In-depth reviews guided by a Pediatrician

Thule Glide 2 Review

Great fixed wheel option that performed well overall, but is harder to turn
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Price:   $500 List | $500 at Amazon
Pros:  High quality, lightweight, easy to fold and use
Cons:  Harder to turn in small spaces
Manufacturer:   Thule
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers  ⋅  Sep 30, 2019
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73
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#6 of 17
  • Run-ability - 35% 7
  • Ease Of Use - 25% 7
  • Maneuverability - 20% 7
  • Quality - 10% 10
  • Weight/Folded Size - 10% 7

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 some of the competition 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.

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Our Analysis and Test Results

Thule (pronounced Too-La) is a Swedish company founded by Erik Thulin. The company started creating products for fishermen in 1942 and as the years went on, they created more products for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Their new focus centered 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.

Performance Comparison



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.
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 is easy to run with, but not as easy as its swivel wheeled brother.

The tracking on the Glide 2 requires the front wheel to be removed to adjust.
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 making wide turns easy.

The handlebar on the Thule Glide 2 adjusts on a pivot point to accommodate runners of different heights.
The new handbrake on the Glide 2 twists forward and is easier to use than the old brake. We think this unique twist is a smart take on a features runners love.

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. 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.
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 is relatively straightforward and on par with some of the easier to use competition.

The folding handle on the Glide 2 is a one-handed twist and pull handle.
The new Glide 2 has an auto-lock feature not available on the old version.

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). 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.
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.

The storage bin on the Glide 2 has a max capacity of 10 lbs and held our large diaper bag but it does not have a cover like the Thule Urban Glide 2.
The passenger storage pocket on the Glide 2 will hold some styles of sippy cups and snacks.

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. The stroller also has a back seat mesh stow pocket, and the passenger has two inside stow pockets (above right).

The Glide 2 canopy has a plastic peek a boo window with a cover that has a magnetic closure.
The back of the Glide 2 canopy unzips to reveal additional ventilation.

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.
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.
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


The Glide 2 is compatible with a variety of infant car seats that can allow parents to walk with 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.

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.
Thanks to the fixed front wheel the Glide 2 is not the best at navigating tight spaces or indoor areas.

Maneuverability


The Glide 2 struggles compared to the swivel wheel options, as 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.
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.

The Glide 2 has rear suspension that works well but is not adjustable.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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 sharp-looking aluminum frame that is sleek and hides all connection points and has a seamless connection with the fabric in a groove. The folding 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