I started running regularly a few months ago and really enjoy the exercise. However, since our second child was born, I’ve had a really difficult time getting out jogging. It’s hard to run during the day since I am usually looking after my son (the older one) and at night I often help out with the little one so that mom can get some sleep. I decided to buy a jogging double stroller which will allow me to go running and look after one or both of the kids at the same time. Jogging strollers tend to be expensive and I didn’t want to pay too much for it. I figured that $300 would be a good upper limit.
As I concluded in my baby expense series, “used” is the way to go – so I looked on Kijiji and Craig’s List for a used double jogging stroller. On Kijiji I didn’t see any for sale except for one really nice one that had an asking price of $675 – no thanks. I put up a “wanted to buy” ad and then moved on to Craig’s List. There I found three good possibilities which were all posted that weekend. They were listed at $120,$150 and $175. I sent out the emails and the $150 offer responded right away. I asked if he would take $100 and his response was that he would take the highest offer received by the next day. I assumed that either he had received more emails about the stroller or he was playing me to get more money! Either way, I would have been fine paying the asking price of $150 so I emailed back an offer of $130 and he accepted right away. When I picked up the stroller the next evening he told me there were quite a few emails offering to buy it and mine was the first one. The stroller looked good so I took it. It was a Baby Trend Expedition double jogging stroller.
The next morning I loaded up my son and the three tires from the stroller up in the wagon and we went down to the local gas station to pump up the tires. After assembling it, we took it for a test “run” and it worked great. Later that afternoon I went for a jog with my son and I have to say that I was pretty happy with the stroller. It is definitely an adjustment since running with your hands on the stroller bar is a lot different than running hands free. There is a safety strap on the bar which you put around your wrist (in case the stroller goes faster than you do) and there is a hand brake as well. The stroller literally will not turn unless you lift the front wheel a bit. One drawback is a lack of storage underneath – we had hoped to be able to use this stroller as our “shopping” stroller as well but I think we will end up buying a cheap double stroller for that purpose.
22 replies on “My “Frugal” Double Jogging Stroller Purchase”
Nice purchase! I had a single jogger 4 years ago when my daughter was born – a MacLaren – and I really liked it for what it was but just could not get used to running without my hands free. I ended up selling it and while it certainly cuts into my running time, I find I enjoy it more when I can just run and not worry about the stroller. It was double the workout to push and I am a bit of a wimp. 😉
Emily – I agree that running with a stroller is quite different (and not as good). I’m going to use it anyways – it’s better than nothing.
I can also roller blade with it which is quite fun.
FP, wait until the winter comes; this kind of stroller is AMAZING in snow condition. Their big wheels makes your winter walks much smoother 🙂
It is definitely a great buy!
I agree with FP, it’s also important to consider winter. We got a BOB jogger from Mountain Equipment Coop which is great for running, even on dirt. It also allows us to take walks in snow and slush. It was a bit over your $300 budget but it has been one of our best investment yet.
My wife and I were looking for a jogger type stroller because we like to go geocaching with the baby and a standard stroller doesn’t go off road so well.
We looked around and found a jogger stroller at Wal-Mart for $119.00. I saw the exact same stroller at another store. but under the Schwin name for double the price.
FB & Nicolas – yes, I can see how those big tires will work well in the winter. Only problem is that the stroller is so wide that it might be hard to use in the winter.
PMT – that’s various adventurous of you!
Roller blading with it sounds really fun! I am sure you’ll love it. I still toy with the idea of getting a double so I can run at more convenient and less hot times of day.
Nice stroller! We were given a used Chariot and I am looking forward to using it. We have to get an infant insert for the first year, but it can go jogging, biking, or even skiing (we don’t have the ski attachment). It is more versatile than I am!
Emily – having the stroller does give you a few more running options.
WW – I can’t imagine skiing with a stroller dragging behind.
Got one from Costco a few months back and we love it! Great for long walks and jogs, handles any terrain.
What, do you think, is the minimum age a baby can be put in the jogging stroller? My daughter is 7 weeks old? Is the baby adapter similar to iSnugli carier? I can’t wait to go running with my daughter!
Spy – I’m not really sure. This particular one allows the seat back to be lowered so I think you can put any age in it. The problem is that the straps are not really designed for a newborn and it’s very possible to take a spill with this type of stroller.
Baby adapter? What’s that? 🙂
I tried my daughter when she was about 4 weeks old – she wasn’t too thrilled with it but she doesn’t like any strollers. I’m hoping in another month or so that she will be ok with it.
Mike
“Baby adapter?” = infant insert, as WoolyWoman mentioned in post #8
I see – I should look into that!
Spy,
If you intend on jogging, our doctor suggested to wait long enough for baby to be able t ohold his head alone. Otherwise, even with an adapter, it might proove unwise and unsafe.
[…] at Quest For Four Pillars goes frugal by buying a used Double Jogging Stroller through ads on Craig’s List and Kijiji. I’m a huge fan of buying used gear, especially […]
I just got the Expedition Jogger and I’m very happy with it; although I admit I just take it for short jogs to the park and back.
Pros: It folds easy; it is light for a double. Each sit reclines independently. Nice look appeal. Hand brake, Etc…
Cons: As for the cons I don’t think it is fair to say that having little storage room is a minus (or a deficiency). Come on! We are supposed to use this stroller to jog and not to go to the market to shop. That it’s wide, of course! You need to have stability when you run or otherwise it could flip over. On the other hand; how much more narrow could it be without becoming uncomfortable for the kids? Would you rather to fly on an economy sit vs first class?
In general the only con I can see so far is the fact that the front wheel is fixed but that may be also good for stability. We need to realize that we cannot possibly have it all in one. This in my opinion applies to strollers and to everything in life!
Lilliam – glad you like your new stroller.
You are right – there probably isn’t a stroller that does everything. The reason I mention the storage is because if it had better storage then we wouldn’t need to buy another double stroller to do shopping trips.
hi, i bought this exact stroller at a garage sale for $10. It was an amazing deal, but I wonder if I will be able to use it with my new daughter. My son is almost 3, so he fits well in it. My daughter is 8 weeks old. Do you think that is too young? How old are your kids?
JW – 8 weeks old might be a bit young – it’s not designed for newborns.
I think once she can hold her head up on her own then it should be ok for walking at least. I’d wait a bit longer until you start running with it though. Maybe 6 months? Just a guess.
I have this stroller and love it.
It is manufacturer recommended for 6 months and up.
Hate to say it, but you should have looked on eBay. I got a baby trend expedition double jogger for $150 brand new in box with free shipping.