Introduction

The 2006 Valco Runabout Tri-mode is the newest version of the popular Runabout single all-terrain stroller. It competes directly against 3-wheel models like the Mountain Buggy Urban Single (MBUS), Bob Revolution, Baby Jogger City Single (BJCS), Phil and Ted’s e3, Adventure Buggy Everest (ABC) and others. These strollers all share medium sized, air-filled tires suitable for indoors, sidewalks or bumpy terrain. With the front wheel locked, they can also be used for power walking or occasional light jogging, but they are not a full-time jogging stroller replacement. The Runabout has been a solid contender and a favorite among parents. The new updates may put it among the top in the class. All the improvements did increase the price somewhat, but Valco did manage to reduce the weight by about two pounds. It weighs roughly 17 pounds without the wheels and around 25 pounds with the wheels. That isn't light, but still very reasonable for an all-terrain model.


Features

COMFORT, STEERING, STYLING

Perhaps most important to many parents are the comfort, steering and styling. Comfort is very good, even compared to the new 2006 MBUS I considered with its updated padding. I didn’t see them at the same time, but the Valco seems to be cushier and it also has a standard baby headhugger insert and standard harness strap comfort covers. The headhugger should be useable for an average baby to about a year. It's still not as comfy as some full-size standard strollers, but perfect for an older baby and possibly even for a bigger infant. The fabric is not particularly soft or plush, but Valco claims it is very breathable. It has more of a slick, sporty feel but appears to be very durable and easy to wipe clean. The seat back recline does not go completely flat, but it does have a very good adjustment range. A key feature for us was that it can adjust fairly upright, especially compared to the MBUS which was rather reclined even at the most upright adjustment. The new strap adjustment is supposed to be easier than the old zipper system on the previous Runabout. You can recline it with one hand by squeezing two plastic tabs together and lowering the seat back to any position you like. Raising it is also easy, but needs two hands- one to push the seat back up to where you want it and the other to pull the strap to cinch it in place. The seatback and canopy height seem at least average, probably tall enough for a big 4-year old or an average 5 year old. Valco also did a great job with the new look and colors. It's a lot sportier than the spartan MBUS or the more jogging-style BJCS and BOB. I purchased the orange and blue "Sunrise Navy" color. The Runabout also pushes very well. With the air tires and the rear suspension, the ride is very smooth and sturdy. It certainly has a heavier feel than our Inglesina Magnum, Zippy and other strollers we've used, but still steers easily even with my 40+ pound daughter. On the other hand, it does not seem to have the one-handed ease of steering as the MBUS, but is still pretty good overall.

HOOD

The new Runabout addresses many of the minor complaints regarding the very good previous model. First, the hood is taller, more rounded and provides more coverage. It also has a simple attachment to the frame, so assembly isn't as difficult. With the seat reclined, the extended hood and flip-out sun visor are above average for sun protection among all-terrain strollers and notably better than the one on the popular MBUS that was my other top choice. In addition, there is a great "undocumented" feature. When the seat back is adjusted to be upright, you can release the velcro tabs that attach the hood to the handlebar frame. That lets you rotate the hood down as far as the bumper bar for nearly complete coverage from the sun. That does pull the back of the hood up to the top, but it still works nicely. A clear plastic, folding rain cover is included standard, though this is an optional item on some competitive models.

TRI MODE

Valco touts their new "Tri-mode" system as a main selling feature. The front wheel assembly and footplate have been redesigned. The footplate is now sturdy aluminum with no fabric cover, so it is easier to keep clean. The handy part is the wheel adjustment. The dial is very easy to use, just rotate to lock the front wheel or allow it to swivel all the way around. There is now a third setting that limits the rotation to 45 degrees. This is apparently useful for hills and rough terrain, though I've not had a chance to really take advantage of it. The adjuster dial can be turned very easily with one hand; no tools are necessary. The front wheel assembly also removes simply with a press of the button on the center of the dial. It goes back in very quickly, too. You can also remove the front wheel axle alone without the whole assembly, using a bicycle type quick-release lever.

WHEELS/SUSPENSION

The wheels are similar to the previous Runabout. They are aluminum to resist rusting and hold wide, 12" air-inflated tires. This type of tire soaks up a lot of bumps in the ground to provide a smooth ride and is typical of most all-terrain 3-wheelers. Valco has added a new rear suspension system; shocks are now included on both rear supports for an even smoother ride over big bumps. A single, center-mounted foot brake locks both wheels with a light touch from the toe of your shoe. Be sure to put the brake on at all times, as we have found that this stroller tends to roll easier than other strollers we've used, even on the very slightest incline. The rear wheels are also very easy to remove with a push of a button in the center of the wheel. Putting them on is also very easy, but keep in mind that the wheels do not seem to be interchangeable. Valco put color coded dots on the wheel and axle so you don't get them switched. A couple buyers in online forums reported that there was a mixup and the wheels didn't fit, but worked fine when they switched them. A mini tire pump is also included standard; it is stored in its own pouch under the back of the seat, above the basket. The frame is a sturdy aluminum alloy and is rated up to a 48 pound child.

STORAGE

Another great new feature is the added storage. A medium-sized, matching storage bag is now attached to the back of the hood. The slick feature is that you can unzip it from the hood and use the carry handle to take the bag anywhere. It's not large, but still enough to hold a few diapers, a pack of wipes, a small bottle and a few other necessities. Also, when removed, it opens up a mesh vent in the back of the hood to provide airflow through the stroller on warm days. If you want the airflow but don't want to carry the bag, it even includes handy straps to hang the bag from the handlebar- a nice touch. Valco also added small saddlebags to the side of the modest shopping basket. These don't hold a lot, but smaller items like the safety leash and possibly a very tightly folded rain cover will fit and that keeps them out of the main basket. The main basket is a decent size and is rated to hold 13 pounds with plenty of room for a medium diaper bag or some shopping. It's also easy to access, with no part of the frame blocking it. Valco even put a zipper on the back of the shopping basket to allow access when the seat is fully reclined, so you don't wake a sleeping child. This didn't really seem necessary to me, but it might come in handy. Finally, a small storage net with an elastic closure is included at the bottom of the seatback, above the basket. Overall, plenty of storage, enough that I don't even need to bring a separate diaper bag for many trips.

EXTRAS

A few other features deserve honorable mention. In addition to the rain cover, a napper bar is also standard. My 1-year old son really likes this feature that was another pricey add-on for the MBUS. It clicks into the frame easily and can be removed with a press of a tab on each side. It is padded for comfort and it adjusts to about six different positions. The handle has a typical height adjustment, similar to the one on the MBUS. You press in a button on each side and it adjusts to at least six different settings including lower ones for more compact folding. It also has soft, foam grips. A detachable safety leash is included standard. You loop it around the handlebar and an elastic insert slips over your wrist. This is probably most useful for hilly areas or light jogging, so you don't lose control of the stroller if your hand slips. A peek-a-boo flap on the top of the hood opens and closes with a velcro tab. This lets you see your baby and allows more airflow. Together with the large vent behind the carry bag and the breathable fabric, they call this their new "AIRGO" airflow system. It hasn't been hot here, yet, but it should help in the summer. The stroller also has some reflective accents for visibility.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

In addition to the optional Valco universal cupholder I received free with my stroller, I also purchased the optional Valco “Hitchhiker” board. This wheeled step attaches to the back of the stroller and allows a toddler or older child up to 66 pounds to ride along behind the stroller while standing. A strap that loops around the handlebar allows you to lift it off the ground when not in use and you can install/remove it very simply once the hardware is attached to the stroller. It is very adjustable, which is good because you have to get it just right to work well and not interfere with the brake lever. Also, the tall hood makes it tough for a child to stand inside the handlebar unless you detach the velcro attachments on the hood and rotate it forward a couple notches. Next is the popular toddler seat attachment, though I have never seen one in person. It turns the single Runabout into a double with one child above the other. The weight limit is increased to 100 pounds total when used as a double. Other optional accessories include a matching footmuff, boot, zip-in insect/sun netting, a hard-sided bassinette for infants, a carseat adapter (Graco and Peg Perego) and a diaper bag. A snack tray option that would replace the napper bar is not available but would have been very nice (Hint to Valco!).


Disadvantages

FOLD

The fold is not as easy as models like the MBUS or BJCS. It's more similar to the BOB in that it takes two hands and a few steps. You probably can't do it with a child in one hand. To fold it, you need to flip open a clamp on each side that locks the frame together. Then you need to release a metal safety catch loop near the clamp on the left side. That allows you to do the first forward fold. You then kick or push on the tab at the top of the shopping basket. That releases the frame around the basket and lets you fold the rear wheels inward. It's not a difficult process, but it does take a couple minutes. On the plus side, it does fold relatively compact compared to the competition. With the wheels removed, it should fit in just about any vehicle. Valco claims it is 32" x 27" x 16" folded with wheels and 25" x 21" x 12" with the wheels removed. Since the wheels are so easy to remove and install, this isn't a hassle at all. Also convenient is the attached strap to keep the stroller from unfolding. It has a number of metal rings that you fit over a metal peg on the frame to keep it shut- a simple feature lacking on some similar models. Unfolding is similar, but reverse. Again, not difficult once you’ve done it a few times, but it does take two hands and a few steps. It's fine to put in and out of a trunk a few times a week, but I wouldn't want to be going on public transportation or stairways with it multiple times a day.

