Thule Urban Glide 2 Review

The Swedish company, Thule (Too-La), started in 1942 by creating products for fishermen. Today their products range from roof racks and luggage boxes to bike racks, trailers, and strollers.

Performance Comparison

The chart below is a comparison of the overall scores for the jogging strollers tested in this review. The Thule Urban Glide 2 (in blue) managed a high score for the group.

The sections below include details on how it performed. Individual scores are used to determine the overall rating with emphasis on run-ability and ease of use results.

Run-Ability

Thule earned a 9 of 10 for run-ability, which is the highest score in the metric. The similar BOB Revolution Flex earned a 9 as well. The swivel wheel options (with the wheel locked) scored higher on average for run-ability than the fixed wheel strollers which historically were considered the ideal by die-hard runners.

It has a locking swivel front wheel and adjustable tracking with large easy to use knobs located where the wheel connects to the frame. This stroller runs straight on pneumatic rubber tires, and tips easily to navigate the trail. We experienced a little play in the front wheel, but the stroller doesn't wander, and the play resulted in less need for back tipping to turn and our professional runner remarks it is "very runnable."

This jogger has an adjustable height handlebar with an ergonomic design the cuts the corners of the handlebar for great hand placement while on the go. The bar is covered in dense foam with a twisting handle brake designed to slow the stroller as you roll downhill or to a stop.

Ease of Use

We found it to be one of the easier to use strollers in the review.

Though it lacks the same intuitive design on the Burley Solstice with an ease of use score of 9, it still offers features that are simple to use and function well with a light blue color for most points of adjustment.

Fold and Unfold

Folding isn't as the smooth Burley Solstice, but there are fewer steps than the BOB Revolution Flex and you only need one hand (even if it is more comfortable with two). The folding mechanism is under the leg rest, and it slides and twists (above left) allowing you to fold the stroller half. The fold handle doubles as a place to hold to roll the stroller or lift it. This option doesn't self-stand which can make it harder to transport or stow out of the way. The new model does have an auto-lock (above right) feature and new "compact" fold which pulls in the rear wheels for a smaller footprint.

Brakes

The brakes are single action with an extra-large plastic pedal (above left) in the middle of the rear axle that is easy to set and release. The Urban Glide 2 also has a deacceleration brake (above right) not found on the old version. The brake is a unique twisting handbrake in the middle of the handlebar. It is easy to grip and turn and does a respectable job of slowing the stroller.

Storage

The storage bin is large and comes with a weatherproof zippered cover (above left) to keep items clean and prevent them from falling out. The basket is easy to access from the rear and sides, and we fit our large diaper bag inside. It has a maximum weight capacity of 10 lbs. This limit is 5 lbs less than the larger bin on the Burley Solstice. The Mountain Buggy Terrain also has a zippered cover, but its mesh design does not keep items clean or dry. The Urban Glide 2 has a mesh pocket on the back of the seat that is large enough for most convenience items, and passenger mesh pockets inside the passenger area (above right) for sippy cups and snacks.

Sunshade

Thule has improved their already awesome canopy on the original Urban Glide by adding zippered ventilation to the back (above left) and changing the visor from mesh to the same material as the rest of the canopy. The shade is one of the nicest canopies in the review, with a large vinyl peek-a-boo window (above right) with a magnetic closure.

The canopy can rotate forward for protection from low sun and the wind, unlike the stationary canopy on the BOB, and it snaps into place for a sleek look.

Harness

The 5-point harness on the Urban Glide 2 is easy to put on and adjust with straps that tighten the shoulder and waist simultaneously with one pull on each side. It also features adjustable shoulder and crotch straps, something not found on all of the competition, which makes the harness easier to fit. The new Urban Glide 2 has an improved buckle that only requires one hand and pops open with a squeeze.

Seat

The seat on this stroller is a sling style with a nicely padded non-adjustable leg rest and an easy to clean footrest. The seat back has a one-handed adjustment toggle that is easy to operate, and the back lays flat enough for comfy napping. The reclined seat has a vented area at the top for additional airflow that you can cover if the weather is cold.

Car Seat Compatibility

Thule offers optional infant car seat adapters for the Urban Glide 2 including the Thule Car Seat Adapter for Chicco, the Thule Car Seat Adapter for Maxi Cosi, and the Thule Infant Car Seat Adapter. These adapters allow you to safely walk baby in their infant car seat carrier attached to the stroller while they are too young to jog with (8-12 months, discuss with your pediatrician). The Chicco adapter works with the award-winning Chicco Keyfit 30 and Keyfit infant car seats. The Thule Infant Car Seat Adapter is somewhat of a universal adapter that works with a variety of popular brands including the award-winning UPPAbaby Mesa and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, and some seats by Graco, Britax, Bob, and Safety 1st.

Ease of Setup

The Thule is very easy to assemble, with a build time of 5:13 minutes. The only assembly required for this stroller is putting on the rear wheels. No tools are required but there is an insert on how to remove the front wheel that can throw you off. The manual is multi-language and the directions don't start for a few pages but the illustrations are simple and clear.

Maneuverability

It earned the high score for maneuverability with a 9 of 10, tying with the BOB Revolution Flex.

The front swivel wheel on this stroller helps it navigate tight spaces and pushing and turning on hard flat surfaces is a breeze.

The Thule is very responsive, and our professional runner feels this stroller is lightweight and easy to turn. Off-road the Urban Glide 2 excels, and we like how it handles rougher terrain, making it a good choice for managing a variety of unexpected outdoor surfaces from forest trails to playpark greenbelts.

It sports rear wheel suspension, pneumatic tires, and padded sling style seat for a more comfortable riding experience. The rear shocks make this stroller a little jumpy when going down curbs, but the longer handlebar keeps you standing straighter for better control.

Weight and Folded Size

Even though it is 2 lbs heavier than the previous version at 24.4 lbs, it is still relatively light compared to the competition.

This jogger is the fourth lightest option in this review, and it has the seventh smallest fold overall, at about 15,300 cubic inches.

These measurements make it lighter than the BOB Revolution Flex and lighter and smaller than the Burley Solstice, so it may be easier to lift and carry. You can also use the quick release hubs to remove the wheels to make it smaller if your trunk space is limited.

Quality

The Urban Glide earned a 9 of 10 in our tests for quality, with only the Thule Glide 2 scoring higher with a 10. The components and materials combine to create one of the sleekest and sharp looking joggers in the review.

This stroller has nice fabric that feels good and appears breathable. The fabric didn't snag in our tests, and it fit the frame nicely in a groove that hides seams and fittings. The frame has a sleek design that is pleasing to the eye and is lightweight with very little flex. The Urban Glide 2 has molded plastic wheels with air-filled rubber tires that do not wiggle or vibrate where connected. The joints and connections are solid without flex or give.

Manufacturer Video

Accessories

Thule offers several nice accessories you can purchase to use with the Urban Glide.

• Thule Snack Tray — A snack tray can come in handy if you use a jogger for everyday strolling. This addition rotates to the side for easy access getting into and out of the stroller and is easy to attach and remove.

• Thule Car Seat Adapters —
  
  A car seat adapter makes strolling with an infant a breeze and extends the usable life of your jogger. Thule offers two car seat adapters that work with some Chicco, Peg Perego, UPPAbaby, Britax, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Nuna options (see Car Seat Compatibility above).

• Thule Mesh Cover —
  
  The mesh cover is a nice addition for hotter weather that offers protection against bugs and the sun, but still allows for airflow.

• Thule Rain Cover —
  
  This clear rain cover drapes over the seat to protect little passengers from rain, snow, or the wind without limiting visibility of the world around them. Arguably a must have if you plan to run no matter what the weather.

Other Versions

Thule makes two different strollers for jogging with a single child and a variety of bike trailers that are compatible with a jogging kit (sold separately). We reviewed two Thule products in addition to the Urban Glide 2 including the:

• Thule Glide 2 —
  
  The Glide is a fixed wheel jogging stroller that performed similarly to the Urban Glide without the versatility and maneuverability of the swivel front wheel and a lower run-ability score. This stroller came in third place overall, scoring only one point higher than the Burley Solstice, which won a Top Pick award for ease of use and scored 9 points lower than the Urban Glide.

• Thule Chariot Cross 2 with Jog Kit --
  
  The Chariot Cross 2 earned a Top Pick award for outdoor adventure in this review and our double stroller review. It is a versatile bike trailer that seats two, has adjustable suspension and can convert to a stroller, jogger, or sled with the addition of conversation kits (sold separately).