In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec Review

An improvement to the basic model with better quality materials and construction but still limited on performance and comfort
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Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $173 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Trend
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Sep 10, 2024
55
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 10
  • Run-ability - 35% 3.9
  • Ease of Use - 20% 6.4
  • Maneuverability - 20% 6.8
  • Transport and Storage - 10% 6.1
  • Quality - 10% 5.1
  • Kid Comfort - 5% 6.8

Our Verdict

The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is a slight upgrade to the less fancy Baby Trend that has traditionally won awards in our best jogging stroller review. It has nicer quality materials and is somewhat less rickety than its counterpart and we liked the upgrade in canopy and leg rest. However, this 3-wheel runner is not the best runner and earned a test score lower than the cheaper Baby Trend in this review. The Race Tec lacks an adjustable handlebar or tracking, and there is no suspension to help prevent the jarring terrain changes that can happen on off-road trails. Overall, we don't think this option is worth the uptick in price if you need a budget jogger and hope to really jog with it. You can save money with the non-Race Tec option. However, if you'd rather have better quality or nicer materials, and running is less important, the Race Tec could be a potential choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Budget-friendly
Easy-access tire valves
Compatible with Baby Trend car seats
REASONS TO AVOID
Tires frequently flat
Stationary handlebar
Lower quality
Small storage capacity

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Jogging Stroller
 Top Pick Award
Best Jogger for Longterm Use
Best Value Award
Best for Small Budgets
Price $173 List
$129.99 at Amazon
$600 List$650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$550 List
$439.99 at Amazon
$150 List
$129.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
55
88
84
77
53
Star Rating
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Bottom Line The Race Tec is somewhat nicer than other Baby Trend joggers we've tested, but it isn't the best for runningAn excellent performer for both running and everyday life, it is hard to go wrong with this compact folding joggerHigher-priced option that offers impressive performance and useful features, but the included safety sheet says "not suitable for running"A sturdy, high-quality crossover option that is easy to run with, but the fold requires two hands, and it doesn't self-standBudget jogger that is lightweight and easy to maneuver but it lacks dedicated running features like tracking and suspension
Rating Categories Baby Trend Expediti... Guava Roam Crossover Thule Urban Glide 3 BOB Revolution Flex... Baby Trend Expedition
Run-ability (35%)
3.9
8.3
8.7
7.7
3.9
Ease of Use (20%)
6.4
9.0
8.0
7.4
5.8
Maneuverability (20%)
6.8
9.3
9.5
8.4
6.7
Transport and Storage (10%)
6.1
8.2
6.5
6.2
8.1
Quality (10%)
5.1
9.8
9.1
8.7
3.7
Kid Comfort (5%)
6.8
7.8
6.6
7.2
5.2
Specs Baby Trend Expediti... Guava Roam Crossover Thule Urban Glide 3 BOB Revolution Flex... Baby Trend Expedition
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 60 lbs / 42 in
*car seat adaptor (sold seperately) allows for usage from 0 - 6 months
Minimum (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 6 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 months - 4 year
Maximum: 75 lbs Total Capacity Limit with 49 lbs as max seat weight
Minimum (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 week
Stroller Seat: 8 week - 8 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 months - 5 year
Maximum: 75 lbs / 44 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Measured Weight 28.1 lbs 28.5 lbs 26.2 lbs 27.3 lbs 23.6 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 36.5" x 24.5" x 16" 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1" 37" x 26.6" x 15.2" 37.8" x 25.5" x 15.3" 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1"
Folded Volume 14,308 cu in 7,488 cu in 14,960 cu in 14,748 cu in 12,679 cu in
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 41.5" 34" - 45" 38.5" - 45.3" 34.5" - 48" 41"
Fixed/Swivel Wheel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel
Measured Rolling Resistance Average 21 Ft 24 Ft 44 Ft 37 Ft 45 Ft
One-handed Fold No Yes Yes No No
Auto or Manual Fold Lock Manual Manual Auto Manual Manual
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes No No Yes
Included Accessories Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Parent console (removable) Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Setup Time 5 - 10 mins 5 mins 15 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins
Warranty 1 year limited warranty 2 Year warranty

