EXTRA-EXTRA !! Read-all-about-it! Grandpa Sporting LeisureSuit Joggs with Graco LeisureSport Jogger
Written: Sep 23 '03 (Updated Sep 13 '07)
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Pros: moves smoothly over rough terrain
Cons: does not fold up all that compactly.
The Bottom Line: If you are into jogging this is a good unit. Don't get because it looks cool.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Graco LeisureSport Jogger 6213 Stroller |
One thing about being a grandpa is that I can play with my grandchildren and then send them home when I'm finished playing. Another wonderful thing is that I get to use all the babies equipment without having to pack it all up at the end of the day. That's what moms and dads are for.
One toy that this grandpa gets to play with is the Graco Sport Jogger. It's one of those high tech, sleek looking sport strollers. If he wants a little exercise grandpa puts baby into the stroller and off he goes.
ITS PORTABLE ?
When you first see the box you may wonder how everything in it will be as big as the picture of the stroller itself. The fact is, the stroller comes stripped, bare bones. You have to basically put all the body together. This is not a difficult task at all A screw driver is needed for assembly but most pieces just "Snap" in. The whole unit of which the plastic is all gray in colour, comes together in just a matter of minutes once you understand what goes where.
Once the stroller is together it's quite large and the stroller doesn't fold up all that small. You can get it into smaller autos by removing the wheels. It will fit in some SUV's and Mini-Vans with the wheels on.
There are three quick release wheels on the stroller that are filled with air. These tires make for a smooth ride. No hard bumps on cracks in the sidewalk and it goes up and down curbs easily. The quick release tires seem to work well.
There is also a quick release to fold the stroller. There are two points for opening these releases. One is in the middle of the stroller near baby on either side. The other release is up higher near the stroller handle. Put in your index fingers and pull. I could use that one easily. My daughter-in-law has trouble releasing it here. She uses the releases by the baby. When the jogger folds up it will stand on its own. If shopping for one, check how it folds in the store and see if it seems to be able to fit in the car. I would ask if I could take the demo out to my car and see how it fits. These really are a bit big and clumsy folded up.
GETTING AROUND
The steering takes a bit getting used to. This is made for jogging long straight stretches. Short turns must be made by tipping back lightly toward yourself. This takes the front wheel off the ground. Ha, ol' pops here, did not jog long distances.
My grandchild loves being pushed in it. I have to say that it wasn't until I started walking her in the stroller that we really made contact. She wanted me to put her in and take her for a walk.
Baby goes into this facing front. They cannot sit facing backward unless they are infants that fit in the optional baby seat that can be purchased for it. This option piece can go from the car right to the stroller and back again. Graco has a few sports strollers that come with the baby seat. These seemed to go for about thirty dollars more than that without the seat assembly. The stroller without the seat is good for toddlers up to 40 pounds. They strap into the seat with a five point harness system. That means a strap around the waist and one over each shoulder joining a piece that supports under the crotch area. They all snap in pretty easily and are easily adjustable. The baby's seat reclines. I found that it took a little doing. It isn't all that smooth moving.
When my granddaughter is in the stroller and I am pushing I can see her through a small plastic window in the canopy. This canopy can only be opened to the front. It's not like some carriages that can flip over to the other side. The window is small. I can see her but there isn't any interaction as she is facing front and there isn't much area to look through.
When pushing the stroller with her in it, the stroller moves very smoothly. No effort at all. Its the turning that takes getting used to. You must tip back the stroller to get pressure off the front wheels and actually lift that front wheel off the ground. The front wheel does not steer at all.
The jogger also comes with a small hand bicycle pump. It's about 12" long with a 1" diameter, very compact.
The tires have to be inflated to proper pressure, that is stated on the side of the tire, every once in a while.
BRAKES
This stroller must be able to stop fairly quickly if you are jogging with it. There is a squeeze handle for a hand brake that is hooked up to the front wheel. I don't know much about brake systems but a guy we know who makes s few bucks on the side by refurbishing old BMX bikes said he was impressed with it. They do need adjusting from time to time.
To keep the stroller in "park" position there is a foot brake that is what they call "one touch". It locks the back tires and keeps them from rolling. One tap locks the brakes, tap it again and the brakes are released. They do work well but the foot part that you put pressure on are made of a plastic. They seem to hold up well, its just they look cheap.
CARRYING A LOAD
Under the baby is a pretty large basket area. A diaper bag would easily fit inside. Its deep so items should not bounce out while jogging.
There is a convenient tray near the back handle where you push the stroller. It has a little compartment and two cup holders or bottle holders. Baby has a tray in front of her. There are optional little play toys that can be put into the tray itself. We don't have any.
CLEANING
The trays snap out for easy cleaning with mild soaps. I am impressed how easily baby's tray comes out for cleaning and snaps right back in solidly. There are numerous warnings not to use bleach on any of the stroller for cleaning as it can weaken parts.
The full pad that the baby sits on comes out with a little bit of effort. It's not all that easy. You have to work your way around the harnessing system that keeps baby safe. The pad can be washed on delicate cycle in your washing machine.
The warnings say that any kids must be accompanied by the pad when sitting in the seat.
The plastic seat can easily be wiped down for cleaning.
IN CLOSING
Though the stroller is cool looking and moves nicely on the air pressure tires, it just doesn't seem as practical as our regular stroller.
You know when you are outside sitting and want to bring baby closer, maybe to feed her or wash her face. Well you can't that easily. That long fork holding the front tire extends out quite a bit.
I really like the air pressure tires and the total balance of the unit. It has a low center of gravity that keeps it pretty stable. It is less likely to tip over backward when too much is hanging from the handles. This still can be a safety issue so diaper bags, pocketbooks, and the like should be stored under the stroller and not hanging from it.
The parts seem like they are durable enough. I just don't like all that plastic.
I just wonder how many people do jog with these things and how much they do it? If you do then I recommend it. Otherwise..........
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Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): gift
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
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