Thule Glide 2 Review
Pros: High quality, lightweight, easy to fold and use
Cons: Harder to turn in small spaces
Bottom line: Great fixed wheel option that performed well overall, but is harder to turn
Editors' Rating:
Rolling Resistance: 141 Feet
Folded Dimensions: 27.2"W x 20.5"H x 36.5"L
Manufacturer: Thule
The Skinny
The Thule Glide 2 is a high-quality jogging stroller with a fixed front wheel and a lighter weight than the competition. It has an adjustable, ergonomic handlebar with twisting handbrake, rear wheel suspension, and adjustable tracking that most dedicated runners feel are non-negotiable when choosing a fine stroller for running. However, the Glide 2 is not as easy to run with as the Thule Urban Glide 2 and it struggles in smaller spaces because of the fixed wheel and longer footprint. So, while it is ideal for hilly terrain thanks to the lighter weight and handbrake, it can't compete overall with its more functional brother that earned a higher overall score, better scores for run-ability and maneuverability all with the same list price. The Glide 2 is a good choice for dedicated runners that have a separate stroller for everyday use or those who value lightweight over other factors, but for the money, we don't think serious runners are sacrificing anything by choosing the Thule Urban Glide 2.
RELATED REVIEW: The Race for the Best Jogging Stroller of 2018
Our Analysis and Test Results
Review by:
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers
Last Updated:
Friday
March 23, 2018
Friday
March 23, 2018
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Thule (pronounced Too-La) is a Swedish company founded by Erik Thulin. The company started creating products for fishermen in 1942. As the years went on, Thule made more products for outdoor enthusiasts and families focusing on gear that made adventures and the transportation of outdoor toys easier. Thule continues to expand their product line including roof racks, luggage boxes, bike racks, bike trailers, and strollers.
The chart below compares the overall scores for all of the jogging strollers in this review including the Thule Glide 2 (in blue).
The sections below provide performance details on how the Glide 2 compared to the competition during testing for each metric.
The Glide 2 earned a 7 of 10, tying with the Burley Solstice and the similar BOB Ironman. This Glide 2's swivel wheel partner, the Thule Urban Glide 2, earned a 9.
The Glide 2 has a fixed front wheel with adjustable tracking that works well to keep the stroller moving in a straight line. While tracking takes a little effort, we don't think you will need to make adjustments often. This stroller has pneumatic rubber tires, low rolling resistance, and tips back easily for turning making wide turns easy.
The Glide 2 has an adjustable handlebar (above left) for better biomechanics that could translate to running longer distances. The twisting handbrake (above right) works well, and we used it regularly to slow the roll at stop lights and down hills. There is some flex in the frame where the stroller folds, but we found it absorbed some of the pressure on the runner while tipping and turning. Our professional runner feels it is a good lightweight option for those who require less weight for hilly terrain.
The Glide 2 earned a 7 of 10 for ease of use. This score is 1 point lower than the Thule Urban Glide 2 and 2 points lower than the high of 9 earned by the Burley Solstice.
The Glide 2 fold is one-handed with a twist and pull folding handle (above left) under the seat. It requires two hands to lift the seat for access to the handle, and it doesn't self-stand, but the new version has an auto-lock (above right) once folded. Unfolding is a two-step process that is simple but will take some practice to do smoothly.
The Thule Glide 2 has single action brakes that are easy to set and release but aren't the best for sandaled feet.
The storage bin has a maximum weight allowance of 10 lbs and is accessible from the back and sides. We were able to fit a large diaper bag inside, but if you are worried about your valuables, the Thule Urban Glide 2 has a covered bin. The stroller also has a back seat mesh stow pocket for quick access items, and the passenger has two inside stow pockets (above right) that are easily accessible.
The canopy on the Glide 2 is large and sleek, with a fabric visor and a plastic peek-a-boo window (above left) with a magnetic closure cover. The new canopy has a zip back that reveals added ventilation (above right) when you unzip it. The entire canopy can rotate forward to the knee for running with a low sun or oncoming wind.
We found the five-point harness of the Glide easy-to-use. The new buckle is much better than the old version, and it pops open with only one hand. The harness is one of the easiest to adjust with one strap making the waist and shoulder straps smaller simultaneously.
The Glide 2 has a padded leg rest and an adequate footrest for taller children. The seat back adjustment is a one-handed plastic toggle and has a recline suitable for napping. The seat offers good air circulation through a vented portion at the top which can be covered in cold weather.
