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It’s time your stroller did a complete 360

June 26th, 2008

Tike TechI first reviewed a Tike Tech stroller in January when I featured their 2008 Sport Series ATX All Terrain jogging stroller. My favorite features about Tike Tech’s ATX single were its lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame, easy assembly (just pop on the wheels and go), 5-point harness, comfy reclining seat (good on a stroller; not so good on Mom), and multiple storage pockets along with a generous basket. The thing I missed the most was a swivel wheel, which I had on my previous jogger. When Tike Tech heard about that they immediately sent over their Trax360 in Canyon Orange for review—now that’s service!

Tike TechThe Trax360 is basically the same stroller but with 12-inch wheels and the ability for the front wheel to swivel a full 360 degrees. The smaller wheels mean this stroller lends itself more to urban outings rather than 5k’s, but who says you have to own just one Tike Tech stroller? ;) I had forgotten how easy this company’s strollers assemble, but the Trax360 was just as read to go as its counterpart. I simply popped on the wheels (okay, my husband popped on the front one…those swivels can be tricky!) and attached the canopy. Now the canopy took a little more umph than I had (and almost more “umph” than DH had) but we eventually got it to slide into place. The ergonomic handle is one of my favorite features, and when I found this one to be almost as tricky to adjust my husband simply replied, “That means it’s sturdy!” Sounds good to me!

Tike TechBecause I’ve had a few months to thoroughly test our ATX single jogger I know Tike Tech makes a great stroller. I’ve found lots of things to like, including the little mesh pocket on the inside of the seat so our toddler can store his pretzels, toy car and other treasures. I’m still loving the lightweight frame and generous, reclining seat with its 5-point harness that includes a chest strap. Those chest straps are nice because they keep the shoulder straps from slipping (and the aforementioned toddler from escaping mid jog). And guess what? While testing out the Trax360 I not only discovered I like a little swivel action (and Canyon Orange better) but also that both strollers have a removable rear seat cover. Who knew? It came attached on the Trax360 and I thought to myself, I wonder if the ATX has one as well. Lo and behold it did, tucked nicely away in a zipper pocket behind the seat!

For some closeup shots of the Trax360 and a full list of its features you’ll want to visit Tike Tech’s website. I should probably do the same in case I’ve missed any other features on this fabulous stroller!—Emily

Maclaren’s Twin Techno is the best double stroller of all time…

June 23rd, 2008

...and I’m so totally serious! I’ve reviewed a few double strollers in the past; non-joggers include the Joovy Caboose tandem, Baby Planet Unity and phil&teds Sport with double kit. I feel like I have a little double-stroller experience under my belt and have quickly learned what features are important to me in a double stroller: compact fold, reclining seats, fairly large canopies, easy-access basket space, easily adjusted straps, a drink holder or two, easy maneuverability, and most importantly the ability to fit in the back of my ol’ school Honda Odyssey.

Maclaren Twin TechnoMaclaren’s Twin Techno stroller stole my heart when all I had to do was turn it vertically with the handles down to fit perfectly in my small trunk space. It stood only about 18” wide and freed up the rest of my trunk for two black travel suitcases and an overnight bag. The Caboose fit laying on its side only if I removed the canopy; the Unity only if I collapsed the car’s backseat before putting it in; the phil&teds required removal of the tires. If it weren’t for the Twin Techno all five of us would’ve had to share one black suitcase for our week-long trip to Disneyland! Okay, enough about its amazing space-saving capabilities. Let me tell you what else the Twin Techno has to offer.

The Twin Techno’s all-important features include:

  • Height-adjustable 5-point harnesses (you can cover these in 8 different “comfort pack” options)
  • Removable/washable seats
  • Front-wheel suspension
  • Independent 5-point recline (it’s a little tricky to recline but once you figure it out it’s easy as pie)
  • Independent and water-resistant canopies with UV-protective windows and sun visors plus pockets on the back for added storage (loved the window but we did have to cover it now and then with a small blanket when the sun was overhead; pockets were perfect for camera, cell phones, and extra snacks)
  • Extendable leg rests (used this all the time so our littlest once could sleep comfortably)
  • Maclaren Twin Techno
  • High-performance aluminum frame (a.k.a. the ability to hold a diaper bag, beach bag and Disney bags without tipping…see photo)
  • Lightweight (at only 25 pounds this stroller is competitive with others on the market)
  • Compact umbrella fold (already covered this one; note: the more you use it the easier it gets to open)
  • Double mesh shopping baskets (easy to get to and good sized)
  • Removable cup holders
  • Carry handle (loved this feature)
  • 5-second, one-hand fold (um, not sure I could have folded it this quickly with one hand but perhaps with two)
  • Ergonomical foam insulated handles (my hands never felt tired even when pushing the kids from Disneyland to California Adventure, back to Disneyland, and then off to Downtown Disney)
  • Lockable, front swivel wheels (didn’t review this feature as I totally forgot about it! LOL)
  • Reflective accents for safety at night (these give off a nice glow during the Electric Parade)

Maclaren Twin TechnoMaclaren’s already too cool Twin Techno fits through a standard door (and an amusement park’s stroller entrance) and is suitable from birth up to a total of 110 lbs. I absolutely LOVE this stroller! If it can fit in my van, still allowing us to pack a clean change of underwear, and survive a 3-day park hopper pass to Disneyland and California Adventure, it deserves all the love I can give it!—Emily

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