A Sports Physio & running mum’s review of Thule baby stroller
The Thule Chariot CX2 – A Running Mum’s Review
written by Sports Physio Britt Caling.
On the birth of our first daughter 18months ago we decided to purchase the Thule Chariot CX1 stroller. Although pricey (around A$1500), the CX1 was worth its weight in gold in allowing me to return to running post-partum. Summa and I (and the Thule Chariot) covered many miles up and down the roads and hills of the Gold Coast during my training for Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge without missing a beat.
Given the success of the Thule Chariot as an addition to our family, it was a no-brainer to purchase the Thule Chariot CX2 prior to the birth of our second daughter, and again I have been nothing but impressed with our purchase.
With a higher price tag than most strollers (A$1799 base model), the CX2 has all the features to justify the price. It can be used as:
– a regular stroller with a stroller kit attachment (2 front trolley wheels),
– a running stroller (with a large, fixed front jogging wheel),
– a bike trailer
– or a hike or ski stroller
All the modes are super-easy to convert between and they have the Click n’ Store™ system for on-board storage of all conversion kits so, for example, you can ride to the shops taking the stroller wheels with you to use when walking around the shops.
The CX2 can seat one child in the middle or 2 side by side. With our newborn baby in the baby bivy or infant sling, and our toddler sitting in the removable padded seat beside her, I don’t have any worries about the bumps of the ride due to adjustable suspension.
The weight of the carrier is surprisingly light (at 15.3kg) and it is very maneuverable. The large side wheels make the stroller roll really smoothly and even with 15kg of extra child weight inside, I often push the stroller just 1m ahead of me while running on the flat and let it roll. With Disc brakes on this model, I also feel safe running hills of any gradient.
Another excellent feature is the side tinted removable window flaps and the in-built rain cover.
There is more than enough storage space and the option of extra accessories such as the water bottle holder that make the CX2 very functional for any type of activity.
It is also easy to transport – all it takes is pulling 2 levers to fold down the main cabin and then pressing in the central axle button of the wheels to remove the side wheels. The foldeddimensions are (LxWxH): 109 x 80 x 30 cm, but I must say that with our Honda CRV, we simply keep one backseat folded down and fit the whole running stroller in only by collapsing the main cabin.
The only downfall of the CX2 is the ‘pass through’ width being 83cm and while I find it fits through most doors, this does occasionally mean finding another way through or around smaller spaces. However, this challenge exists with all strollers that sit children side-by-side.
Overall I would recommend the Thule Chariot Series to any active family and if our 2 girls could talk, I’m sure they would tell you have much they love it too!