In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

Bumbleride Speed Review

Nice maneuvering but hard to use and keep on track
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Price:   $569 List | $569 at Amazon
Pros:  Easy to push and turn, compact for small spaces
Cons:  Doesn't track as straight, harder to adjust harness
Manufacturer:   bumbleride
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Apr 23, 2019
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71
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#5 of 16
  • Run-ability - 30% 7
  • Ease Of Use - 20% 7
  • Maneuverability - 15% 8
  • Quality - 10% 7
  • Safety - 10% 5
  • Weight/Folded Size - 10% 8
  • Ease Of Set Up - 5% 7

The Skinny

The Bumbleride Speed is a jogging stroller made by Bumbleride. This high-end jogging stroller is easy to maneuver with a locking swivel front wheel, is great for navigating crowded spaces, and good for those with limited space. It has adjustable tracking, all-wheel suspension, an adjustable handlebar, and pneumatic tires. Unfortunately, we weren't able to adjust the tracking well-enough to keep the Speed running straight. And, while it has similar features to other joggers, it isn't as easy to use and the execution isn't as well done or nice. Overall, there is much to like about this Bumbleride, but it isn't a great option for running and it paled in comparison to less expensive options.

Update — October 2018
The Bumbleride Speed has gotten an update. A few minor changes have been made to improve ease of use and ecofriendliness. Read below to find out the details.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
This Product
Bumbleride Speed
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award  
Price $569.00 List
$569.00 at Amazon		$500.00 List
$479.95 at Amazon - 4% off		$500.00 List
$389.99 at Amazon - 22% off		$360.00 List
$359.99 at Amazon		$450.00 List
$479.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Easy to push and turn, compact for small spacesTop scores for run-ability and maneuverability, easy to use, high qualityEasy to run with, responsive turning, high qualityEasy to move, great runner, quality materialsHigh quality, lightweight, easy to fold and use
Cons Doesn't track as straight, harder to adjust harnessHarder to transport and stow as it doesn't self-standWon't self-stand when folded, difficult to lift and carryHeavier, bulkyHarder to turn in small spaces
Bottom Line Nice maneuvering but hard to use and keep on trackOur favorite jogger that makes a great everyday strollerRugged jogger that is easy to run with and good for every day outingsA great jogger for a good price that works for every day useGreat fixed wheel option that performed well overall, but is harder to turn
Rating Categories Bumbleride Speed Thule Urban Glide 2 BOB Revolution Flex BOB Rambler Thule Glide 2
Run Ability (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
7
Ease Of Use (20%)
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
7
Maneuverability (15%)
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
Quality (10%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
10
Safety (10%)
10
0
5
10
0
7
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
7
Weight Folded Size (10%)
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
7
10
0
7
Ease Of Set Up (5%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
9
Specs Bumbleride Speed Thule Urban Glide 2 BOB Revolution Flex BOB Rambler Thule Glide 2
Weight 26.6 lbs 24.4 lbs 27.3 lbs 25.06 lbs 24.4 lbs
Rolling Resistance 132 Feet 144.3 Feet 150.5 Feet 139.7 Feet 141 Feet
Folded Dimensions 25"W x 15.4"H x 34.5"L 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L 25.2"W x 15.3"H x 37.6"L 25.3"W x 13.5"H x 38.5"L 27.2"W x 20.5"H x 36.5"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 75 lbs/44"		 Minimum:
Walk Only:
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 6 mo.
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 mo.
Maximum: 75 lb Total Capacity Limit		 Minimum:
Walk Only:
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 wk.
Stroller Seat: 8 wk. - 8 mo.
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 mo. - 5 yr.
Maximum: 75 lbs/44"		 Minimum:
Walk Only:
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 wk.
Stroller Seat: 8 wk. - 8 mo.
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 mo. - 5 yr.
Maximum: 75 lbs/44"		 Minimum:
Walk Only:
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 6 mo.
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 mo.
Maximum: 75 lb Total Capacity Limit
Included Car Seat Compatibility None None None None
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q
Maxi Cosi
Mico Max 30, Mico AP
Nuna
Pipa		 BeSafe
Izi GO Mod, Izi GO X1
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton 4, Aton 5
Maxi Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Pebble, Pebble Plus
Nuna
Pipa		 None None BeSafe
Izi GO Mod, Izi GO X1
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton 4, Aton 5
Maxi Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Pebble, Pebble Plus
Nuna
Pipa
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters Chicco
Keyfit 30
Graco
Click Connect Snugride 30 or 35		 BOB
Unity
Britax
Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX Compatible
Britax-Romer
Baby-Safe, Baby-Safe Plus II
Chicco
KeyFit Plus
Combi
Shuttle 33
Evenflo
Discovery 5
Graco
SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35
Safety 1st
Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air
Safe-n-Sound
Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby
Mesa		 Britax
B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone
BOB
B-Safe, B-Safe 35
Graco
SnugRide Click Connect 30, 30LX, 35, 35 LX, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 30, 32, 35
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio SIP
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30		 Britax
B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone
BOB
B-Safe, B-Safe 35
Graco
SnugRide Click Connect 30, 30LX, 35, 35 LX, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 30, 32, 35
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio SIP
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30		 BOB
Unity
Britax
Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX Compatible
Britax-Romer
Baby-Safe, Baby-Safe Plus II
Chicco
KeyFit Plus
Combi
Shuttle 33
Evenflo
Discovery 5
Graco
SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35
Safety 1st
Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air
Safe-n-Sound
Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby
Mesa
One-handed Fold No Yes No No Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Manual Manual Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes No No No No
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 28"/47.5" 30"/46" 34.5"/48" 38.8" 37"/44.7"
Fixed/Swivel Wheel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel Fixed
Sandal-friendly Brake No No Yes Yes No
Included Accessories Bell None None None None
Setup Time 13:10 min:sec 5:13 min:sec 5:21 min:sec 5:30 5:24 min:sec

Our Analysis and Test Results

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



The Bumbleride Speed is an easy to maneuver jogger with better than average run-ability.
The Bumbleride Speed is an easy to maneuver jogger with better than average run-ability.

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.

The Bumbleride Speed has a locking swivel front wheel a short footprint and a large canopy but it isn't the best at staying the course while running.
The Bumbleride Speed has a locking swivel front wheel, a short footprint and a large canopy, but it isn't the best at staying the course while running.

Performance Comparison


This comparison chart includes the overall scores for all of the strollers we tested in this review including the Speed (in blue).


The sections below include how the Speed performs in comparison to the competition. Individual metric results determine the overall score with an emphasis on run-ability and ease of use.

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.
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.

Run-Ability


The Speed earned a 7 of 10 for 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.
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. 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.
The Speed is easy enough to use with a giant canopy that covers to the knees of most passengers.

Ease of Use


The Speed earned a 7 of 10 for ease of use. This performance is better than the average for the group.

The Speed fold is initiated by releasing the stroller lock and pulling up on the slides on both sides simultaneously.
The Speed has an auto-lock feature to keep the folded stroller closed.

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.
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.

The Speed's basket has a 10 lbs maximum limit and with some wiggling we were able to fit our large diaper bag inside.
The Speed's storage bin is only accessible from the back and has mesh sides that leave contents open to potential dirt and water.

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.
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.
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 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.
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 seat back recline toggle on the Speed is easy to operate with one hand.

The seat back 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.
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.
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 earned an 8 of 10 for maneuverability. This stroller 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 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.
The Speed folds very compactly with a final package that is smaller than the competition.

Weight and Folded Size


The Speed earned an 8 of 10 for weight and folded size. This stroller 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.
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


The Speed earned a 7 of 10 for 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




— Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz