We do not recommend this stroller based on the information from the manufacturer included in the package. Read more below
Thule Glide 2 Review
Our Verdict
We do not recommend this stroller based on the information from the manufacturer included in the package. Read more below
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Thule Glide 2 | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Jogging Stroller | Best Jogger for Longterm Use | Highest Quality Jogging Stroller | Best for Small Budgets | |
Price | $650 List $649.95 at Amazon | $600 List | $550 List Check Price at Amazon | $600 List $599.99 at Amazon | $150 List $149.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | For serious runners and those dedicated to fitness, this option could be worth the price but the Thule Safety Manual warns it is "not suitable for running" | An excellent performer for both running and everyday life, it is hard to go wrong with this compact folding jogger | A sturdy, high-quality crossover option that is easy to run with, but the fold requires two hands, and it doesn't self-stand | Nice crossover with an appeal to many but has some limitations to consider before choosing it over better-performing options | Budget jogger that is lightweight and easy to maneuver but it lacks dedicated running features like tracking and suspension |
Rating Categories | Thule Glide 2 | Guava Roam Crossover | BOB Revolution Flex... | UPPAbaby Ridge | Baby Trend Expedition |
Run-ability (35%) | |||||
Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
Maneuverability (20%) | |||||
Transport and Storage (10%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
Kid Comfort (5%) | |||||
Specs | Thule Glide 2 | Guava Roam Crossover | BOB Revolution Flex... | UPPAbaby Ridge | Baby Trend Expedition |
Capacity Limits | Minimum (Walk Only): Infant Car Seat: Birth Stroller Seat: 6 months Jogging & Off-Road: 6 months - 4 year Maximum: 75 lbs Total Capacity Limit with 49 lbs as max seat weight |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 60 lbs / 42 in *car seat adaptor (sold seperately) allows for usage from 0 - 6 months |
Minimum (Walk Only): Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 week Stroller Seat: 8 week - 8 months Jogging & Off-Road: 8 months - 5 year Maximum: 75 lbs / 44 in |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 55 lbs |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 50 lbs / 42" |
Measured Weight | 24.4 lbs | 28.5 lbs | 27.3 lbs | 30.5 lbs | 23.6 lbs |
Measured Folded Dimensions | 36.5" x 27.2" x 20.5" | 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1" | 37.8" x 25.5" x 15.3" | 37.3" x 26.3" x 17.0" | 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1" |
Folded Volume | 20,352 cu in | 7,488 cu in | 14,748 cu in | 16,677 cu in | 12,679 cu in |
Handlebar Height - Min/Max | 37" - 44.7" | 34" - 45" | 34.5" - 48" | 41.25" - 45.5" | 41" |
Fixed/Swivel Wheel | Fixed | Swivel | Swivel | Swivel | Swivel |
Measured Rolling Resistance Average | 46 Ft | 24 Ft | 37 Ft | 21 Ft | 45 Ft |
One-handed Fold | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Auto or Manual Fold Lock | Auto | Manual | Manual | Auto | Manual |
Self-standing Fold | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Included Accessories | Parent console (removable) | Water bottle holder | Parent Console (removable) Child Tray (removable) |
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Setup Time | 10 - 15 mins | 5 mins | 5 - 10 mins | 5 - 10 mins | 5 - 10 mins |
Warranty | Limited Lifetime warranty on Frame / 3 years fabric and parts | 2 Year warranty 60 Day trial period |
Frame is warranted for 5 years. Components and fabric are warranted for 1 year |
3 Year warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
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 its product line, including roof racks, luggage boxes, bike seats for kids, bike racks, the best bike trailers for kids, and top-ranked full-size strollers.
The Glide 2 is currently the only stroller listed on the Thule website as a jogging stroller. While this would indicate it is a stroller for running, and the manufacturer confirms it was designed for running in our communications with them, the safety sheet included with our stroller clearly states, “Not suitable for Running” in writing. While we like the Glide 2 and enjoy running with it, we cannot recommend a jogging stroller where the manufacturer includes a statement that it is not suitable for that kind of activity. The company told us this safety warning is a result of an EU mandate that does not recognize any stroller as a jogging product and requires the warning be included. This EU mandate is not applicable in the US or Canada, and they confirm it is indeed suitable for running and was designed for this purpose. However, because they have put in writing that this stroller is not suitable for running, we have no choice but to list this product as a do not recommend option and provide transparency to our readers so they can make their own decision.
The company gave us an official statement in regards to the warning:
Performance Comparison
Run-ability
The Glide 2 is easy to run with but not as easy as the swivel-wheeled options we've tested. It did earn a fairly high score, but not the same as other strollers we tested.
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 Glide 2 has an adjustable handlebar for better biomechanics that could translate to running longer distances. The twisting handbrake 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 or who regularly and frequently run.
After 5 miles of running on various surfaces, we have some thoughts about the Glide 2. Overall, this jogger is stable and sturdy, lightweight, and easy to push, but we had to use two hands frequently on surfaces that weren't flat and firm. Running with a single hand is more challenging as the brake is in the middle, and it can take some practice and patience to use the brake only when you want to slow and not accidentally.
Pushing uphill is a moderate effort, but it really excels when the path is flat and relatively straight with minimal turns. While an excellent runner, the longer design makes it a great option for the open road but less for off-road trails.
Ease of Use
This stroller is one of the easier-to-use joggers in the review. While not the highest in the group, it is higher than average.
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 mesh stow pocket in the back seat and two inside stow pockets for the passenger. The bin is not covered, so if something is important, keeping it in the mesh pocket is better. There is no parent console.
Fold and Unfold
The Glide 2 fold is one-handed and has a twist-and-pull folding handle under the seat. It requires two hands to lift the seat to access the handle, and it doesn't self-stand, but the new version has an auto-lock. Unfolding is a two-step process that is simple but will take some practice to do smoothly.
Harness
We found the Glide's five-point harness 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 simultaneously reducing the waist and shoulder straps.
Brakes
The Thule Glide 2 has single-action brakes that are easy to set and release but aren't the best for sandaled feet.
It has a unique deceleration brake on the handlebar. This brake has more of a twist/throttle style movement instead of the more common squeeze lever style. We prefer this design and think it is better for anyone who has hand mobility issues that decrease grip strength. It isn't as responsive as others, but it will slow the stroller down.
Ease of Setup
This stroller doesn't require any tools to assemble and only needs the wheels put on. The manual is awful and arguably one of the most useless user guides we've seen. The entire thing is full of Xs and check marks, as well as some drawings and a stick figure. We get that it is for multiple countries and languages, but it feels lazy and fails to relay useful information on safety and how to use the product. Kind of a bummer for a stroller that costs this much.
Maneuverability
The Glide 2 struggles compared to the swivel wheel options, as the fixed wheel design limits tight turns and navigating through small spaces.
It is easy enough to use outdoors, but indoors and tighter spaces will remind you why it is a dedicated running stroller.
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 adjustable handlebar is foam-covered, and tires and suspension provide a forgiving design for pushers moving over bumpy surfaces.
Transport and Storage
The Glide 2 earned a lower score for this metric because it is longer and heavier than much of the competition.
This stroller weighs 24.4 lbs, 4 lbs heavier than the old model and heavier than the average option in this review. Its lighter weight makes it easier to lift, but its longer dimensions make it harder to stow in your car or smaller spaces.
When folded, it measures 20,352 cubic inches, which is one of the largest folded options in the group, with dimensions of 36.5" x 27.2" x 20.5".
It can be slightly smaller if you remove the wheels, but we don't think parents are going to bother, or it won't be convenient. If your space is limited, it could make it challenging to fit the Glide 2 into your life.
Quality
The Glide 2 earned a higher-than-average quality result. While some earned higher marks, including the other Thule in our review, it is still very nice and well put together.
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 sleek, sharp-looking aluminum frame that hides all connection points. It has a seamless connection with the fabric in a groove. The folding joint has some movement, but it doesn't impact the stroller's performance. It is the sleekest stroller in the group, with all the components creating a clean fit and finish.
The aluminum spoked wheels are nice, with easy-to-access valves. The tires are of good quality and did not go flat or need refilling during testing. All of the components worked as they should and showed no manufacturer defect.
Kids' Comfort
The Glide 2 earned a below-average result for passenger comfort. This stroller has a padded sling-style seat, nice suspension, and rubber air-filled tires to provide a comfortable ride for passengers.
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 the recline angle is suitable for napping.
The seat offers good air circulation through a vented portion at the top, which can be covered in cold weather.
The canopy on the Glide 2 is large and sleek, with a fabric visor and a plastic peek-a-boo window with a magnetic closure cover. The new canopy has a zip-open panel that reveals added ventilation when you unzip it. The entire canopy can rotate forward to the knee for running with a low sun or oncoming wind.
Should You Buy the Thule Glide 2?
We would like to recommend this stroller for dedicated runners as it performed well in our tests and is a high-quality dedicated fixed-wheel option. For a serious runner, putting in the miles with quickness, it is hard to find better than the Glide 2. It has larger wheels, a fixed front wheel, adjustable tracking, suspension, an adjustable handlebar, and a handbrake, all designed to make a dedicated runner feel at ease at speed. However, the Thule Safety Manual includes a warning that the stroller is “not suitable for running.” After reaching out to Thule, we understand this is included because an EU mandate requires it, and it is not applicable in the US and Canada. Unfortunately, given that the company has put in writing that this stroller is not suitable for running and included it in the box with our stroller, we have no choice but to take them at their written word, making this option one we do not recommend.
What Other Jogging Stroller Should You Consider?
Overall, if you need a more casual option for occasional jogging, the Guava Roam Crossover is one to consider. This option performed well in our running tests and offers much for the baby's comfort. It has a locking swivel front wheel for indoor and outdoor use, making it a great one-and-done stroller that can save you money over buying two strollers. If you are hoping for a stroller you can use for as long as possible, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is a high-performing option that has a maximum child capacity of 75 lbs.