packermover's Full Review: Mia Moda Cielo Surfer Standard Stroller
I want to start this review by stating that what may be the perfect stroller for one family, may not be the perfect stroller for others. With that said, my ideal stroller is compact, lightweight, steers easily, & has storage. I of course love other things like cup holders, but you can't get everything in one stroller. I have one child & have owned 10 strollers (not all at once, lol!), so I know my strollers.
intro:
First, of the many things I like about this stroller, is the MiaModa website. I could not be happier with it. They have demo videos of the stroller's features & fold, a 360 view of the entire stroller, and answered every question I had about this stroller without me having to ask! This has cost me in the past with other stroller companies that hide views of undesirable features, like cross bars over storage compartments, etc. After seeing the wealth of information on their site & good reviews on various sites, I began to browse. I found an Ebay store selling them for $100 with free shipping & jumped on it. I even got to choose the color, which is hard because they are all fabulous! I chose the black one, "Surfer", because another review said the fabric was not removable. I didn't want to buy a lighter color & end up with spots that I couldn't wash. I later found that the fabric parts are removable after all, but i'm very happy with the color of mine.
It arrives:
The box was small which thrilled me, and was pleasantly surprised to find it in a bag. The people I bought it from made no mention of a bag, so I was happy to get it. It is very sturdy, has a zippered compartment, and a shoulder strap. I don't travel much, but I would say this is the best travel stroller out there because of the compact fold, carry bag, and full size features.
folding:
I won't go into a long explanation of folding & unfolding because you can watch a video of it on their website.... pretty cool, eh? I was a little intimidated at first because of a review that said it was difficult to figure out, but i'm no rocket scientist & I had the fold/unfold mastered in less than 5 minutes without consulting the manual. It's easy.
steering:
This steers like a dream. This is truly a one handed steer. Be cautious of other strollers' reviews that say "easy to steer" because sometimes they have small infants & don't yet know how it will steer with the weight of a toddler. I have a 28 lb. toddler & it still steers like a dream one handed. This is essential for me because we walk a lot, and I like to be able to talk on my cell or sip my coffee without having to stop. I saw a review that said this was great for off road, but in my opinion it's not that great for that. I would say that it's better than most everyday strollers when off road, but I would not say that it comes close to strollers that are designed for that.
storage:
The bag is brilliant! With the under baskets on other strollers you have to stop & stoop all the way down to get something out, but with this bag at a higher level you can reach in while you are walking. It can be removed quickly & easily with velcro tabs, and can be carried by it's handles like a tote bag. I find it to be a nice size for the essentials, but it can only hold so much (size & weight). For example... I went to the mall & it held a carryout container, 2 water bottles, and my purse of average size & weight, but I wouldn't have been able to add much more. I don't condone this, nor does the company, but I am able to hang bags of pretty hefty weight on the handle & it doesn't tip, even when my son isn't in it.
random nice features:
The brake is one pedal in the middle that you can do by foot quickly & easily, instead of the standard individual brakes on each side. This is the only stroller i've owned that my son can get in and out of by himself without me worrying (again... not condoned by me or the company), with the brake on of course. Someone complained about it feeling cheap & flimsy in a review I read, but I thing they mistook the great shock absorption for being flimsy. I happen to feel that it is extremely well made. I also LOVE the way this stroller looks, like a high end european stroller. I would never buy a stroller based on looks, but it's certainly a bonus!
What the little guy thinks:
My son loves this stroller... the open sides, the ability to get in & out by himself, the soft seat, & the canopy that he can manipulate by himself. I don't think he'd ever let me get another stroller after this one. He has never had such a view in any other stroller.
pros rundown:
Tiny size, easy fold/unfold, steers like a dream (you'd be surprised at how many strollers don't), great shock absorption, comfortable handle height (i'm 5' 7" & it would be comfortable a few inches higher or lower too) totally portable, super light weight, great removable storage bag, great travel bag, awesome euro-look, great colors, fantastic website. I just wanted to add that I have heard complaints of the canopy being to short for older toddlers, but my son is 2 1/2 & his head is nowhere near the canopy yet. I think we'll outgrow the need for a stroller before he'll outgrow the stroller itself.
cons rundown:
Basically, I have no cons, but added cons that others will have with this stroller. No drink holders (though the bag is at a good height to stick drinks in), does not fully recline (I haven't needed that since my son was 6 months), will not hold a carseat, & no snack tray (I personally don't like them, but others do).
The bottom line:
If you want a Cadillac, you pay for a Cadillac, & you get Cadillac size. This stroller has everything I want & need for my long walks & cruising through stores, but may not be enough for those who want a fully featured stroller with all the bells and whistles, or those with tiny infants.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100.00
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
Shell Have Fun In This Lightweight Stroller. Includes Carrying Bag With Shoulder Straps. Aluminum Frame , Polyester Seat Cover. Buckle Closure; 5-poin...More at Target
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