Customer Reviews

Baby Jogger City Elite Single Stroller, Black Sport

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used the City Mini for 18 months then decided to upgrade to the Elite...
The City Mini is like a tight little sports car, small compact, tight steering but you can feel every bump on the ground so best suited for indoor use or perfectly paved surfaces. The Elite is like a big Cadillac with a soft gentle ride, but definitely not as easy to maneuver in very tight quarters. It's only 2 inches wider than the Mini but the back wheels have little caps that stick out an additional inch and tend catch on things. So while I can fit in doorways easily, I definitely feel like I need to be more aware of the footprint. With the Mini, I never thought about fitting into spaces and with the Elite I find I am much more careful about "fitting".

What I do love about the Elite are the large 12 inch wheels. We live in a city with lots of brick and cobblestone streets/walkways. I was concerned that I might need to go up to the 16 inch wheels offered by Bob Revolution or the BabyJogger Summit, but the 12 inch wheels handle these rough terrain perfectly. While the Mini was more compact, it was hard maneuvering over the big tree roots growing out of the sidewalks. The Elite pushes so easily over the big bumps that the narrow walkways are no problem at all. I even pushed the stroller around on uncut grass and it maneuvered smoothly. So if you're concerned about 12 inch vs 16 inch wheels, go for the 12 inch to save space unless you plan on serious off-roading or long distance running.

I also called BJ about some of the specifications because several websites indicated the newer 2010 model with forever tires was 12% lighter. That is NOT the case at all. The older models with air filled tires are nearly 2 lbs lighter. So if you're really worried about weight, consider getting the older model. Also, the footprint of the stroller is the same width between 2010 and older models...the extra width is due to the handbrake only. The basket on 2010 model is larger. The royal blue, stone and all black are no longer offered in 2010. Everything else is the same.

Some other strollers that I considered were:
Bob Revolution---didn't choose because back height much shorter and I felt my regular sized toddler would outgrow within a year. Plus the seat did not sit upright fully and I felt my toddler was very slouchy in the seat. There was no bumper bar offered that she could hold onto and sit up. Plus no option for additional seat for second child.
UppaBaby Vista---ride definitely not as smooth. Very hard suspension despite large tires. Basically the ride was like the City Mini so for the huge price tag, not worth it for me.
BJ Summit--I seriously considered this stroller for its off road capabilities but honestly the Elite is perfect for our outdoor use and it's smaller and lighter. No need for the Summit unless you are a serious runner.
Bumbleride Indie---weight limit only 45 lbs vs 75lbs for the Elite, plus no opportunity to add another seat for second child.
Phil and Teds---terrible canopy and some issues with quality.

Overall, I love the City Elite. The only reason for 4 stars is that it is a little wide and I wish the wheels didn't have those silly caps that stick out. Also, great ride but when going backwards to forwards there is always a small catch as the front wheel has to turn 180 degrees. Lastly, I didn't think it would be such a big deal, but the adjustable handle bar is one of my favorite features. I'm short and I find it much much much easier to push the stroller when I have full control of how high the handle is. Didn't realize how much wrist and arm strain I had until I actually had the opportunity to control the height. Really I'd give this stroller 4.75 stars.

After researching strollers, from reading Baby Bargains to reading lots of blogs, this is by far the best stroller for average neighborhood, park, and various outdoor use.

One important thing I have learned that may not be obvious: The reviews on Amazon are bundled- so every stroller/product option shown shares the same reviews. This can be very misleading.

The strollers shown here are from 2 different years. The model numbers and the weights are the key. One review mentioned the foam tires. As far as I know this is a great new improvement for 2010 models- and not on the 2009 models. The Blue, both Black, and Stone models have air tires, the Red, Lime, and Sky have the forever air tires. If color isn't a big deal- get the forever tires for the same price! The 2010 versions are usually way more expensive elsewhere- it looks like this retailer isn't aware of this great improvement and this can save you maybe 150!

The 2009 models are still great and the best- the only difference I can see from 2010 are the tires and possibly parent console. I just know how confusing all the stroller choices can be and I hope this can help. Also, you can call Baby Jogger directly with any model number and they can tell you what year it is and any details you need- they are great! If looking at 2007 or 2008 models, confirm with BJ what the upgrades have been- I think there were some major updates like child weight limits.

