skate board which attaches to it, which has a little seat for toddlers to sit on when you push it around

There are a lot of features that the Bug has that the Strider doesn't and a lot of them come back to creating a more comfy ride for bubs. B ut in the end you need to choose what is right for you. The more I use it the more I love it

[Nicambhar]

Oooh, one other thing. That's if you are planning on more children, the Strider now has a toddler seat attachment and I'm not sure the bug does this.
Just a thought anyway.

[Beach Mama]

Only the Strider 4 has the toddler seat so don't get the 3 accidentally!

I had the strider 3 and posted a thread about it a while ago about my love/hate relationship with it!
HERE is the link to it.

Incidentally I have sold it now, and have a P & T on layby! Much lighter, easier to steer plus has 2 seats that semi recline for tired kiddies. The new Vibe has that modern look too, although I got the sport.

[{sarah}]

I love the idea & look of the strider, but had one issue. As bub gets bigger, that bar at the front is going to be uncomfortable at the back of their calves IYKWIM. I also didn't like that there is no foot rest when they are bigger.

[Kitt3n]

maybe you should do some comparisons via the CHOICE website?

[Muppity]

I was lusting after a skate in the baby shop the other day. Went with a friend to pick up a portacot and she was finding it very difficult to drag me away from the skate. It is beautiful and incredibly light for what it is. It is absolutely on my list (just don't tell DH!)

[Beach Mama]

Sarah - that is a really good point. I also found it easy to steer while she was young and facing us, but as she got older and heavier (around 6+ mths) it was really hard to steer even on smooth surfaces like shopping centres.

[MrsB26]

You ladies have been so helpful, thank you - funny thing is i am still confused over what to get lol.

The price difference is too large to just ignore (i wish it wasnt ) but then i didnt think about how the bar on the Strider might get uncomfortable as he gets bigger.

Tanstar thanks for the link - very interesting on how it got harder to steer the bigger bub got.

I have yet to go and test drive the Peg Perego's but plan to as soon as i get a day free with DH. I have seen them and same as Muppity, i was rubber necking it get a better look as we drove past the shop!

THanks Michelle71 - i'll look up that thread now

Nic - sometimes you just have to do these things, my dh was a bit embarressed that i just took off and started talking to strangers about their pram but once i explained that there really is no better way than to ask people who have one before spending a motza on a pram, he saw the point

Beema Thanks for your huge reply also - all your positives make it hard just to take it off my list.

Thanks again to all - if anyone else has anything to add please do!

[Cassius2]

Hi there!

I have a bugaboo (gecko) and absolutely love it! once a bug owner always a bug owner LOL!

I guess that the main points i like about the bug are they are light (mine is 7 kgs), they can turn on a pin (which is great for small shops, tight staircases and packed out public transport, or...for racing to the nearest checkout at the toy sales LOL!) and bubs is always comfy and secure, oh and the pram base itself is quite narrow so you dont have to go down the wheelchair checkouts at supermarkets!

In basinette mode it is really nice that they can sleep the zzz's away while you go about your business or, when you are at home and need to get stuff done around the house. also, the basinette on the bug is up to 6 months (which was great timing for when our girl became a 'big girl' and went to the seat. Also, in this mode we went from winter to spring and it was great in both weathers, we were able to keep her snug or out of the sun.

In seat mode the pram is really great. the hood goes riiight back and rests down on the seat so bubs has a complete view of his/her surroundings (which is good if they are stickybeaks like my DD!). she faced towards me up until she was 10.5 months old, which was great for sleeping at her age as facing outwards, i found, she didnt sleep so well as there was too much going on to see...and now that she is bigger she is facing out and can cope with all the noise and people going around.

In general, i love it because it can go wherever i go. at restaurants you can push the pram (in seat mode esp) right up to the table and she can sit there with you.

oh and let's face it! having the option of the pretty colours is really fun! (we went BRIGHT red - cause red goes faster!) and we flash it up with cool coloured footmuffs for winter...

the price is steep, but i use my pram everyday all day. almost 12 months on i have never had a flat tyre, never had to pump them up and the tread is as good as the day i bought it. mums in my group have had treading wear out quickly and have had numerous punctures...not sure if this is telling of the prams they have though! can only hypothesise. the colour sticks, it's easy peasy to clean, there is loads of storage underneath, the raincover is brilliant as it covers the whole pram etc etc. can't rate it high enough! oh and it goes ANYWHERE! we have used ours in snow, sand, off road, running through airports and navigating busy streets in melbourne! (always a risk to life and limb!)

afraid i can't comment on the other prams you mentioned, although the prams that mums in my groups love include the Bugaboo, the Phil and Teds and the mountain buggy for all round comfort and ease ITH!

[AJC]

I've just lay-by'd the strider 4 with basinette. I looked at Peg Perego also but for the price I though the strider was better quality, the peg perego just seemed a bit plasticy, although it did feel nice to push. I didn't like how the storage area on the peg perego is accessible from the front (when bub rear facing) I would worry people might snatch things at shopping centres. Storage area for Steelcraft isn't huge but more private. I didn't look at the bugaboo.

[*Beema*]

Well I had to do some food shopping today and I just prefer to walk to the shops and get the fresh air, there were a few unexpected bargains, so I thought I would let you know what my Bug was loaded up with. It was also still very easy to push, and to get all the supplies in the storage under the bassinette I just knelt down and threw it in LOL!

500grams heart smart mince
1.2kg diced heart smart beef
1.2kg bacon wrapped in paper
2 packets wholemeal round crumpets
1 packet 9 grain muffins
500grams grated cheese
1 large jar of Promite
Three satchets
Large packet of puff pastry
Two rolls of magnetic strip

Still room to spare!

In the end of the bassinnette (under the cover and separated from bubs with heavy blanket - ad bubs was wrapped)
3 x 1.7kg packets Omo Matic Sensitive (yes three standing upright!!)
I packets colour run dye remover (red shirt lost dye on white shirt - almost all out now!)

Hanging in a greenbab - with the mummy hook
1.5kg potatos
2 packets Nana's Mixed Berry Apple Pies
1 500ml container cream

And my most pecious cargo, Nakita approx 2.8kg

I am pretty sure that was it! With all of this the pram remained stable, didn't feel like it would tip at all, was still easy to steer/push!

Happy shopping!!