60 Day trial period
Limited Lifetime warranty on Frame / 3 years fabric and parts Frame is warranted for 5
years. Components and fabric are
warranted for 1 year
1 year limited warranty

Our Analysis and Test Results

Baby Trend began making baby gear more than 26 years ago. The company was the first to create and launch "sit and stand" style strollers and the Snap-N-Go stroller. Baby Trend makes infant car seats and favorite strollers and more.

Performance Comparison



The Race Tec was one of the more challenging options in our tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Run-ability


If running is your jam, the Race Tec is probably not your stroller. This option earned one of the lowest scores in the lineup and was not a tester favorite. We ran with all of the strollers for about 5 miles each on a flat track, asphalt, and off-road trails to assess each stroller's run-ability. The Race Tec, like the other Expedition, lacks key features serious runners will find critical, like suspension, adjustable handlebars, and adjustable tracking.

The swivel front wheel on the Race Tec can be locked in place for jogging and easier movement over uneven terrain like hiking trails.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

In our tests, the Race Tec was so bouncy that it felt squirrelly when steering on anything but flat surfaces. It required hyper-vigilance and constant two-hand pushing that increased the fatigue of the entire run. Getting into the rhythm and flow of a good run was difficult. While it is fairly lightweight and easy to push, perhaps the lighter weight is why it felt more unstable than most competitors.

baby trend expedition race tec - the race tec doesn't have many of the features that serious runners...
The Race Tec doesn't have many of the features that serious runners will want.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

This stroller has a lower-placed safety leash, which we liked. It doesn't have a deceleration brake, which is a miss for most serious runners or those who run on hilly terrain or at higher speeds. The handlebar is not adjustable and sits about 41 inches from the ground. While it might work well for an average-height person, our shorter tester didn't think it was ergonomic for all runners. The handlebar has a sticky residue when sweaty, which became a problem on longer runners.

The real bummer is the lack of adjustable tracking. Tracking keeps the stroller running straight, and the ability to adjust it can help keep a stroller headed in the right direction without extra arm power from the pusher. The stroller we purchased tracked relatively straight out of the box, but it did feel like we needed two hands on the bar at all times to avoid veering off. This issue becomes more exaggerated when you hit the dirt trails.

Overall, running with the Race Tec feels like a slog. While it can manage a casual jog around the neighborhood, and an intermittent shorter run would be fine, we suspect anyone dedicated to a regular running schedule will be annoyed and overly fatigued for the wrong reasons.

The write strap works well to stop a stroller that has broken free from the pusher, but it is on the shorter side and might be more difficult for taller users.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Race Tec is not easy to use, and while some were more challenging, the Race Tec scored below average for the group in our ease of use tests.

baby trend expedition race tec - the parent console on the race tec has two cup holders, but they...
The parent console on the Race Tec has two cup holders, but they won't hold much wider than a bike water bottle.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Storage


The Race Tec has multiple storage features like an under-seat storage basket, child's tray, and parent console. The console has two cup holders, a center tray, and a flip top. The child's tray has a center compartment flanked by a cup holder on each side.

baby trend expedition race tec - the race tec basket has easy access, but the weight limit is 5 lbs...
The Race Tec basket has easy access, but the weight limit is 5 lbs, which might not be enough for long days full of adventures.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The storage basket is large and has good access. We were able to fit our extra-large bag inside without a problem. Unfortunately, the maximum allowance is only 5 lbs. This limit is probably fine for running because you don't need much, but it isn't enough for a day of adventures, as a standard diaper is likely to weigh more when fully loaded.