I think it's important to mention that I have the 2009 model. That means that I have a foot brake vs. hand brake (no problem or complaint here), the tires are air (would have been nice to have the forever air foam tires in the 2010, but not that big a deal for me), and the basket is quite a bit smaller on the 2009. From what I understand however the 2009 is a couple of pounds lighter than the 2010.

All in all, I do like this stroller a lot. Both of my kids seem very comfortable in it (newborn, now 6 months and a 2 year old). It reclines fully and with some head support it is great for a newborn. My previous stroller is a bugaboo and what I was looking for more than anything was simplicity. I find the Bugaboo a pain to operate, fold, attach car seats etc. The City Elite is great for that - given how easy it is to fold. So many reviews went into such great detail about the stroller that I won't repeat the same sentiments but I have two complaints that I wish I had seen in person (as I bought this online without testing it out first).

- The seat does not sit upright. I find that my toddler is always slouched. He seems comfortable enough but because the seat is somewhat "flimsy" and not structured like the bugaboo he can't be seated fully upright. This makes the child tray a bit useless in my opinion as it's not aligned properly to the way that the child is sitting. It is also very wide in the back and it seems unnecessary. I also own the Baby Jogger City Classic Double and it is only slightly wider because they kept the back wheels tucked in nicely under the seats. With the Elite singles the wheels go out much farther from the frame of the stroller. Makes getting around trickier than you would think for a single. I also find it really long and think that they could have kept the front tire tucked in under the frame rather than protrude so far out.

With all that said, the stroller is still great - rides really well, effortless really. Kids seem really comfortable and it is incredibly easy to fold. It's not a lightweight stroller and it can take up a fair bit of room but that's mostly because of the tires. If you need to pack it in to a tight space you can always pop off the tires.

I would recommend this stroller but would like Baby Jogger to improve upon the things I mentioned.

I was so sure I'd found the perfect all-terrain stroller after reading the reviews here, and I really wanted to love it because it looks great and has a fantastic canopy (loved the magnetic flaps!), BUT ... the foam filled forever-air tires are practically as hard a the plastic wheels of our Graco, and according to customer service the City Elite "does not have a defined suspension". Everybody who said it runs smoothly must have the older model with the pneumatic tires.
So even when pushing the stroller over the metal transition strip between the carpet and tile in our house I felt a big bump; this is not the right stroller for cobblestone, gravel or bumpy sidewalks. Also, pretty much the first sentence in the manual is a warning that the stroller is not suitable for jogging (speed faster than 3mph).
Another thing I noticed when I put my little one in the seat is that the back is a little reclined even in the most upright position. LO looked very slumped and could not sit straight and look out to the sides like in the Graco. I have a feeling that unfortunately this will not be different in any jogging stroller.
Would consider the Summit if only it came in the same design as the City Elite. And so the hunt goes on ...

I am so excited I found this stroller!!! I have a 62 pound 42 inch tall toddler that fits in and LOVES this stroller! It folds easily and isn't too bulky when collapsed, has a HUGE removable canopy, and the straps are easily adjusted. I can't say how much I love this stroller. The green isn't as bright as the picture... is more of a sage/light green. There is plenty of shoulder room. The entire seat snaps off so it can be washed in a standard washer. Love, love, love it! Worth the $!

I was hesitant to spend this much on a stroller, but found a good deal online for $130 less than the retail price with no tax and free shipping on the 2009 model. I needed a stroller that would be big enough for my big 2 year old - 37 inches, 30 lbs. I loved that the City Elite weight limit is 75 lbs and the canopy is so high and large. There is plenty of headroom inside for my child. The back wheels are wide so this stroller is best used outdoors at the zoo/park. Narrow aisles in a store are probably too tight.

I got the 2009 model (all black) with air filled tires and the foot brake. The 2010 model has forever air filled tires, and a hand brake. I am short so the hand brake would've been better for me. I have to stretch a bit to get the foot brake down with a diaper bag and small cooler hanging from the handle bar. Also, the stroller did not tip over with the diaper bag and small cooler hanging from the handle bar. The parent console is very useful, as well as the lift up legrest that lets you access the basket from the front. There are lots of compartments to hold things.