The Glide 2 is compatible with a variety of infant car seats, which can allow parents to walk with younger babies that are too young to jog with (babies under 8-12 months, ask your pediatrician). They offer three different adapters for purchase. The Thule Infant Car Seat Adapter is somewhat of a universal adapter that will work with a variety of infant car seats listed on their website as a downloadable pdf. These seats include many popular brands and the award-winning Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 and UPPAbaby Mesa. The Thule Urban Glide Car Seat Adapter for Chicco works with the Chicco Keyfit 30 and the Thule Car Seat Adapter for Maxi Cosi works with infant carriers from Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Nuna.
It took 5:24 minutes to set up the Glide 2 from unpacking to ready to use.
This stroller doesn't require any tools to assemble and only needs the wheels put on. The manual is okay, but we didn't like it as much as the previous version as the pictures weren't as useful.
The Glide 2 earned a 7 of 10 for maneuverability. The stroller struggled compared to the swivel wheel options because the fixed wheel design limits tight turns and navigating through small spaces, but it did earn the highest score for fixed wheel models.
The fixed wheel and longer length of the Glide 2 meant it bumped into objects in the course, but it is easy to tip and turn if you plan and have the room. This stroller manages well over various terrains, and we barely broke stride going over gravel and grass. Overall, it is easy to push and turn as the longer handle helps make the turns smoother and limits bending, but the fixed wheel takes more energy and space to turn than a swivel wheel, which gives the Thule Urban Glide 2 the edge. Going up and down curbs is a little jumpy thanks to the rear suspension, but the longer handle means you can stand straighter, which increases control.
This stroller has a padded sling style seat, nice suspension, and rubber air-filled tires to provide a comfortable ride for passengers. The adjustable handlebar is foam covered, and tires and suspension provide a forgiving design for pushers moving over bumpy surfaces.
The Glide 2 is relatively light and small earning a 7 of 10 for weight and folded size. This stroller weighs 24.4 lbs which is a full 4 lbs heavier than the old model. It measures 20,352 cubic inches when folded.
These measurements make the Glide 2 one of the larger options and no longer the lightest with several possibilities weighing less and folding smaller. It can be slightly smaller if you remove the wheels, but we don't think parents are going to bother. The larger size makes this stroller harder to fit in smaller spaces.
The Glide 2 earned a top score for quality with a 10 of 10. The Thule Urban Glide 2 earned a 9 in this metric. The fabric on this stroller is nice, feels breathable, and does not snag. The seat has minimal padding, but the fabric is fitted tightly to the frame. This stroller has a nice looking aluminum frame that is sleek and hides all connection points and has a seamless connection with the fabric in a groove. The fold joint has some movement, but it doesn't impact the stroller performance. It is the sleekest stroller in the group with all the components creating a clean fit and finish.
The Thule Glide 2 is a fixed wheel jogger that is easy to run with lighter weight than much of the competition.
Performance Comparison
The chart below compares the overall scores for all of the jogging strollers in this review including the Thule Glide 2 (in blue).
The sections below provide performance details on how the Glide 2 compared to the competition during testing for each metric.
The Glide 2 is easy enough to run with, but surprisingly not as run-able as its swivel wheel counterpart the Thule Urban Glide 2.
Run-ability
The Glide 2 earned a 7 of 10, tying with the Burley Solstice and the similar BOB Ironman. This Glide 2's swivel wheel partner, the Thule Urban Glide 2, earned a 9.
The tracking on the Glide 2 requires the front wheel to be removed to adjust.
The Glide 2 has a fixed front wheel with adjustable tracking that works well to keep the stroller moving in a straight line. While tracking takes a little effort, we don't think you will need to make adjustments often. This stroller has pneumatic rubber tires, low rolling resistance, and tips back easily for turning making wide turns easy.
The Glide 2 has an adjustable handlebar (above left) for better biomechanics that could translate to running longer distances. The twisting handbrake (above right) works well, and we used it regularly to slow the roll at stop lights and down hills. There is some flex in the frame where the stroller folds, but we found it absorbed some of the pressure on the runner while tipping and turning. Our professional runner feels it is a good lightweight option for those who require less weight for hilly terrain.
The Glide 2 is easy enough to use but has limited features in an effort to keep the overall weight lower.
Ease of Use
The Glide 2 earned a 7 of 10 for ease of use. This score is 1 point lower than the Thule Urban Glide 2 and 2 points lower than the high of 9 earned by the Burley Solstice.