baby trend expedition race tec - a race tec snack tray is best for older toddlers, as younger ones...
A Race Tec snack tray is best for older toddlers, as younger ones might struggle to reach the cup holders.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The child tray cup holders are narrow and shallow. Many wider sippy cups won't fit, and smaller toddlers won't be able to utilize the tray when properly belted into the seat. We prefer the side mesh pockets many of the competition have for ease of access and snack storage.

baby trend expedition race tec - the expedition race tec has a slightly better parent console than...
The Expedition Race Tec has a slightly better parent console than the original Expedition, but the phone proper isn't the best while running, and the cup holders are still shallow.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The parent console has a cup holder that will fit a bike water bottle but not the popular, larger stainless steel insulated bottles. The holders are pretty shallow, and the bottle can topple out when running, so we don't think parents should use it when moving at speed or over uneven terrain. The flip-top center trap isn't big enough for the common larger smartphones, but it has a smartphone prop to keep it available.

The Race Tec has a somewhat dated folding design that can't compare to the easier methods we saw on higher ranking options.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


The Race Tec requires two hands to fold and unfold. The process isn't convoluted, but it feels dated and unnecessary given that higher-ranking options have one-hand folds. The process includes reclining the seat back, closing the canopy, unlocking the stroller on each side of the frame, and pushing down on the handle until it folds. It has a manual lock to keep it closed.

baby trend expedition race tec - the race tec has a 5-point harness with threading shoulder height...
The Race Tec has a 5-point harness with threading shoulder height adjustment.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The Race Tec 5-point harness has a threading shoulder strap adjustment. The straps detach from the main buckle for height adjustment, but despite this odd design, it should not be used as a 3-point. The buckle feels flimsy but gets the job done, and the webbing is stiff and not smooth in places that touch sensitive skin.

The Race Tec's double-action brakes require extra attention to ensure they are fully engaged with the teeth on the axle.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Race Tec does not have a deceleration handbrake, which is not a deal breaker but is noteworthy for those who live in areas with steeper hills and would benefit from the slow down going downhill.

The parking brakes are double-action, so you must press two pedals to fully engage them. This cheaper brake design pushes teeth from the brake into slots on the wheel. This can take more effort than you think, and we encourage users to double-check the engagement. We prefer single-action brakes because the process is simpler. They are not foot-friendly, as the stiff design makes it hard to press and disengage by lifting the pedal up from underneath.

The instructions for assembling the Race Tec include instructions you don't need and left us thinking we needed tools we didn't.
Credit: Graham Faulknor

Ease of Setup


It took us 5-10 minutes to set up the Race Tec. The manual was only average, and you will need a bike pump to complete the setup. A lot of the directions were for things that came pre-assembled, so you need to pay attention not to get off track, but it is pretty intuitive. We prefer the tire valves on this option over the cheaper Expedition as they are angled and easier to use because we didn't have to fight spokes.

The Race Tec valve access is easy, but the tubes must be cheaper because we had more than one flat during testing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


The Race Tec was a mixed back for maneuverability in our tests, but overall, it scored below average for the group.

The Race Tec performs well enough moving over grass and other off-road surfaces but is a better performer on flat surfaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Race Tec performed fairly well on the indoor course. At first, we had semi-flat tires we didn't notice, but they performed so poorly that we took an assessment and discovered the flats. After filling the tires, the stroller could easily cruise through the tight turns and doorways. It had a smooth glide and felt easy to push. It felt nice and light to move around.

The Race Tec easily moved through doorways and could maneuver without hitting doorframes.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Off-road, it didn't perform as well, and this dragged its score down. It was easy to steer on a flat dirt trail, but things got harder when the road got rougher. It started to feel quite tippy, and we experienced several bumps where it felt like the stroller was going to tip over. Other times, the front wheel would bounce up oddly. It took two hands to keep this stroller on the path. Overall, we'd rather keep it on flat surfaces to avoid the trouble. As one tester put it, “It requires steely determination to use it on uneven trails.