The canopy is huge and has side flaps for ventilation and for your child to see out from the sides when the canopy is down. Also, there are two windows on top to peek in on your child. The recline is practically flat and seating is thickly padded, but it doesn't get too hot because it's vented on the back. There is also a built in solid cover that can go over the mesh if you want to use it when the seat is reclined.

My child was very comfortable sitting and napping in her new "big girl stroller". Dad was happy that it folds and unfolds easily, but there are two straps that you're supposed to use to prevent the stroller from being folded up by accident. So if you use the straps, there is the extra step of unstrapping them before you can pull on the handle on the seat to fold up the stroller.

This is a bulky stroller when folded with the wheels so you need a big trunk. But I also know that I will be able to use this stroller for many years because it's so big. The wheels are easily removable for easier storage. Like another reviewer mentioned, the stroller unfolds easily when folded, because there is no strap to lock it into place. We use a shoelace to tie the front wheel to the handle bar, when folded, to hang the stroller up in the garage.

The best thing about this stroller is that it pushes and turns so easily with one hand. It takes no effort at all. The ride is very comfortable even on the bumpiest roads because of the large air filled tires. Also, you can go over uneven pavement and sidewalk curbs with no problem.

We initially purchased the Chicco travel system stroller that went with my son's car seat. We quickly found, however, that it was too narrow in the shoulder area for my big boy. He's not chubby, but he's in the 95th percentile for height and weight. He would cry every time he was in that stroller, and it took us a while to figure out why--he was uncomfortable. I wish we had never bought that stroller. We needed something wider and more comfortable for him to ride in. After doing a ton of research, we went with the City Elite, and I am very happy with it. My son fits in it very well, and seems to like it. The canopy comes down very low to block sun/wind, but the magnetic flaps that enable you to look in are great. My son loves it when we play peek-a-boo using the flaps. We also purchased the matching diaper bag that hooks onto the stroller and the tray that goes across the front. The diaper bag was pricey, but it is so nice to just hook it on and not have to worry about trying to carry it or worry that it will tip the stroller over. I haven't tried jogging with it, but I think it would be very easy. The stroller says it is not designed for jogging, but I think that is probably the over-cautious legalese. It probably would be fine for the casual jogger-walker like me.

Pros:
Easy to get baby in and out
Very maneuverable
Looks great
Magnetic flaps on canopy
Relatively easy to raise and lower back for baby to take naps
Love the hook-on diaper bag
Easy to fold
Footrest area can be adjusted up or down for baby's comfort
Easy to put together

Cons:
It is a bit larger and heavier than other strollers when folded. It isn't problematic and fits in my small SUV well, but worth noting. I also haven't figured out a way to lock it when it is folded, so it starts unfolding as I'm removing it from the car. That could just be because I haven't yet figured out how to lock it. Again, though, not a problem.
It is wider than other strollers (especially when the diaper bag is attached), so I have a little trouble fitting through some crowded store aisles.
I find that the storage basket underneath isn't as accessible as other strollers, but I can get to it as needed with a little effort. It helps when the footrest is positioned up.

I am loving this stroller. a few points to note (I have the 20009 model)

-Awesome adjustable handlebar is a PLUS for my 6"4 husband

-There is a closing clasp that keeps the stroller folded. it is a clasp on the right hand side of the stroller just under the 2nd snap. You have to fold the stroller VERY tight with handlebar in upright position and front tire swiveled in order to actually use the clasp, but for those saying there is no way to keep it folded thye just missed the clasp. The manual does not mention the clasp, but it is a black metal clasp that is labeled "Storage Latch"

-I bought the 2009 model at a *steal* on an online baby website...that starts A--- and ends with --bee. :)

-Love how smooth the breaks go down.

-Also, for those that say their chidlren are slouched... you can a actually order a back support to slide in the back of the seat.
[...]
or do what have done with previous joggers, get a bungee cord to pull the seat up more. But I find it sits up pretty strait up.

-and there is now a toddler buggy board you can order--which I plan to do so soon!
[...]

-I do wish the basket underneath was more substantial and more accessible. and that it came with a drink holder. but I can be creative.

-this will make my city dwelling on old brick sidewalks so much more enjoyable! No more catching stroller wheels on popped up bricks, sidewalks, etc. We are smooth riding now!

