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 up 1.5 inches to allow for more room for growing toddlers. The canvas is now treated with a more 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 to choose from. The 2018 Speed is $20 more, but otherwise, no changes have been made that would change the functionality of the stroller as a jogger, we will now be linking to the newer version in this review. 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.
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.
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 information on how the Speed performs in comparison to the competition. Individual metric results are used to 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.
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 that 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. 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 true 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 earned a 7 of 10 for ease of use. This performance is better than the average for the group, but it isn't as simple as the less expensive Burley Solstice with its high score of 9.
Fold and Unfold
The Speed has a fairly involved folding process that is three steps and 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 only average to set and release and it is not sandal foot friendly and could hurt the top of your foot.
Storage
The storage bin on the Speed is large and fit our large diaper bag with some effort. It has a maximum weight capacity of 10 lbs which is about average for the group, 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. This 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 adjustable crotch strap. The buckle has a safety button on the back that makes it hard to open because it is difficult to press them 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 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.
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 earned an 8 of 10 for maneuverability. This stroller has a swivel front wheel and shorter wheelbase making it easy to navigate smaller spaces and 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 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 the smallest folded strollers in the review, but not as light as much of the competition.
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 end prices for this type of gear, the Bumbleride didn't measure up to the quality of strollers that cost $100+ 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 a nice attention to detail here, but it lacks the sleek and polished finish of some of the competition that have hidden connection points and fabric tucked in grooves.
Manufacturer Video
