Update on Chariot CX2

After having the Thule Chariot CX2 for about two years, I would say I'm satisfied with it. I can't say I'd bend over backwards to tell a friend about it but there aren't many strollers at this point that I would. Here's what I LOVE vx don't like about the stroller.

What I Love:

1. Both kids sit comfortably next to one another. Each child has their own adjustable harness that is HARD to get out of. This is a big PLUS.  They also have their own mesh side pouch for toys or a water bottle. 

2. The covers are really great.  To have the ability to choose between wind resistance plastic covers, a mesh cover that keeps mosquitoes out but air in, and finally a sun-blocking shade really is one of the top features I can brag about when pushing my kids around in this stroller.  I use them all, all at the same time sometimes and all on their own at other times. 

3. The back storage compartment.  It's big, it's great, it's BIG, it folds up when not in use (who are we kidding, it's ALWAYS in use...I have 2 kids!). 

4. The walking swivel wheels. These guys are great for a stroll and or a fast walk. 

5. The wheels all come off and store on the buggy.  It does add weight but it saves on storage space. I appreciate this feature.

6. The bike attachment. Man this is the easy part. Super easy to attach, kids jump in, we ride. Lovely. 

What I don't exactly love.

1. The stroller is HEAVY. It's hard to lift by myself.  I'm 5'3" but pretty strong. This stroller is bulky and fills my 4Runner's entire trunk. Taking off wheels helps some but I find myself figuring out how I don't have to put it in my car and instead leave it set up in my garage. 

2. The new disc breaks aren't that fantastic. Having some breaks is better than no breaks at all but when pressure is applied it pulls hard to one side.  I've tried balancing, etc but nothing seems to fix this problem.

3. My husband wishes the handlebars were a bit higher. He's 6'3". 

4. The jogging wheel is fixed. The stroller is HEAVY, even heavier with 80 pounds of kid in it.  Jogging on anything other than a super straight path is not easy. 

5. The handbrake "lock" is sticky. It takes a bit of figuring out but does work. Anyone who is a first time user of my stroller though gets confused.

Overall, I like this stroller. I use it to walk, jog and bike.  The fact I can pull it behind my bike still makes this stroller win for me over the Double BOB.  If I was only a runner, the Double BOB would be my first choice without a doubt. 

Chariot CX2 vs Chariot Chinook

I recently had my second child (5 months ago to be exact) and I really was convinced I did not want to invest in a double jogger. 

My journey with two kids began by going the less expensive route as I opted for the "everyday" travel friendly stroller - the Joovy Ultralight.  This stroller has been fantastic, especially considering the reasonable price tag of $259.00. After using a 20% off at Buy Buy Baby, it comes out to even less.  Pretty incredible being that my single strollers cost this much alone.  This stroller comes with the baby carrier attachment, a built in locks and you do not have to remove a 2nd seat for travel purposes...an added bonus for flights. It's easy to open and close and an added bonus, my 2 1/2 year old LOVES the sit/stand feature. He can't wait to ride on it and he loves helping me push as well.  All this being said, it's a great stroller for what I purchased it for, "everyday use."

And then my exercise routine began again.  After my c-section I began walking the kids to the grocery store and back. I began running on my own in the mornings. I trained (ha - bare minimum) for my goal of a sprint triathlon a few months after my 2nds birth as my "getting back into shape goal."  It was then that I realized a double jogger meant independence. It meant I could actually get out and run or walk with ease and the kids could be happy. My active lifestyle could continue inside or outside of the gym.  Those first three months when babies can't go to the gym can be rough when exercise is my "drug of choice!" 

All this being said, when I crossed the finish line of my sprint triathlon, I realized that I had the running bug again. I was ready to train for races and I NEEDED a double jogger. NOW! 

After researching online, talking to friends with multiple kids, and taking a few strollers for test drives, I decided I wanted to pursue the THULE CHARIOT brand.   

My first research efforts had me choose the Chinook but after receiving it and loading both kids in I quickly realized my kids are too tall and so I decided to return the very cool chinook for the newest double out there, the CX2 with disc breaks!