-the jj cole toddler bundle me fits great on this size jogger

-I love that you can get all kinds of accesories. I am beyond the infant stage, but if we do have another baby I am a little bummed you need to pay for a carseat adapter. I will let you know that on Baby Jogger's website (see link above) in the closeout section, their soft frame pram (not the hard bassinet) is on clearance.

Most of my friends have BOBs, but they just didn't fit me or my husband very well. He's 6'4" and I'm 5'7", so we really needed an adjustable handlebar to both be comfortable. The City Classic and City Elite were the strollers most often recommended for tall parents, and we went with the Elite mainly b/c it was more attractive. We couldn't be happier! My husband doesn't have to walk to the side of the stroller to avoid stepping on the back of it anymore!

The Elite could not be easier to fold and unfold (just one pull!), and when we need more packing space in the car, the wheels come off in a snap. The sunshade has the best coverage I've seen on any stroller and includes magnatized vent flaps and window covers, so you can keep an eye on your kiddo. Since my daughter is still tiny, I also like the extendable platform to support her little legs, and the fully-reclining seat is nice for naps. The handlebar storage space is fine for drinks, keys, etc., and the storage space underneath is ample but not over-large. The Elite is not a true jogger - apparently nothing with an adjustable handlebar is - but it does well for short runs around our neighborhood or even trails. If I could make one change, I'd like a tray or bar to attach toys. They're sold separately but are a little pricey for what you get.

I did so much research to find a good stroller and went with this stroller over the Bob because of its weight and the one easy handle fold up. Here is my following observations:

CONS:

1. The stroller folds up great but is very awkward and sometimes difficult to get opened. (The foot step over the front wheel drags on the ground unless you are really really strong and can hold the whole stroller from the handle higher than your shoulder.

2. The back wheels that come with the stroller have plastic hubs which jut out and catch on everything and it is just awful to get through doorways as the wheel hubs catch and also mark or rip up your door moldings. Just that little bit of hub poking out makes it difficult to use shopping or anywhere indoors.

3.When I first pumped up the air tires one blew up and the rim which is made of plastic shattered from the air pressure and a shard of the rim shot out into my eye. Fortunately I was far enough away there was no damage but it was alarming to say the least. The wheel was completely unusable as was the stroller with only 2 wheels so I called the BJ company and they immediately replaced the wheel for a 30 dollar charge. They sent out a replacement wheel 2 months after I called but sent a temporary wheel made of a metal rim in a day. The metal tire although heavier and a different color did not have the hubs that poked out further than the rim so I use that wheel now since it is safer to pump up and does not catch on anything.

4. The rotating front tire which offers a great 360 turn does something I did not expect. When you are just starting to move forward the wheel tends to remain perpendicular with the direction you are going unless you have it set on the alternate locked straight tire setting. When it does catch in the moveable setting it causes you to believe the stroller has its brakes on. After trying the brake you realize its the wheel but in order to get it to go in the right direction its takes a bit of effort as it is usually stuck in sand or on your door jam or in a rut or on a stone or branch or the like so you end up pulling it backward and trying to realign the wheel which in some cases starts the process over again.

5. The built in basket underneath is very small and has already started tearing where it is sewn to the frame.

6. The seat buckle is hard to press open and hard to figure out how to use. It is great if you have older toddlers who you want to stay put but not so great if Grandma is babysitting and has arthritis in her hands it makes it impossible to use.

7. The seat adjustment is hard to adjust up. Easy if you are adjusting down but if you are going up. You have to stop break the stroller. Push the seat up with your free hand and use your shoulder to try to keep it there then take both hands and squeeze and pull the cinch to get the seat to the setting you need.

PROS:

1. The ride is smooth and can be used while jogging. I have found it to be an excellent jogging stroller and outdoor buggy. Almost floats.

2. The canopy comes down nice and low in the front for walking into the sunlight.

3. Folds up fast and amazing with the one handle. Swoosh right into the trunk with one hand!

4. Has a tall seat back and nice foot step for the older child. Will grow with your baby for sure probably till age 6 or so!

5. Comes with its own soft rack drink and item holder at the handle bar.

6. Handle bar does adjust to height of the person strolling.

7. You can use it on the beach with ease. Rims don't rust and can be washed off easily.

Result: Is I use it every morning to run and to take on walking hikes in Forest.. BUT dread using it in public hope to get the Bob perhaps its better and easier to use as a all around stroller.