Thule Chariot Cougar Double Stroller - Avocado

The Chariot Stroller is an excellent choice for serious runners and active families. I also have a Chariot Cougar single stroller and my comments apply to both. I am 5'3" and use the handle bars on the low (they flip over and insert two ways for two height options). My husband is 6' and prefers the higher setting. I have a 2 year-old and an infant who rides in the infant sling. We also have the bike attachment but have only used this with our single chariot (and the older child). Overall, if you're shopping for a jogging stroller you're probably deciding between this stroller and a BOB. If you're looking at bike trailers then you're down to this and a burley. If you want both then the Chariot is definitely the choice for you. However, I'm primarily a runner and while the BOB is a great stroller this one works best for me.PROS:1.) This stroller moves FAST. If you want to run with minimal drag and stay ergonomically correct then this stroller is perfect. The kids are safely tucked away with a low center of gravity which gives you excellent visibility over them and good stability overall. The strolling wheels are nice for walking and cut down on the overall profile of the stroller if you're in a busy area (parks, mall, etc). The strolling wheels give excellent maneuverability which helps in tight situations. The jogging wheel is easy to install and also stores easily on the stroller, same as the strolling wheels. Really, swapping between any attachment is quite easy.2.) The cargo pocket is huge with loads of room for anything you may need. It keeps your items dry. There is also a handy pocket along the backs of the riders (accessed from the rear) that is good for smaller items you want super handy. There is a small pocket for valuables or your cell phone that is at the top of the handy pocket.3.) Rider notes: First, LOVE the new straps/buckles. My 2012 Cougar (single) has an older configuration and I find the new ones much more comfy looking. I use the infant sling for my baby and my 2 year-old rides in the seat next to her. You can leave the whole stroller open (recommended for walking as the kids get a lot of air flow). However, when I run (or if it's buggy) I put the cover down. This cuts down some on the wind-in-the-face effect, which my baby appreciates. I should note that I really like the position of the awning/canopy for sun protection. I often run early in the day or late in the afternoon when the sun is low and find that my kids still don't have sun in their eyes the way they always do with my traditional umbrella stroller. I live in TX so it's HOT but if you're moving there is a lot of wind and my kids stay comfortable. Lastly, there are two little pockets inside for toys/snacks/drinks (see a "con" below). I do like how I can give my son a bunch of toys and they stay inside the stroller with him. Also, the tinted sides are perfect for sun protection. Lastly, with the rain barrier zipped shut your kids will stay dry even in a pretty torrential downpour (been there, done that). The back of the stroller is vented so there is still good airflow.CONS:1.) The old strap configuration allowed me to sometimes just buckle my son around his waist (like a belt) which allowed him to bend over and reach things at his feet or the pocket for his drink/snacks/toys. I did this when we were walking in places like the zoo, the mall, etc... not while running/biking. The new straps are all-in-one so it's a typical 5 point harness and he has trouble reaching his feet or items he drops. This is not a show-stopper, just a convenience thing. I DO like that the straps are now more on par safety-wise with a car seat 5 point system. I just note the minor con for anyone else familiar with the old straps.2.) It's hard to see your kids. If you have a BOB or any typical stroller you can see your kids via the front, the side, and often through a little peep hole in the canopy. Since the Chariot is meant for sports (running, biking, etc) then it's designed to keep debris out. So, to see your kids you can sort of peer through the tinted sides but for a good look you have to go to the front, bend down to see under the sun canopy and then look in. So, if you have a little kid who is snacking while you run it's just a bit harder to steal a peek to check on them. Again, not a show stopper, but something you should be aware of as it is different from most "strollers".3.) This stroller is wide but hey, it's a double chariot! The stroller is 31.5" wide and will fit through my front door and through most business's doors. I could see the width being a problem with an older home or secondary doors (like the door from inside my home into the garage or a bedroom door.) Basically, measure the doors you need to drive the stroller into/out of for your normal use. Because if it doesn't fit you'd have to take the kids out, collapse the stroller and put it through the door sideways.

Fits our 6 month old and 3.5 year old perfectly. We already had the single-child version, and as soon as we had a second kid, we knew we'd need to get the 2-child version. We've had the single-person version for ~3 years now, and it's held up remarkably well.We use this primarily in the woods behind our house on hiking trails, both with the jogging wheel kit, and in the winter with the cross-country ski kit. It's just narrow enough to fit through gates and doors, but wide enough for the kids to be comfortable. In the winter, it stays warm enough inside that the kids can take off their hats and gloves, and just cozy up under a blanket, even if it's in the 20s (F) outside.We were able to use the same skis, ski poles, and bike trailer hitch from our old single Chariot on this bigger one. It did need a separate jogger wheel kit, since the arms are twice as wide. Overall, we're very happy (including the kids).Update 3/2015: see my uploaded pictures for how I upgraded the ski attachments. With all the snow in New England this year, the skis included with the ski kit were too short for for un-groomed trails and deep powder, so I simply installed a real pair of XC skis. Problem solved, and I can always switch back to the original skis for groomed trails.

love it! the infant sling is great but an extra costbike kit should be included as standardgreat for the beach and walking tracks, but to wide to be used a an every day stroller

This is the first thing I have ever reviewed that I have purchased on Amazon. The jogging kit makes this trailer a great jogger. I have not had any issues with alignment. I bought the infant insert for my 3 month old and it does a great job of keeping him comfortable and stabilized. I have only owned this for a month but have used it many times. It is pricey but I believe it is worth the money if you want to take your little one on adventures with you!

Could be a 5 star.When collapsed, engages break. Why?Another vent behind the seat would be ideal for better circulation.Otherwise, materials are great, bearings are more than great, and overall very nice piece of equipment.

great product. We're totally happy with it.

Absolutely great 2 kid stroller. Very customizable with the kits. Very light for it's size.Just understand that while it folds down it does have a solid aluminum frame that fixes it's width and length pretty solidly. some cars may have trouble fitting this into their trunk. I can confirm it fits in a 2013 Prius Trunk area with only a small amount of maneuvering.

I'm happy with our new Chariot. Just a couple of things not as expected.. The big tires don't have air in them, found out when the boys were dressed and strapped in, ready to go. My older son (3) is quite tall and he can open the cover by pushing it with his feet, there's no velcro or snap to fasten it, just a plastic piece that goes under at the front which is easy to lift... and he did manage to open the safety buckle on the safety belt while trying it out in the livingroom :/ one last thing - the back doesn't recline.