In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

BOB Rambler Review

A great jogger for a good price that works for every day use
Editors' Choice Award
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Price:   $400 List | Check Price at Amazon
Pros:  Easy to move, great runner, quality materials
Cons:  Harder to lift and carry
Manufacturer:   BOB
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers  ⋅  Sep 30, 2019
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75
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#4 of 12
  • Run-ability - 35% 8
  • Ease Of Use - 25% 6
  • Maneuverability - 20% 8
  • Quality - 10% 9
  • Weight/Folded Size - 10% 7

The Skinny

The BOB Rambler is sort of a smaller and lighter BOB with slightly pared-down features from their usual fare. This jogger has a smaller footprint that allows it to negotiate crowded spaces with ease. We like the adjustable tracking and suspension, and the pneumatic tires and locking swivel front wheel that combines to create a stroller that is a pleasure to push, turn, and run over a variety of different surfaces. This jogger has a lower price than most of the high-end competition, but it doesn't feel like it sacrifices anything. If you have space and a large enough car to accommodate the folded Rambler, then this one should definitely make your shortlist of potential buys.

Compare to Similar Products

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Our Analysis and Test Results

Beast of Burden, or BOB, was founded in California. In 1994, an airline mechanic and bicycle professional started with trailers for bikes but moved on to jogging strollers after starting families. The founders continue to offer new technology in 2005 with a locking swivel wheel that revolutionized the jogging stroller industry. BOB was purchased in 2011 by Britax.

Performance Comparison



The BOB Rambler has a cozy almost flat seating area good for napping with ample protection from the elements with a larger than average canopy.
The BOB Rambler has a cozy almost flat seating area good for napping with ample protection from the elements with a larger than average canopy.

Run-Ability


The BOB Rambler is easy to run with earning results similar to other Bob options and just below the top performers.


The Rambler has a locking swivel front wheel with adjustable tracking that is easy to use and keeps the stroller running straight on any surface. While this option lacks an adjustable handlebar, the height is good for most users to maintain good running ergonomics.

Adjustable tracking on the Rambler ensures you have a straight running stroller no matter what.
The suspension on the Rambler is adjustable like most BOBs.

The adjustable suspension can help create comfort for the passenger and less fatigue for the pusher. This option has limited rolling resistance and is a pleasure to push at speed. While it isn't as smooth as some competitors, casual and serious runners will enjoy the price and its run-ability.

The quick release of the rear wheels can help you create a smaller folded package for stowing in tight places.
The quick release of the rear wheels can help you create a smaller folded package for stowing in tight places.

Ease of Use


The Rambler, much like other joggers, lacks some useful features which makes it more challenging to use than some of the competition.


The features it does have are easy enough to use, it won't cause frustration.

The Rambler fold initiates with two hands on dual side levers.
The folding handle is located under the Rambler seat.

Fold and Unfold


The Rambler has a traditional BOB fold that requires two hands and some practice. While not difficult it has multiple steps. It does not self-stand or have a carry handle, and the locking mechanism is a manual connection that gets you up close and personal with your stroller. Unfolding has fewer steps, but it requires some strength to shake it open.

The brake pedal on the Rambler is a rocking style that rotates to set and release. This pedal is easy to access and friendly to sandaled feet.
The brake pedal on the Rambler is a rocking style that rotates to set and release. This pedal is easy to access and friendly to sandaled feet.

Brakes


The parking brake is a large center pedal that is easy to set and release as it rocks forward and back. it is friendly for sandal feet.

The Rambler storage bin is slightly smaller than that on the Revolution Flex but it is still large enough to hold most diaper bags.
The Rambler storage bin is slightly smaller than that on the Revolution Flex, but it is still large enough to hold most diaper bags.

Storage


The bin is large and holds our large diaper bag. It has a weight allowance of 10 lbs and rear and side access. There are no other storage features.

The canopy on the Rambler is large with a useful peek-a-boo window but you may not be able to use it when you attach a car seat to the stroller.
The canopy on the Rambler is large with a useful peek-a-boo window, but you may not be able to use it when you attach a car seat to the stroller.

Sunshade


The Rambler's sunshade is large and has a small but useful vinyl peek-a-boo window nicely placed for easy viewing. The window cover is Velcro and it can be folded away in the open position. This canopy covers to the knee and can be rotated forward.

