Any Thoughts on a Great (Appr $100.00) Lightweight/umbrella Stroller?

Maclaren, love love love it! Try ebay, you can buy them new. And they are quite a bit cheaper. I got mine for abt $75 w shipping. Such a great stroller!

My sister has a Chicco Capri and I have the Graco IPO. I just bought the Graco for a trip to Seattle w/ sis and our toddlers. I had a $20 umbrella stroller that I hated--too short and flimsy. I took my daughter to the store with me and tried out all the nicer umbrella strollers there. I was very disappointed with the McClarens--so highly rated, but the less expensive Volo had no padding, a sharp seat end, and was uncomfortable for my daughter and for me to push. The more expensive ones were ok, but not better than the $70-$100 brands. The Chicco Capri and Graco IPO were my top choices, because they were both taller for me, had more seat cushion for my toddler, and also didn't allow her long legs to dangle into the wheels (surprised at how many were too short for her). I went with the Graco IPO b/c my feet didn't hit the wheels while walking, and they did occasionally while pushing the Chicco (I'm 5'7"). The Graco IPO is amazingly comfortable to push, with the handles large and tall. My sister, 5'5", does hit the wheels very occasionally while pushing, but otherwise loves the Chicco. The Graco reclines more, has a slightly larger basket, handy pockets that hang from the canopy, and a great mommy cupholder. The Chicco has an easier-to-operate zip recline and folds slighlty smaller. However, the Graco back does sag a little more than I liked when upright, which is how my daughter always uses it. But it was so much more comfortable for me to push, I found a way to fix it. Since she never reclines in a stroller anymore, I tied a heavy-duty string across the back to support it a little more, and this did the trick. I plan to replace the string with a nylon strap and buckle so I can use the recline feature for my next baby later, but still have the extra support when upright. Both strollers folded easily and well while travelling, when you have to fold and unfold often and quickly. It was slightly easier to fold the Graco with one hand, though it was slightly more bulky than the Chicco. Also, the center of gravity for the Graco was more to the middle...I could sling my 23-lb bag across the handlebars of the Graco and push it with no difficulty (the front wheels didn't come up unless my daughter got out), but doing so with the Chicco unbalanced it too much. Most people have rolling luggage so this doesn't matter, but it made me feel my stroller was more stable. The front wheels can lock straight, and it seemed to happen easily when folded, so sometimes I'd start pushing and wonder why it was suddenly tough to turn...then I'd realize one or both of the front wheels was locked and I'd unlock with an easy push from my toe. They don't spontaneously lock, but the tab is easily pushed down when it's folded. Overall, both worked great for the trip and for everyday use. For taller parents and kids, the Graco has a slight edge, though the Chicco was also taller than most other models. The Graco has a few more conveniences, but not a ton. The Graco might require some extra back support if your toddler doesn't like to lean back even a little. Also, the Graco was about $20 more than the Chicco--the Chicco was around $80 and the Graco $100, though I got it for $80 with Babies-R-Us's trade-in promotion. I'd recommend either one! Hope this helps!

Check out a local second hand or consignment store. i got a GREAT McCleren (sp) for $60 at one (it was over $100 new they said). You may even be able to find a gently used Chicco Syndney stroller (I LOVE Chicco's products).
Best of luck!
C.

Have you tried to find the Chicco Sydney on eBay or craigslist.org??

I love the Maclaren Volo lightweight with none of the bells or whistles, it folds up easily and rolls really easy. I can push it with my toddler and carry my infant in the sling- I bought it on craig's list for like $50, but new they are around $100

I also loved the MacClaren Volo stroller. I could easily push it with one hand and the ride was very smooth.

I really like our Esprit Sun Speed. When I was shopping for one, I looked at the McLaren but couldn't justify the price tag. Then I tried the Sun Speed and I think it works just as well for a fraction of the price.

Buy it used! Reduce, reuse, recycle! You can get a great one for just a few bucks at any kids' consignment store. And when you're done with it, it may have plenty of life left in it for several more moms and babies!

I love my Maclaren Quest. I think the Volo is even more lightweight and less expensive. I remember that around this time thru December they are getting rid of old models at CityKids to make way for the new season. So I got mine for super cheap. Also, second hand places and craigslist would be good to look for a used one. These are really tough strollers. Ours has been across country on an airplane four times in the past year and it has survived really well.

One more vote for Maclaren! Volo is the lightest but if you want more comfort and recline options, check out other Maclaren strollers as well.

I've had 2 Jeep brand umbrella strooers. I loved them both. Longer handles and large wheels make pushing SO much easier. I think i paid about 60 for each of them. I only had to get the second one because the first was stolen, it didn't wear out or anything.

Try looking at the Uppababy G-Luxe. I think it is what you've ben looking for.
www.letsgostrolling.com

They are in downtown Oakland.

We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Maclaren ... and see TONS of other parents with them.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2887343

Good luck in your search!