2017 Speed vs. 2018 Speed
The 2018 Bumbleride Speed has new, more ergonomic fold levers. This does not change the overall folding process but should make it more comfortable. They have also updated the sun canopy by raising it 1.5 inches for more room for growing toddlers. The canvas is now treated with an eco-friendly C-6 water repellent that breaks down faster than the previously used C-8 fluorocarbon-based water repellent. Finally, the new version comes in a variety of new colors. The 2018 Speed is $20 more, but otherwise, no changes have been made that change the functionality of this jogger, we now link to the newer version. Below you can see the 2017 Speed on the left and the 2018 Speed on the right.
Hands-on Gear Review
Matt and Emily Reichardt started Bumbleride in 2004 after the birth of their first child. Based in San Diego they design products for active lifestyles with kids. Bumbleride uses OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class I certified textiles and 100% recycled polyester fabric made from post-consumer water bottles (rPET, polyethylene terephthalate). Bumbleride works with a family-run manufacturer in Taiwan committed to making the Bumbleride products the best they can be.
Performance Comparison
The Bumbleride Speed is an easy to maneuver jogger with better than average run-ability.
Run-Ability
This stroller has adjustable tracking, all-wheel suspension, and an adjustable handbrake. It runs smoother than we initially suspected it would, but even with the adjustable tracking, we couldn't keep it running straight on the trail.
Despite having adjustable tracking, we had difficulty keeping the Speed running in a straight line and it had a tendency to veer somewhat.
It is easy to tip and turn and the optional 30 degrees locked front wheel position limits the need for tipping but translates to jogging as opposed to running.
The Speed's front wheel is a locking swivel wheel with the unique ability to fully lock and to lock with a 30-degree rotation.
For full running, you need the fixed wheel position. It is lighter weight than most of the competition and has less rolling resistance, but it runs more like a full-size stroller than a dedicated jogging product.
The Speed is easy enough to use with a giant canopy that covers to the knees of most passengers.
Ease of Use
The Speed's ease of use performance is better than average for the group.
Fold and Unfold
The Speed has a fairly involved folding process with three steps that requires both hands to work simultaneously. The fold requires moving the belly bar, pulling the stroller lock levers and folding in using the handlebar. It auto-locks and self-stands. Unfolding is very easy and only two steps.
The Speed has a rear brake pedal that is wide and easy to access, but it isn't sandal foot friendly.
Brakes
The Speed has single action brakes with a wide easily accessible pedal. The pedal is average to set and release and it could hurt the top of your foot.
Storage
The storage bin is large and fits our large diaper bag with some effort. It has a maximum weight capacity of 10 lbs which is average, and the sides are mesh. It has access from the back only and is easy to use. The Speed also has two mesh back pockets and a passenger stow pocket on the left side of the seat.
The Speed has a mesh peek-a-boo window with a magnetic closure on the cover.
Sunshade
The Speed has a large canopy that is rated UPF/SPF 45+. The canopy has a large, mesh peek-a-boo window with magnetic closure. The canopy is really big coming past the knee with a zip-off back panel for additional ventilation.
The buckle on the Speed is harder to operate than it needs to be. With a safety button on the back, it can be hard to get open even with two hands.
Harness
The Speed has a 5-point harness with an adjustable crotch strap. The buckle has a safety button on the back that makes it hard to open because it is difficult to press both at the same time. Each strap adjusts individually which makes it a more involved process but it isn't difficult.
The Speed has a 5-point harness with an adjustable crotch strap that helps improve the fit for each passenger.
Seat
This stroller has a reclining seat back and no adjustable leg rest. The leg rest is covered in canvas and leads to a small footrest.
The seat back recline toggle on the Speed is easy to operate with one hand.
The seatback has a one-handed adjustment toggle and it reclines deep enough for comfortable napping.
We tested the Speed with the Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat and Chicco adapter.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Speed doesn't come compatible with any infant car seat carrier. There are two adapters available for this stroller including the Speed Car Seat Adapter - Graco/Chicco which works with several Graco options and the award-winning Chicco Keyfit 30; and the Speed Car Seat Adapter - Maxi Cosi/Cybex/Nuna with works with some seats made by Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex, including the Cybex Aton 2.
Ease of Setup
The Speed took us over 13 minutes to put together. It is easy enough to do and the manual is good once you get past all the warnings.
We put ours together using mainly the pictures but the written instructions are concise and clear.
Thanks to the swivel front wheel the Speed is easy to push and turn in small spaces or crowded environments. The lock is easy to use when you are ready to run or jog.
Maneuverability
The Speed has a swivel front wheel and shorter wheelbase making it easy to navigate smaller crowded areas. The Speed manages fairly well off-road and the 30 degree locking wheel lets you move over the bumps without the wheel going sideways.
The front wheel on the Speed has a suspension that isn't found on most of the competition.
The Speed has all-wheel suspension and adjustable handlebar with a rubber cover and a padded sling style seat which all combine to give the passenger a relatively comfortable ride.
The Speed folds very compactly with a final package that is smaller than the competition.
Weight and Folded Size
The Speed is 26.6 lbs and measures 13,283 cubic inches. These measurements make it one of the smallest folded strollers in the review, but not as light as it could be.
The Speed looks nice and the materials feel durable, but it pales in comparison to some of the competition that has a more sleek look.
Quality
While sporting one of the higher prices for this type of gear, the Bumbleride didn't measure up to the quality of strollers that cost less. This stroller has thick canvas fabric that is somewhat rough. The fabric covers an aluminum frame with plastic joints. The wheels are plastic and the tires are pneumatic rubber. There is nice attention to detail but it lacks the sleek and polished finish of some of the competition with hidden connection points and fabric tucked in grooves.
Manufacturer Video
