In our neighborhood at least, there are Maclaren moms and then there are the rest of us. Maclarens signify that you put function above fashion. That you're not falling prey to (possibly) over-inflated prices for trendy strollers from (Continental) Europe. In other words, you're not worried about keeping up with the Bugaboos. Well, folks, Maclaren is shaking things up and introducing the Grand Tour LX - their priciest and arguably most stylish and tricked out stroller to date. And, we must say, it kind of reminds us of something...
Is it just us or does it look like a second cousin (at least) to the Bugaboo? We spotted the Grand Tour LX languishing in the corner of our local baby gear store while we were shopping for a Maclaren Volo recently. While we did go home with the much-needed lightweight Volo, we couldn't help but kick the tires of the LX for a few minutes.
The first thing you'll notice is that it is both forward and rear-facing (for those of you who don't want to stress out your baby) and reclines in three positions making it suitable for use right from birth. You can read about all the ins and outs of the stroller at Maclaren's website, but we wanted to mention one more innovation: the Strollometer. You probably feel like you walk ten miles a day in your stroller and now you can find out as the Strollometer measures your time and distance. As one Amazon reviewer says, "Totally gets me thinking exercise every time I go out with my little girl. It's like we're workout Buddies!"
So now you want to know how much the Grand Tour LX is going to cost you? About $900. Yes, Bugaboo territory. BUT, we must add that this includes a mosquito net, raincover and a cup holder. For a limited time, a dashbag organizer, storage bag and wheel bag are also included. In the US, the Grand Tour LX is available in Coffee/Champagne, Racing Green/Celery, Scarlett/Champagne, Black/Champagne. They also seem to have a pared-down version (no Strollometer for example) called simply "Grand Tour," but we haven't seen it listed on any U.S. site so far.
Well, what do you think? Have you already purchased the Grand Tour LX? Thinking about it?
My friend generously got me a bugaboo as a gift when my daughter was born. She included the carseat adapter. It looked very pretty. I returned it and with the credit I bought a stroller with carseat, a beautiful crib, a mattress, a snap-n-go and a whole load of diapers, formula and pajamas.
view teeze's profile
Oh man, stroller politics are so ridiculously junior high. We have a Bugaboo Cameleon and a Maclaren Volo. Not sure (and don't care) what that says about us.
view backinthemidwest's profile
it's me again - the one worried about getting up the stairs - just called maclaren to find out the weight -- it is 37 pounds. ALL the other competitors are less than 25 lbs. They have got to be out of their MINDS! Not into it!
view rtax's profile
Oooh, I just want the stroller-meter thingy! That's pretty cool. If only they made it in a double or triple version. :P
view pyjammy's profile
It looks like a souped up Graco to me. Also, I own a Maclaren techno xt and am a little disappointed in it. After everyone raved so much about them I found it less than spectacular.
view orngpikkle's profile
Pyjammy--you can buy a strollometer separately that attached to any stroller. If I wasn't typing this on my phone (yes...that addicted to Ohdeedoh), I'd post a link but I've seen it on amazon & bru (just search strollometer). P.S. This is the momma who bought your red&black carseat!
view veganmomma's profile
what about stokkes? anyone buying them anymore?
view anima's profile
I have a Maclaren Techno XT, the former top of the line, and I love it. So does my daughter. Nice ride, folds up well, etc. It's not as cool-looking as many of the newer strollers, but I don't care that much. Before she agreed to watch my daughter while I was at work, my mom asked for (demanded) a Maclaren, so I put one on my registry. My mom got used to the ease of Maclarens while caring for my niece and nephew, and didn't want to start again without one!
view Pencils's profile
Apparently I have the Techno XLR, not the Techno XT. I just knew it was the best one. I wish they had the new 2009 gray & orange color available when I got mine last year! Mine is navy.
view Pencils's profile
Huh - before I got pregnant, the only stroller name I knew was Maclaren. I thought those were the "designer" strollers, the must-have item for the well-heeled urban parent. Now I know the names of some other strollers, but I have no idea what sort of baggage comes with each name. I bought the one I bought because I found it used for a very good price. Most of my baby equipment is hand-me-down, and I can't imagine spending money on anything for its cachet. I mean, you only use this stuff for the shortest possible period, and really, almost none of it is really attractive. Sure, there are some very handsome cribs and other baby furniture, but car seats and strollers are functional items, and they just don't ever seem to look particularly good.
view pyewacket's profile