WIDTH

The stroller is also somewhat wider than most other all-terrain models. This is great for outdoors and open spaces and probably helps make the stroller as stable as it is. On the downside, at 27" wide, it doesn't leave much room to spare getting in standard doorways. It also won't fit into small aisles in stores.

INSTRUCTIONS

Another negative is the very mediocre owner's manual. Fortunately, it isn't too hard to figure out how to assemble it because the manual leaves you guessing in some spots. Plus, some sections of the manual appear to refer to features on the previous version or to versions not sold in the USA. Not mentioned at all were the spare parts and tools that leave you wondering if you forgot to install something. Also omitted were instructions about some velcro loops that appear to be used to attach the stroller hood to the handlebar frame. These are the ones you detach along with the velcro on the hood side flaps to allow the hood to rotate all the way down.

HARNESS ADJUSTMENTS

I also think the harness system adjustments could be a little easier. There are 5 separate adjusters. One for each shoulder belt, one for each side of the waist belt and one for the crotch strap. Like many stroller adjusters, you have to loop the straps around the tab to loosen or tighten. It's not hard, but an easier button-press adjuster would be nice on a stroller at this price range. Also, the buckle is a tedious plastic two-piece puzzle system that means you have to put the two tabs together before you can buckle it. This is somewhat more common on carseats to help make sure parents have securely buckled their children at the cost of needing two hands and a little extra time. Perhaps Valco felt this necessary to make sure kids are buckled for hills and other rough terrain, but I'd have rather had an easier, normal buckle system. The harness and buckle do seem to be of good quality, even if it does take a minute or two longer to make adjustments. On the plus side, it does have a strap holder loop for the shoulder straps and crotch strap to allow better adjustment for small and large kids.

PRICE

While expensive compared to mass market strollers, it's about the same price as its main competitor, the MBUS. It's only a bit pricier than others like the Boogie, e3, Revolution and BJCS.

OTHER

It's still not a perfect stroller, though I definitely prefer it over the competition for my preferences. The other issues I mentioned were not really an issue for me, but I could see where they might be more important to someone else. For the price, I’d have liked a standard cupholder and a warranty longer than one year for a product made in China. Also, be sure to check all the exposed edges, screws and fasteners when you assemble your stroller. I got a small cut on a finger and then discovered a few sharp burrs remaining. You sometimes have to jiggle the stroller back and forth to get the rear brake to completely engage and disengage on both sides, not really a disadvantage, but I thought I'd mention it. I initially noticed a very slight squeak from the front wheel, mostly on large bumps. Fortunately, that seems to have disappeared with some use and some silicone lubricant. I also had a rubbing/rattling noise occur at one point but I finally noticed that I had not completely locked the hinge on the frame that supports the shopping basket- oops! That's really about all I could list for disadvantages. I'd still pick the Trimode again if I had to make the choice.


Conclusion

Overall, this is an awesome stroller so far and I really enjoy walking with it more than any other stroller I've used. I haven't had it long enough to discover any major durability issues, but it seems very well made with quality welds throughout the frame and solid metal fasteners and snaps everywhere. The Runabout Trimode seems to be most comparable to the MBUS and I had a tough time deciding between the two. Really, I don't think I could have gone wrong with either one. For about the same price, the Tri-Mode gives you a few extra features, sportier styling and improvements like a better hood and more storage. You can also upgrade the Tri-Mode to a double with the optional toddler accessory. On the other hand, the MBUS has its characteristic, spartan styling, somewhat easier steering, easier fold and is a few pounds lighter.

If you are buying an all-terrain stroller, I highly recommend that you consider the Valco Runabout Tri Mode. I also recommend Jo and Melissa at LetsGoStrolling.com; I purchased mine there and am very happy with their expert, personal service. If you are shopping around, definitely give them a call for a change from the typical big online baby store. They even have a stroller consultation service on their website and can help parents select among competitive models like the BJCS, Zooper Boogie/Zydeco, Bumbleride Rocket, Phil and Ted's E3 and Bob Revolution.

I have a photo gallery of my Tri Mode that shows a number of the features:

http://www.pbase.com/carseat/trimode

Valco's international portal website is here, though the USA website hasn't been updated to include the 2006 models as of this writing:

http://www.valco.com.au/

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 400
Age Range of Child: Other