Fold and Unfold
The Glide 2 fold is one-handed with a twist and pull folding handle (above left) under the seat. It requires two hands to lift the seat for access to the handle, and it doesn't self-stand, but the new version has an auto-lock (above right) once folded. Unfolding is a two-step process that is simple but will take some practice to do smoothly.
The brake for the Glide 2 is a plastic set to release pedal with a lift to release function that can be uncomfortable to the top of a sandaled foot.
Brakes
The Thule Glide 2 has single action brakes that are easy to set and release but aren't the best for sandaled feet.
Storage
The storage bin has a maximum weight allowance of 10 lbs and is accessible from the back and sides. We were able to fit a large diaper bag inside, but if you are worried about your valuables, the Thule Urban Glide 2 has a covered bin. The stroller also has a back seat mesh stow pocket for quick access items, and the passenger has two inside stow pockets (above right) that are easily accessible.
Sunshade
The canopy on the Glide 2 is large and sleek, with a fabric visor and a plastic peek-a-boo window (above left) with a magnetic closure cover. The new canopy has a zip back that reveals added ventilation (above right) when you unzip it. The entire canopy can rotate forward to the knee for running with a low sun or oncoming wind.
The new buckle on the Glide 2 is so much easier to use than the previous version with a one-handed operation that pops open.
Harness
We found the five-point harness of the Glide easy-to-use. The new buckle is much better than the old version, and it pops open with only one hand. The harness is one of the easiest to adjust with one strap making the waist and shoulder straps smaller simultaneously.
The plastic adjustment toggle on the Glide 2 seatback recline is easy to use and works with one hand to recline.
Seat
The Glide 2 has a padded leg rest and an adequate footrest for taller children. The seat back adjustment is a one-handed plastic toggle and has a recline suitable for napping. The seat offers good air circulation through a vented portion at the top which can be covered in cold weather.
Car Seat Compatibility
Ease of Setup
It took 5:24 minutes to set up the Glide 2 from unpacking to ready to use.
This stroller doesn't require any tools to assemble and only needs the wheels put on. The manual is okay, but we didn't like it as much as the previous version as the pictures weren't as useful.
Thanks to the fixed front wheel the Glide 2 is not the best at navigating tight spaces or indoor areas.
Maneuverability
The Glide 2 earned a 7 of 10 for maneuverability. The stroller struggled compared to the swivel wheel options because the fixed wheel design limits tight turns and navigating through small spaces, but it did earn the highest score for fixed wheel models.
Tipping and turning the Glide 2 is easy enough, but the lack of a swivel option means it struggles in tight spaces.
The fixed wheel and longer length of the Glide 2 meant it bumped into objects in the course, but it is easy to tip and turn if you plan and have the room. This stroller manages well over various terrains, and we barely broke stride going over gravel and grass. Overall, it is easy to push and turn as the longer handle helps make the turns smoother and limits bending, but the fixed wheel takes more energy and space to turn than a swivel wheel, which gives the Thule Urban Glide 2 the edge. Going up and down curbs is a little jumpy thanks to the rear suspension, but the longer handle means you can stand straighter, which increases control.
The Glide 2 has rear suspension that works well but is not adjustable.
This stroller has a padded sling style seat, nice suspension, and rubber air-filled tires to provide a comfortable ride for passengers. The adjustable handlebar is foam covered, and tires and suspension provide a forgiving design for pushers moving over bumpy surfaces.
The Glide 2 is on the larger side and is heavier than its predecessor by 4 lbs.
Weight and Folded Size
The Glide 2 is relatively light and small earning a 7 of 10 for weight and folded size. This stroller weighs 24.4 lbs which is a full 4 lbs heavier than the old model. It measures 20,352 cubic inches when folded.
The rear wheels on the Glide 2 can be quickly removed using the push button hub.
These measurements make the Glide 2 one of the larger options and no longer the lightest with several possibilities weighing less and folding smaller. It can be slightly smaller if you remove the wheels, but we don't think parents are going to bother. The larger size makes this stroller harder to fit in smaller spaces.
The Glide 2 earned the highest score for quality with higher end materials and a design that is simple, functional, and sleek.
Quality
The Glide 2 earned a top score for quality with a 10 of 10. The Thule Urban Glide 2 earned a 9 in this metric. The fabric on this stroller is nice, feels breathable, and does not snag. The seat has minimal padding, but the fabric is fitted tightly to the frame. This stroller has a nice looking aluminum frame that is sleek and hides all connection points and has a seamless connection with the fabric in a groove. The fold joint has some movement, but it doesn't impact the stroller performance. It is the sleekest stroller in the group with all the components creating a clean fit and finish.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers
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