BOB Rambler Review

The BOB Rambler has a seat suitable for napping and is super easy to push and turn.

BOB, or the Beast of Burden, company was launched by Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny in 1994 in San Luis Obispo, California. The two men combined their professional specialties of bicycle professional and the airline mechanic to build Yak bike trailers that have a quick release. Once the two became parents, they realized a need for a rugged jogging stroller and couldn't find one. Thus, the BOB Sport Utility was born. The company continued to develop innovative strollers by creating the first locking swivel wheel on a jogger in 2005. This design made the stroller style more user-friendly for activities other than jogging. In 2011, BOB was purchased by the Britax company.

Performance Comparison

The BOB Rambler (in blue) is a high scoring smaller jogger that may be an ideal everyday stroller for some families.

The information you'll read below includes the details on why this newcomer earned an award.

The Rambler fold lock is a strap and buckle method that requires force to press the stroller together to meet the two ends of the buckle.

Ease of Use

The BOB Rambler is average for ease of use on a daily basis losing points for a harder fold and limited features for storage with a score of 6 of 10.

Fold and Unfold

This stroller is fairly easy to fold and unfold, but it has more steps than the average and it requires two hands. It has four steps, manual locking strap, does not self-stand and there is no carry strap or handle which seems short-sighted for a heavier stroller. Unfolding is easier with one hand ability and only two steps.

The single action brakes on the Rambler operate with a press rocker pedal in the middle of the stroller above the back wheels.

Brakes

This stroller has single action brakes that press to set and release with no worries for the top of your feet or fancy shoes.

The Rambler storage bin is large enough for our large diaper bag and will hold up to 10 lbs with access from the sides and back.

Storage

The Rambler has under seat storage with an allowance of 10 lbs. It fit our large diaper bag and has good access from the back and sides, but none from the front. There is no other storage, console or pockets for water bottles or small items like a mobile phone.

Sunshade

Like other BOBs, the Rambler has a large canopy that can cover past the knees of most children with a medium sized, vinyl peek-a-boo window. The window cover is cloth, secures with Velcro, and tucks in a pocket to stay open. The UV protection is not listed.

The 5-point harness is easy to use and adjust with simple pull to tighten red loops.

Harness

The 5-point harness on this stroller is also typical BOB. The harness is easy to use and the buckle isn't hard to press. It has a good range for adjustability and the crotch strap is also adjustable. This stroller is not a rethread style but the straps slide up and down straps sewn to the seatback.

The Rambler seat back reclines by squeezing a plastic toggle to allow side straps to slip through. This process requires two hands to raise the seat back up again.

Seat

The Rambler seat has an adjustable recline and padded but stationary leg rest with a narrow footrest. The seat reclines with one hand by pinching a plastic toggle with infinite angle options and a final position that is almost flat for napping. To raise the back you'll need two hands to pull the side straps and it could be challenging with a child's weight in the seat.

Car Seat Compatibility

B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, and Chaperone; BOB B-Safe and B-Safe 35; Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 30LX, 35, 35 LX, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 30, 32, and 35; Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, and Primo Viaggio SIP; and the Chicco KeyFit 30, and KeyFit non-30.

Ease of Setup

This stroller took just 5:30 minutes to put together.

The Rambler requires the use of an included Allen wrench to tighten the wheels which are the only things you need to assemble. The instructions are fine, but there are easier directions to follow.

Maneuverability

The BOB Rambler is one of the best strollers for getting around whether you stroll or run with a score of 8 of 10 for maneuverability. This stroller has large rubber tires on durable plastic wheels.

The front wheel can swivel for ease of turning or it can be locked in place for running and off-roading. With a slightly narrower footprint than the BOB Revolution Flex it can navigate crowded or tight spaces with relative ease. This stroller will get you where you need to go no matter if it is the park, the trail, or the local grocery store.

The Rambler folds smaller than other jogging strollers, but it is still somewhat cumbersome and may not fit in smaller cars.

Weight and Folded Size

The BOB Rambler is large and heavy with a score of 6 of 10 for weight and folded size.

However, this jogger is lighter and smaller than most joggers and this is definitely something to consider if you want the versatility of a jogger with a more reasonable size. The Rambler weighs 25.1 lbs and measures 13,150 cubic inches, this compares favorably to the larger BOB Revolution Flex at 27.3 lbs and 14,497 cubic inches.

The Rambler is not as nice or as decked out as the BOB Revolution, but it is still impressive in its construction.

Quality

The BOB Rambler is high quality with a score of 8 of 10 for quality. The frame is sturdy without flex or connection problems and the fabric is tough and resisted snagging in our tests.

The overall fit and finish are impressive with attention to detail and no errant stitching or material bunching. We appreciate the quality of the components and they come together in a manner that implies durability and long term use. This product has a stationary foam covered handlebar, emergency wrist strap, and adjustable suspension and tracking for the front wheel. The sling style seat is padded and combined with the better shocks make for a comfortable ride for both passenger and pusher.

Manufacturer Video

Accessories

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  BOB Parent Console — A parent console is not essential and the back seat storage pocket on the Flex means you may not need one. But BOB offers one, which is convenient. It has deep cup holders and a zippered security pocket ideal for storing keys, wallet, and phone. The console fixes securely to the frame and feels like an extension of the stroller.

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  BOB Single Snack Tray — This snack tray is a good way to offer older children a place to put their drink and snacks. While probably not necessary for younger children, as they won't be able to reach it, this tray can keep must-have items nearby for independent little ones.

Other Versions

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  BOB Revolution Flex — This BOB stroller won an award in our jogging stroller review and was a previous winner in our full-size review. It features a locking front wheel and larger storage bin. Most families will appreciate the versatility of the Revolution Flex and the locking swivel front wheel that makes running errands much easier.

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  BOB Sport Utility — The Sport Utility stroller is a beefed up version of the Ironman with a locked front wheel and dense plastic wheels. This off-road beast is designed for trail running and moving from one surface to another with ease. This option earned a lower rank in our jogging review and may have some hardcore fans, but most active families should consider the Flex first, especially if the goal is a dual-purpose stroller that can be a primary or only stroller purchase.