The Race Tec has an awkward fold that is bulky with the child tray in place, which can make it harder to lift, carry, and stow.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transport and Storage


The Race Tec earned a score for transport and storage that is just below the average for the group. It weighs 28.1 lbs by our measurement, which is 3 lbs heavier than the manufacturer's claim. This is heavier than average and 5 lbs heavier than the original Expedition. It measures 36.5" x 24.5" x 16" when folded, which is 14,308 cubic inches. This is about average, making neither big nor small for this kind of stroller. However, the child's tray sticks out and creates a bulky, strange final package that takes up more space than you think it will.

The Expedition required regular air top-off on the tires before and after running.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The Race Tec is of lower quality and scored lower than most for this metric. It is an inexpensive stroller, and it shows in the materials and design.

baby trend expedition race tec - the expedition race tec is slightly better quality than the original...
The Expedition Race Tec is slightly better quality than the original Baby Trend and might be worth the additional cost as the canopy is significantly larger and the materials feel more durable.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Race Tec has polyester material and a little more cushion than the cheaper Expedition. The fabric is nicer, too, but not on par with the higher-priced options. There are two different fabrics, and both feel sturdy. The frame feels sturdy, and there wasn't much flex on ours. It is made of metal and plastic and has lots of visible fasteners and connection points. It feels and looks cheaper than the competition, and longevity could be an issue depending on how you use it or how often.

Overall, the fit and finish are disappointing and not as sleek as the competitors'. It has the sloppy appearance of someone who slept in their clothes compared to strollers that look ready for prom. While it looks better than the OG Expedition, it isn't anything to crow about.

baby trend expedition race tec - the race tec seat is comfortable enough, but it doesn't seem to...
The Race Tec seat is comfortable enough, but it doesn't seem to really consider that a child could be sitting there for a longer period over various terrains and at multiple speeds.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kids' Comfort


The Race Tec earned a slightly above-average result for our tests of kids' comfort, but it still isn't impressive. This version has an extended leg rest and a much bigger canopy than the original, but the canopy doesn't rotate and is still too short for protection in the afternoon.

baby trend expedition race tec - the race tec is nicer than the regular expedition, but the comfort...
The Race Tec is nicer than the regular Expedition, but the comfort features aren't a big step up.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The seatback reclines with one and raises with two. It is an old-fashioned plastic toggle and lays flat enough for napping. The seat and leg rest design are not as padded or comfortable as competitors, and while we suspect little ones will be fine, longer trips over bumpier terrain could be a big ask they won't enjoy.

baby trend expedition race tec - we measured each seat for the highest and lowest recline angles...
We measured each seat for the highest and lowest recline angles, including the Race Tec, which offered a range of 104.1 to 151.8. These results are more upright and more reclined than the original Baby Trend Expedition.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Should You Buy the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec?


Maybe, but probably no. This stroller did not perform well during testing and came in with one of the lowest scores in the group. It was hard to run with, and the quality was disappointing, even if it cost more than the cheaper version. On the flip side, this option is easier to use and has nicer materials than the Baby Trend Expedition. If you value better materials and your budget is smaller, then it could be the one you want. Especially if you don't plan to run with it and are more interested in an all-terrain option. While there are better options to be had, there aren't many in this price range, and we see why it would be a good choice (or perhaps the only choice) for some.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?


The Baby Trend Expedition is our preferred inexpensive stroller. While it doesn't stand out for much, it feels like you get more than you pay here. It is basic and straightforward, with some conveniences, such as a child tray and parent console. It has enough features for occasional running and performed better in our running tests than the Race Tec. While it struggles to be a serious running option, and the canopy is super small, we think that considering the price, it is the best choice for those on a budget. Should you find extra money or have a generous family member, the Guava Roam Crossover is one of our favorites. It could be the only stroller you need for a price hundreds below other top competitors, which can save you money over time. This stroller is a great runner and has almost everything you need for adventures on and off the beaten path.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz