2020 Recall: The Thule Sleek was recalled in August of 2020. The handlebar can snap off the frame leaving the parent with no control over the stroller.
Thule Sleek Combo Review
Impressive car seat attachment for twins but struggles with weight and size issues
Price:
$850 List
Pros: Multiple seating options, good for twins or multiple kids
Cons: Expensive, large
Manufacturer: Thule
Pros: Multiple seating options, good for twins or multiple kids
Cons: Expensive, large
Manufacturer: Thule
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team ⋅ Oct 14, 2019
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The Skinny
The Thule Sleek is an awesome stroller for multiple children and one of only a few that will work for infant twins. However, if you are looking for a lightweight option for carrying your single car seat, then this is not the one for you. We like this high-quality stroller and think it is an excellent addition to the Thule lineup, but it suffered in a category where being compact and lightweight rules all. If you have multiple children, twins, or want a stroller that can grow with your family, and you can tolerate the heft and size, then this stroller may be the one for you despite its lower score in this review.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Recall Mar 19, 2020
Thule issued a recall notice for their Chicco infant car seat adapter. If you wanted to combine the Sleek with a Chicco infant car seat, then you're currently out of luck. The only alternative adapter for the Sleek works with some model types of Maxi-Cosi®, BeSafe®, Cybex® and Nuna® infant car seats (confirm with Thule for details).
Thule issued a recall notice for their Chicco infant car seat adapter. If you wanted to combine the Sleek with a Chicco infant car seat, then you're currently out of luck. The only alternative adapter for the Sleek works with some model types of Maxi-Cosi®, BeSafe®, Cybex® and Nuna® infant car seats (confirm with Thule for details).
Thule (Too-La) is a Swedish company that started in 1942 by Erik Thulin. The company went from producing products for fishermen to creating stuff for outdoor adventures. The company hopes to increase outdoor fun, taking the stress out of transporting your outdoor gear using over 70+ years of experience. They currently make everything from roof and bike racks, to strollers and trailers.
Performance Comparison
The Thule Sleek is shown here during testing with the Cybex Cloud Q.
Ease of Attaching Car Seat
The Sleek works with a variety of infant car seat from different brands and relies on adapters to make this happen. With a variety of adapters and connection styles, this stroller has something for everyone.
It is compatible with some seats from the Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Chicco brands with the use of the Thule Sleek Car Seat Adapter for Chicco. The potential options include the Cybex Aton 2, Cybex Cloud Q, Nuna Pipa, Chicco Keyfit 30, and Chicco Fit2. We tested our Sleek with Cybex Aton 2 using the Thule Sleek Car Seat Adapter for Maxi-Cosi. The adapter includes two side attachment points (above left) that fit easily on the frame (above right) and require no assembly.
The toddler seat and canopy need to be removed to attach the adapters, and the seat clicks in place quickly after you lineup the sides. The seat is easier to connect than removing because of the side release points on the Cybex. Something that isn't the fault of the stroller and more a result of the carrier. Using a different adapter or carrier can fix this flaw. The seat is stable, and we did not experience any incorrect attachment attempts during testing.
The Sleek has a rather large fold if you don't remove the seat and back wheels. However, compared to some other double strollers it isn't as large.
Weight and Folded Size
The Sleek is a big stroller for car seat attachment. However, if you need a stroller with double seating or attachment for two car seats, then this is one of only a few potential candidates with versatile seating. It weighs 21.3 lbs without seats. It measures 16,493 cubic inches when folded, which is significantly larger than some of the competition. These measurements mean you can find a similar option that is both smaller and lighter.
Maneuverability
The Sleek has an above-average performance for maneuverability, which is better than other strollers with foam-filled plastic wheels. Pushing on flat and hard surfaces is easy, and the stroller moves well without hiccups. It continued to impress on gravel and grass without much additional pressure or difficulty rolling and turning on uneven ground.
The adjustable handlebar on the Sleek telescopes in and out to keep taller pushers further from the rear of the stroller to avoid kicking the stroller while strolling.
Ease of Use
The Sleek is one of the easier options to use.
The two side release points are why the Sleek requires two hands to initiate the fold.
Fold and Unfold
The Sleek folds with two hands, has an auto-lock, and self-stands with no carry strap. It is a simple process with only two steps, but it does require significant bending. The inability to roll when folded and the lack of a carry strap make the weight and size potentially frustrating.
The center rocker brake pedal on the Sleek works well with a foot-friendly design.
Brakes
This stroller has a large center brake pedal that rocks back and forth to set and release. These single action brakes are easy to use and friendly to feet and shoes alike.
The Sleek storage bin is large and fits our extra-large diaper bag but the weight allowance is one third that of the similar UPPAbaby Vista.
Storage
The huge bin on the Sleek has a maximum allowance of only 11 lbs, which is almost 20 lbs less than some of the competition. It does fit our extra-large diaper bag and has easy access from all sides, but we worry the weight limit will limit the supplies you can carry.
Sunshade
The sunshade is removed when you attach a carrier to the stroller, so you need to rely on the car seat canopy.
Ease of Setup
The Sleek takes just 6 minutes to assemble and has a great instruction book making it simple and straightforward to set up. The manual has multiple languages that each have their own section. The illustrations are in the back and are not near the instructions.
The Sleek is a high-quality stroller with impressive attention to detail.
Quality
The Sleek is quality on wheels. The fabric is a heavy canvas that feels durable but comfy and easy to clean. The Sleek has a sturdy frame with no flex or movement under pressure. The wheels are foam filled plastic but nicer than those seen on less expensive options. Everything fits together well with a fit and finish that is "sleek" and sharp looking.
The Sleek has an adjustable telescoping handlebar with a comfortable fit in hand. The handle is padded and smooth and easy to clean. The seats are comfortable, and the all-wheel suspension provides enough comfort for passengers and pushers on longer trips.
Manufacturer's Video
— Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team