Not perfect - but real close!

When my first daughter was only 6 months old I found out I was pregnant with baby #2. I did the math - my daughter would only be 15 months old when her sibling would be born! Although she started walking at 10 months, she wouldn't have the desire to walk everywhere on her own, especially for extended periods of time - and I knew I wouldn't have the strength to carry her and push a stroller! Plus she absolutely loves to be in a stroller (although that love is currently starting to diminish a little).

My search for a double stroller began! I spent days pouring over all the various makes, models, options... I realized early on that a tandem (front/back) stroller was not an option. TOO many reviewers complained about their weight, bulkiness, difficulty to steer, etc. Although the tandem strollers were cheaper - what good is a cheaper stroller if it turns out to be a nightmare?!? I needed something that was good quality and would last quite awhile!

I narrowed my selection down to three strollers:
First Choice: Combi Twin Saavy
Second Choice: Maclaren Twin Techno
or the Maclaren Rally Twin
Third Choice: Peg Perego Aria Twin

I briefly considered the Phil & Ted stroller where an extra seat can be added creating a tandem-like double stroller without all the nightmares of a tandem stroller. However, I didn't like how the child sat underneath, and the added seat doesn't come with a recline option. So the baby would have to go in the main stroller seat with my older one at the bottom - I knew this just wasn't going to work for our needs.

So, I set out to a local baby store to examine and "test drive" each stroller. I ended up having to go to two different stores to see each model. In the end this is what I discovered.

I REALLY WANTED to LOVE the Combi Twin Saavy because this was the ONLY side-by-side stroller with the ability to attach an infant car seat (only Combi car seat compatible though - so unless you already own the Combi Connection car seat - you'd have to spend another $150 for the car seat). I wanted the ability to keep my baby in the car seat and move her from the car to stroller easily - while also having a seat for my daughter to sit in. This would make trips outside quicker and more convenient. After test driving the Combi Twin Saavy I was seriously disappointed with the flimsiness and overall cheap feel of the stroller. Sure it was lightweight - but if was just too lightweight! The stroller was horribly wobbly and the seats were just too small and cramped. At the time I was 8 months pregnant and so I could only test it out with my one daughter - and she didn't like sitting it it. I wouldn't have felt comfortable or safe putting her in the stroller. This is definitely not a stroller I would recommend to anyone.

Next - I tested the Maclaren Rally Twin. Relatively heavy compared to the Combi - but very sturdy. I had no idea how Maclaren strollers fold/unfolded (not having owned an umbrella stroller yet) - so I had a bit of difficulty figuring it out... but once I did it was simple enough but definitely not a one-hand fold type of stroller (at least not until you get the hang of it). This model was slightly cheaper than the Twin Techno but didn't come with the footmuffs and headrests. I liked it, but I still wanted to see my other options.

I checked out the Peg Perego Aria Twin. LOL, just as much a joke as the Combi. It was very lightweight, but very wobbly too. The seats were slightly bigger than the Combi but still small (granted you can't have a charriot sized seat with a double stroller - but it should be big enough for a 13-15 month old at the least!). My daughter sat in it but not for long. She looked very snug and not comfortable.. she got out after only a couple minutes. The floor model looked all ragged - and it hadn't even been used outside! Couldn't imagine what condition it would be in after outside use!

I went to another store to look at the Maclaren Twin Techno... it wasn't perfect but I liked it the best.
The seats weren't overly padded but just enough to be comfy. They were a bit larger than the other two. The Twin Techno came with 5 reclining positions (the Rally Twin has an adjustable strap for multiple positions). The main drawback was the weight. It was significantly heavier than the other strollers about 26 pounds (about 5 pounds heavier than the Rally Twin too). However, I knew that this stroller would be very durable and last a long time. It was slightly more expensive than the Peg Perego but worth it.

The Twin Techno has six sets of double wheels (unlike the Peg Perego which only has 4 seats of double wheels). The wheels in the middle make the stroller easier to push and control. It's easy to push (although a single handlebar like the Peg would be nice - it's still possible to push one handed, but not for a long time). It has great maneuverability (especially for a double stroller). It does fit through average door frames but if the front wheels aren't straight they sometimes get caught on the door frame and make it a bit harder to push through the door. And if you take this stroller for doctor visits - be prepared to leave it outside - as most doctor offices I've been in - the stroller doesn't fit in the exam room.

It has decent sized baskets - but not accessible when the seats are reclined (as with nearly every stroller on the market... so I'm not complaining about it, just warning you if this is a big issue with you). The Twin Techno comes with 2 cup holders that attach to the back in the middle of the frame. Now, these cup holders only hold skinny little water bottles or my daughters slim handle-less sippy cup. I took off the bottom cup holder because it didn't allow the seats to recline properly and just got in the way. My top cup holder has bent a little - but I think that's because my husband has stored the stroller wrong side up at times.

The stroller is streamlined - has all the necessary features and no frills. There are velcro pockets on the back of each hood - very spacious and I've even tucked my drink in there at times.

The hood/canopy has an additional UV protective shade - which is handy but has a tendency to fall down when not needed. There are also two UV protective "peek-a-boo windows" at the top of the hoods - so you can see your kiddies through them... but when the sun is overhead, the light glares through on their faces. I end up having to cover the little windows with a blanket to keep the sun out of their faces. Not a big drawback - just an inconvenience (especially when the blanket doesn't want to stay put). =)

My major complaint - the harness. The Twin Techno comes with nifty little shoulder protector pads which I like, but the harness is a pain in the neck! The Twin Traveller (2005 model) didn't have this problem- but the Twin Techno has "backwards" seat straps. Seriously, I took the stroller back to Babies'R Us and exchanged the stroller because it appeared that the seat straps were bolted to the frame backwards. The waist strap buckles face away from where they are supposed to buckle into the thingymajigger (lol - I'm trying my best to explain it but it's difficult without showing you). I tried to fix it myself but when I saw how the seat straps were bolted to the frame in the back I figured mine was manufactured wrong. When I returned it to the store and showed the associate she laughed and happily exchanged it for a new one. Well, the laugh is on us - because the new one was the exact same way!!! Turns out you have to fold the buckle inward... but they are always getting twisted!

Aside from that annoyance - the stroller is great! At first it was definitely a two hand fold and unfold. It doesn't stand up on its own when folded and you have to bend over to snap it shut and pick it up. However, it's very compact when folded!



The colors are very neutral (I chose storm grey - but you can also choose from crimson red, sky blue, and orange). It looks sporty too!

If you buy this stroller (or receive it as a gift) make sure you keep the sales/gift receipt and send in the warranty card right away. Maclaren has HORRIBLE customer service and they won't replace or repair anything without the warranty on file and copy of the sales receipt (and it must be purchased through an authorized retailer otherwise they definitely will not honor the warranty).