Very happy with this stroller

I really wanted a Bugaboo and I was willing to spend $800 on a stroller until I actually saw one. The Bugaboo I tried was very cool, but HEAVY, with very little storage space or accessories. So I found the Contour as a sporty-looking, reasonably priced alternative. I got it as a shower gift, it was purchased at the local Target. I have been very happy with this stroller. I had a Graco Snugride infant car seat that fit nicely into the adapter frame, even after I accidentally ran over it with my SUV (the frame got a little bent but I bent it back into workable shape). The baby can also use the reclining bassinet, but sometimes it was nice just to lift the carseat into the stroller without waking him.

I use this stroller mostly for going to the park and walking for exercise. When my baby was little, he could recline and nap, now he is one and faces forward to see the ducks and people. He always falls asleep in it, so it must be pretty comfortable. I have enjoyed the rear-facing/forward-facing option, because I like to look at my gorgeous little baby while I am walking. The cupholders - his and mine - are very useful and snap off and on easily. The baby's cupholder detaches from either side and swings away to buckle him in. The retaining straps seem narrow and lightweight compared to a car seat, but then we aren't going 70 mph. He threw up on the seat once when he was tiny and it cleaned up easily.

The three wheels make the stroller very maneuverable, but the rear wheels are a little wider than other strollers and that does cause some difficulties in crowded department stores and narrow doorways. Now that my baby is older and sits up, I use an inexpensive umbrella stroller in those situations. I have read that three-wheelers can be tippy - I have not found this to be the case for the Contour.

Folding is awkward. There are two yellow releases that you have to lift simultaneously, while collapsing the large, heavy stroller. Except for the yellow releases, the mechanism works smoothly every time. After a year, I still struggle with collapsing the thing and lugging it into my SUV. I scratched up the front wheel cover quickly while dragging it around in the folded position. This stroller is bulky and when folded and takes up about half the cargo space.

Sometimes I see moms at the park with their Bugaboos and I think - my stroller is just as cool. For 1/7th the price. And I have cupholders.

UPDATE: My baby is almost two now and he is becoming too tall for the stroller, his feet dangle past the footboard now. It still works fine and I am slightly better at folding it. I would recommend this stroller to others. Not for running.