A wonderful lightweight stroller
Written: Apr 12 '05
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Pros: Lightweight, easy and comfortable to use, looks great
Cons: Hood could use improvement, straps not adjustable
The Bottom Line: A great stroller. I'd recommend it to anyone who needs a lightweight stroller who won't just be using it in the mall, as the 6" wheels are great outside.
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| sjasonsmith's Full Review: Silver Cross Micro Umbrella - Brighton Stroller |
We initially looked for a lightweight stroller that would be easy to get around in an airport, as our travel system was just too big and bulky to lug around. After looking at several Maclaren strollers, and being disapointed with the lack of luxuries on the lower end models, we ran across the Silver Cross Micro online and decided to purchase it sight unseen.
As nervous as we were, we have been very happy with our purchase. It is not a perfect stroller, but it is definitely a great one.
Overview
The Silver Cross Micro is a great stroller for the following reasons:
1. Lightweight
2. Usability
3. Style
Basic Features
9.2 lbs, Aluminum chassis
6" wheels
For babies from 6 months to 40 lbs
Adjustable hood
Included basket (it's quite small, but it is a small stroller)
Shoulder strap
Suspension
Padded handles
5 point harness
Size & Weight
The micro weighs in at a mere 9.2 lbs. This made the stroller a breeze to lift in and out of the car, x-ray scanner, and overhead bins. It has longer handles than your normal $10 umbrella stroller, so when it is folded it is compact, but still fairly long. This hasn't been a problem for us, but the one time we were able to put it in an overhead bin in the plane it took up most of the length of the bin. The stroller is light enough that if your child is not in it you can easily just pick it up by the handles to go up and down stairs and curbs.
Usability
Another great feature of the micro are the 6" wheels. They are large enough that they glide easily over most normal bumps. We have used it all over downtown over cobblestones and rough sidewalks with no trouble steering. Silver Cross does brag that it has suspension, but on a stroller this light it is almost useless. We definitely feel the bumps of the road, but at least they don't stop us.
The handles of the micro or curved inward, which allows you to get enough leverage to steer with one hand if necessary. It is not as simple as a stroller with a bar in the front, but is at least doable.
Like most of the fancier "umbrella" strollers I have seen, the handles extend far back from the seat itself. This proved to be wonderful because it gave me enough room to walk behind it without having to hold it way out in front of me, as I am 6 feet tall. In addition, there is enough leverage that you can easily pop the front wheels up or control them as you go down over curbs. This was great for downtown walking, especially if your area doesn't necessarily have ramps on all the intersections.
Folding the micro is a simple matter. It is virtually the same procedure as is used to fold the Maclaren Volo.
Style
One of the most important things for us when we buy a stroller is the appearance. We are sick of seeing blue strollers everywhere, and were thrilled that the micro is available in brght read & black. There are two other color patterns available, both of which I would be happy with.
Minor grievances
As I said before, the micro is a great stroller, but is not perfect. The main things we have noticed are outlined below:
1. The hood doesn't stay completely straight. The hood folds in half when the stroller folds, and tends to get a bit warped. It is not a huge deal, especially considering the comparably priced Maclaren has no hood.
2. The hood swings too easily. The hood can swing from directly over the baby, to all the way forward. Unfortunately, the hinge is very loose, so you can't really leave it anywhere inbetween. This makes it less useful as a sun shade that we would have hoped.
3. The straps are not adjustable. The shoulder straps are not adjustable, which makes it a bit awkward for our 1 year old daughter. The shoulder straps go up by her ears, and there is no way to bring them down. They do; however, still seem to secure her just fine.
Conclusion
I think this is a great stroller. I would have no reservation recommending it to a friend. The largest drawback is going to be that it is difficult to find one to actually try out before you buy, as the only sources we could find were online. The stroller is stylish, easy to use, and extremely lightweight.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 100
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months
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Epinions.com ID:
sjasonsmith
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Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 1 member
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