The BOB Buckles and harnesses are always a breeze to use.
The BOB Buckles and harnesses are always a breeze to use.

Harness


The 5-point harness on the Rambler is straightforward with easy to tighten and adjust straps. This stroller has an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder height adjustment for a good fit.

The recline toggle on the back of the Rambler seat can adjust down with one hand but it requires two to raise.
The recline toggle on the back of the Rambler seat can adjust down with one hand but it requires two to raise.

Seat


The seat is a sling-style option with stationary leg rest and a narrow footrest. The back reclines almost flat for cozy napping and the thermo-molded seats help increase breathability and support little bodies.

Car Seat Compatibility


The BOB Rambler is compatible with several infant car seats with the purchase of an adapter. All of the adapters require strap-in attachment which isn't our favorite but can be functional and secure. You can purchase adapters for several Britax and BOB infant car seats including the Britax B-Safe 35; Graco SnugRide Click Connect and SnugRide Classic Connect seats; Peg Perego car seats including the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35; and Chicco car seats including the Chicco KeyFit 30 and Chicco Fit2.

Ease of Setup




The Rambler is easy to set up with an assembly time of 5:30 minutes. While it requires the use of an Allen wrench the instructions are easy to follow. The manual could be more direct and concise but it is easy to understand.

The front wheel on the Rambler is slightly smaller compared to the Revolution and the footprint is slightly shorter but it still works well over any surface.
The front swivel wheel on the Rambler can be locked in place for running or moving over uneven surfaces easier with more stability.

Maneuverability


This BOB is easy to push and turn on all surfaces with impressive maneuverability results.


The swivel front wheel and rubber tires make it easy to move in small spaces despite the bulkier size. It can be moved with one hand and makes the transition from one surface to another without any trouble. The rear wheels are somewhat smaller than other BOBs but it still manages well.

The Rambler is a small folded jogger compared to most of the jogging competition.
The Rambler is a small folded jogger compared to most of the jogging competition.

Weight and Folded Size


The BOB Rambler is smaller and lighter than other BOBs and much of the competition.


This stroller is 2 lbs less with a weight of 25.1 lbs and the smallest in the review with a folded size of 13,150 cubic inches when folded. These measurements make it a good choice if your vehicle is smaller or you are worried about how you will lift your jogger.

The Rambler is a pared down version of the Revolution but the quality of the materials and construction is much the same.
The Rambler is a pared down version of the Revolution but the quality of the materials and construction is much the same.

Quality


The BOB Rambler is similar in quality to other BOB products with solid construction and better materials.


This product has thick durable canvas and molded portions for increased airflow and comfort. The parts align well and we don't see any manufacturing defects or lack of attention to detail. The frame is sturdy with no flex and the wheels spin with little resistance. The brakes work well and the pedal is solid and smooth.

This stroller has a padded sling style seat with a giant canopy and adjustable suspension. The plastic wheels have rubber air-filled tires and the handlebar is foam covered and not adjustable. We think passengers will be comfortable in the Rambler and most pushers will find it useable as well, but taller users might wish for a taller handlebar.

Manufacturer Video




Accessories


BOB makes a variety of optional accessories from fitness add ons to car seat adapters.

The BOB's optional Handlebar Console has a zippered pocket and two 5 inch deep cup holder pockets. Caution never put hot drinks in cup holders because they could fall out and land on baby.
  • BOB Parent Console — This console is canvas and Velcros to the handlebar of the stroller. It has two cup holders and a center pocket. It is easy to attach and quick to remove. The cup holders are deep enough for tall water bottles and the center pocket will hold most smartphones.
The BOB weather shield is a great way to keep baby cozy no matter what the weather brings.
  • BOB Single Weather Shield — This weather shield is a useful cover to protect little ones from the elements. It is a potential must-have option if you plan to run no matter what the weather, or if the weather where you live can be unpredictable.

  • BOB Single Fitness Kit — If you want to get a good work beyond the jogging option, this kit is the one for you. Made specifically for BOB strollers, it has resistance bands of various strengths for a total body workout on the go.




Before purchasing any adapter, double-check your manual and with BOB to ensure compatibility.

— Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers