Baby Jogger City Select Double Review

The Baby Jogger City Select Double is an inline double stroller with 16 possible configurations using conversion kits and infant seats sold separately. The standard seats offer multiple position recline, and leg rests, and hold up to 45 pounds. Each seat offers a canopy with UV 50+ protection and a mesh peek-a-boo window with magnetic closures. The canopies can be adjusted for height and coverage. This stroller has 8-inch front wheels, and 12-inch "forever-air" rear tires, a telescoping adjustable handlebar, and hand-operated parking brakes. This stroller is not intended for jogging.

Performance Comparison

This comparison chart shows the overall scores for all of the double strollers purchased and tested in this review. The Baby Jogger City Select Double is shown in blue.


The sections below provide details about how the Select performed during tests for each metric.

Ease of Use

City Select earned a 6 of 10 for ease of use, making it higher than the average and only 2 points lower than the high for the metric. Ease of use performance will affect your daily experience using the stroller, and as such we think it is one of the most important metrics.

Fold and Unfold

Folding this stroller requires the removal of the rear seat, which will leave you with two components to carry in addition to your diaper bag and little ones. We feel the fold is difficult, contrary to what Baby Jogger believes, because it requires two hands, has five steps, a manual locking mechanism, and it doesn't self-stand. The stroller requires the remaining seat to be fully reclined and the once folded there is no real good way to leave it on the ground. Users will need to bend down to the ground to complete the fold and engage the manual lock (which hurt some testers fingers). This stroller requires the user to lift the entire product off the ground to fold. Because it is heavy, we had trouble lifting the sides to fold it, and it felt awkward trying to get it folded over. The release on our stroller was sticky making the process that much harder. Unfolding the stroller is even worse. You'll once again be bending to the ground to release the hard to use lock and lift the sides to unfold.

Brakes

The Select has a hand operated parking brake that is unique to the products in this review. It is not the slowing brake found on some jogging strollers. The brake itself is a single action brake that sits on the right side of the Select frame. The brake is easy to use and is very friendly to feet since you don't use your feet to operate it. The only possible downside is the brake feels like it is going to pinch your hand when you release it. We didn't experience this, but it might take repeated use before the paranoia goes away. If you have any difficulty using our hands, this might not be the best option for you as it does require dexterity and finger strength.

Storage

The photos above show the back access panel of the Select in its normal position and pulled open for easier access.

The City Select is one of the few inline double strollers we reviewed that doesn't stick the second passenger in the storage bin for that we thank it. Because strollers like the Phil and Teds Dot and Britax B-Ready Double have second seats that attach inside the storage bin, they lose all useful storage capabilities. The Select retains the entire bin no matter how many seats are attached, or what configuration they are in. The bin on the Select is large compared to the competition, with a 15-pound weight allowance. We were able to fit our extra-large diaper bag inside, which is likely the size bag you'll carry with multiple children. It has easy access to the bin from the back, sides, and top, which is a plus given that several products we looked at had bins that were very difficult to access. The back of the bin also unzips so you can fit even larger or awkward shaped items in the bin without removing any seats. While this basket looks about the same size as the basket on the UPPAbaby Vista the shape of the frame and basket make it hard to fit as much inside.

This stroller also has mesh pockets with elastic tops on the back of each standard seat. Each pocket can hold about a pound. The mesh pockets on the seat backs will carry water bottles, bottles, or sippy cups, but there are not traditional cup holders for anyone. This makes the overall storage capacity of the Select with two seats as 17 pounds total weight allowance.

Sunshade

The canopies on both seats of the Select are the same size and function the same. Each canopy can be adjusted for height as well as how far it rotates forward, and each has a vinyl and mesh peek-a-boo window with magnetic closure. The canopy itself is medium in size compared to the competition, and each has a pop out additional visor on the front for extra coverage. The canopies offer additional ventilation and are rated at UV 50+ protection. There are two height options for the canopy; the lower option will offer more coverage for baby, but less ventilation. Probably the biggest disappointment, however, is the peek-a-boo window is virtually impossible to see through, and we aren't sure what the point of the mesh is since the window itself is vinyl. The mesh gives the illusion of ventilation that isn't there, and it causes the view through the window to be blocked. The window would be better off as one or the other mesh or vinyl, and it would likely solve the visibility problem as well.


The photos above show a standard seating configuration with canopies closed and open and seat backs upright and reclined.

Harness

Both seats on the Select have a 5-point harness, and they have the same buckle and height adjustment methods. The harness is very easy to put on, slightly harder to take off (though still easy) and not too much trouble to adjust. The shoulder strap height range is 4.5 inches, and it has three positions. The crotch strap only has one location, but the strap is adjustable in length for older toddlers. The rethread system on these seats requires putting one hand down the back of the zippered access panel on the seat. This isn't difficult for people with smaller hands, but some men might find the task trying or impossible because there simply isn't enough room to fit larger hands in the pocket. The buckle is easy to use, but it lost a point because the components don't "spring" out when the button is pressed; instead, you will need to remove each strap separately.

Seat

Unlike the Phil and Teds Dot or Britax B-Ready Double, this stroller has the seats in a stadium style configuration as opposed to the second seat riding under the main seat inside the storage bin. This is a better design that retains not only the use of the storage bin but helps provide a similar experience for both passengers. The seats easily click into place with side adapters and can be moved quickly if necessary or desired. Both seats have adjustable leg rests and recline features that work in the same way and offer the same level of adjustability.

The foot and leg rests are adjustable both in length and angle. They are not padded, but the seat fabric rolls over the edge as a sling seat with some give for comfort. The leg and footrest are wide and covered in a durable fabric that looks like it will wear well over time and be easy to clean.


Both seats offer a one-handed recline operation that is simple and easy to use. The seats recline to almost the same angle, but the recline angle is limited when the seats both face forward as the front seat would collide with the rear seat if reclined too far. The best way to rectify this problem is for the seats to either face each other or face away from one another so they can recline further. It isn't perfect, but it is better than the strollers with the second seat sitting under the first seat.

Ease of Setup

The Select is easy to set up and earned a 7 of 10 for this metric.

Maneuverability

The Select earned a score of 6 of 10 for maneuverability, which is just above the average of 5.8 for the group. Being able to maneuver a big stroller around can be a key factor in enjoying a stroller or wanting to dump it in the nearest dumpster. If a stroller is hard to push or turn it can end up feeling worse than a bad grocery cart when it has weight in it. The best options in the group were the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, Thule Chariot Cross 2 and the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie.


While the Select might not be difficult to push, the longer length makes it harder to control and turn. It also means you need to plan somewhat in advance what your next move will be. This stroller doesn't stop or turn on a dime, but it can be more manageable than some of the tandem strollers with plastic wheels. This option isn't as easy to push as the B-Ready, but it still rolls surprisingly well over most surfaces, performing reasonably as well on grass and gravel as it did on the hard flat terrain. Pushing gets harder the more weight it contains, so pushing babies will likely be easier than children pushing the weight capacity of the seats that adds 80+ pounds to the overall experience.

The length and weight of this stroller will prohibit most users from taking it up or down stairs with babies in the seats. The longer handle of the design helps it maneuver up and down stairs, but the heavy front weight makes the process a little out of control for our tastes.

Weight and Folded Size

The Select is the second heaviest stroller in this review at 37.8 pounds. The Baby Trend Navigator comes in first at 39.7 pounds. The Select managed to fold relatively small compared to other strollers in its weight range at just 16,084 cubic inches compared to the Britax B-Ready that measures at over 19,000 cubic inches. The high score is 9 earned by both the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite, with the lowest weight in the group of only 23.4 pounds, and the Britax B-Agile Double that has the smallest folded package at 10, 649 cubic inches.

The Select is heavy, but its smaller size make it easier to lift and fit into standard size trunks spaces. However, it is unlikely that many parents will want to lift and carry this stroller folded for any real distance.

Quality

The Select scored higher than average for quality with a 7 of 10, proving that Baby Jogger can run with the big dogs when it comes to quality materials and construction. The top scoring options for quality are the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double and the Thule Chariot Cross 2 that earned 9s.

The fabric on the Select is similar to the Britax B-Ready Double but isn't as nice to the touch. While it is thick and feels durable, it also feels like it might chafe sensitive skin. The padding on the seats isn't as nice as that on the Britax B-Ready or the similarly styled UPPAbaby Vista. The canopies and the seat are made with the same canvas material, which might be kind of heavy for the shade as it always looked a little on the frumpy side. However, the fabric is softer and seems more breathable than that found on the Baby Jogger City Mini Double, but arguably not as easy to wipe clean. The peek-a-boo window is made of vinyl and a loosely woven mesh that is difficult to see through, and we aren't sure why they opted for both as it brings nothing to the table but possibly more expensive. The storage basket has a bottom of durable canvas with stretchy woven mesh on all four sides.

The frame on the Select feels sturdy and durable, but the overall look of the fabric on the frame is lacking. When compared to the competition, the Select doesn't look as complete and polished in the fit and finish department and has a clunky big feel.


The handlebar on the Select is adjustable and uses the telescoping method we prefer. Handlebars that pull in and out reduce the chance of axle kicking. Unfortunately, the height range on this stroller is only about 2 inches from 39.4 inches from the ground to 41.9. This makes the adjustability almost a waste and seems like Baby Jogger wanted to check a box as opposed to doing something well. Some strollers have ranges up to 8 inches difference in height. The bar itself doesn't feel all that good in the hand. It is covered in a rubber material with grooves that run the length of the bar, and there is a plastic part in the middle of the bar for adjusting the height. The handle is also narrow making it more uncomfortable to push for long periods of time.


The Select has 8-inch plastic front wheels, and 12-inch rubber foam filled tires on the back. It only has suspension on the front wheels, and the seat jiggles significantly when strolling. So while we feel the larger tires and front suspension might help smooth the ride, we think it would be better with four-wheel suspension and no plastic tires.

Ease of Car Seat Attachment

This stroller can work with two infant car seats from a variety of brands including Baby Jogger, Britax, BOB, Chicco, Cybex, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Peg Perego. We tested the City Select with the Britax B-Safe 35, Chicco Keyfit 30, Graco Click Connect 35, Graco Click Connect 40, and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35. The Britax and Graco adapters do not require assembly, but the adapter for the Chicco and Maxi has five parts. All of the seats require the removal of the toddler seats because they use the same side attachment points. All of the seats click in fairly easily, but the Chicco is marginally better. The Chicco and Peg feel more secure than the rest.

Twins

The Baby Jogger City Select does accept two infant car seats making it attractive to parents of twins. It accepts infant car seats from different brands and works in lots of different seating configurations. Both standard seats are virtually the same and have similar features and functionality. We suspect that twins or siblings will be able to avoid a fight on who gets to sit where since neither seat is an obvious negative. While it didn't score that well overall compared to the competition, it is one of the few that takes two car seats without trapping parents into a specific brand of seat. Alternatively, if you are already considering the award-winning Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 infant car seat, the Peg Perego Book for Two scored in the top third of products, is a side-by-side style stroller and costs $50 less than the Select.

Best Applications

The photos above show a few of the possible seating configurations for the Select Double.

The best application for this stroller is for parents who want to have an inline stroller for multiples or twins but may not have enough money for the UPPAbaby Vista. This stroller is similar in design to the UPPAbaby Vista with a smaller price tag. However, the lower price also comes with a drop in performance according to our tests. The Select is the second highest scoring inline product in the group. So if your budget is limited and you simply must have an inline stroller option, then you can certainly do worse than the Select. If your budget has some wiggle room, or you think you can save up some extra funds, we think the UPPAbaby Vista blows the Select out of the water.

Value

The Select has a list price of $700 including the second seat. It is the second most expensive inline style stroller in the group, with the UPPAbaby Vista costing $1060 with the second seat. While price doesn't always mean a better value, the performance test results do indicate that the UPPAbaby Vista is the better stroller. However, that comparison aside, the Select didn't break the top half of products in our tests. Lots strollers scored higher than this one, and several of them had a similar or cheaper price.

Conclusion

The Baby Jogger Select Double is an interesting inline double stroller with lots of seating possibilities that will accept two infant car seats. It has an adjustable handlebar, usable under seat storage, and rubber rear wheels. The seats are very similar with large canopies, adjustable leg rests and equal recline abilities. Unfortunately, this stroller failed to perform well in our tests and left us feeling disappointed with this popular double product. The handlebar only adjusts 2 inches, the front wheels are plastic, and the stroller has a difficult fold and is the heaviest option in the review. While it is the second highest scoring inline product in the review, we still think parents would be better off buying the nicer UPPABaby Vista or opting for a side-by-side model that scored higher overall, and some with lower costs.

Other Versions and Accessories

Baby Jogger also makes the Baby Jogger City Mini Double a side-by-side stroller for two that we also tested in this review. The City Mini scored higher than the Select and $250 less. This makes the City Mini Double the Best Baby Jogger we reviewed for two children. They also make the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double that we did not review. The GT looks like the City Mini but with advanced or higher quality features like rubber wheels all around and a handbrake. Neither City Mini will accept two car seats so the Select would be the choice for twins.


The Select has several accessories that can be purchased to improve ease of use or daily activities. We like the Baby Jogger Parent Console that has one insulated cup holder and several pouches with at least one doubling as a secondary cup holder. This console hangs on the handlebar, and we sincerely hope the insulated cup holder is not intended for hot liquids given the potential safety hazard. We also think the Baby Jogger City Select Child's Tray is a good addition so little ones have a place to keep snack and sippy cups. You will need to buy two to make it fair, but it will help decrease the who gets to sit where arguments.

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