City strollers are a popular choice for parents who live in urban areas and need a stroller that is compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver through crowded streets and narrow spaces. These strollers often come with some fancy features, which can lead to a higher price tag. Thule, known for their jogging, biking, and camping travel products, surprised me with their new Shine stroller, which is perfect for local perambulation.
When I first heard about the Thule Shine stroller, I didn’t think it would be a top choice in the city stroller category. Thule is renowned for their outdoor and adventure gear, so I didn’t expect them to excel in the world of strollers. However, after putting the Shine to the test, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance.
The Shine stroller starts in a parent-facing position, which is great for bonding and monitoring your child. However, it is effortless to pop out the seat, flip it around, and have your child face forward instead. This flexibility is a great feature, as it allows your child to experience different views while you stroll. Additionally, Thule offers a bassinet attachment for $200, which is perfect for newborns, as well as a click-in adapter for car seats from various brands.
A notable feature of the Shine stroller is its adjustability. It offers multiple reclining angles, which can be adjusted by squeezing the lever on the back of the seat. I found that the seat worked best when folded all the way down and then brought back up to my preferred position. This adjustability allowed me to find the perfect position for my son, whether he wanted to recline or sit upright.
The handlebar of the Shine stroller is another adjustable feature that I greatly appreciated. It offers four different heights, which can be easily changed by pushing the large button on the handlebar and adjusting it to the desired position. This feature was especially popular with my parents, as they have significant height differences. Both of them found the handlebar heights to be comfortable and convenient.
One of the standout features of the Shine stroller is its foldability. Folding the stroller is a breeze, thanks to the lever on the back of the seat and the handle. By folding the seat flat, pushing two buttons on the handle, and folding the entire stroller down, you can quickly and easily collapse it for storage or transportation. Additionally, a handy little handle pops up as you fold the stroller, making it convenient to carry while holding your child.
Another advantage of the Shine stroller is its portability. Weighing in at about 20 pounds, it is relatively lightweight compared to other strollers in its category. This makes it easier to carry and maneuver, especially for individuals who may not have a lot of upper body strength. Additionally, the stroller can stay standing while folded, which is a convenient feature for quick stops or when you need to take a break during your city strolls.
I was so impressed with the Shine stroller that I even entrusted it to my parents for a day while they babysat my son. They were equally impressed with its performance and ease of use. My dad sent me texts about how easy it was to handle and maneuver, while my mom shared photos of my son peacefully sleeping in the stroller as they strolled through the neighborhood.
Overall, the Thule Shine stroller has exceeded my expectations as a city stroller. Its versatility, adjustability, and portability make it a top choice for parents who value both functionality and style. Whether you’re navigating busy streets, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply exploring your local surroundings, the Shine stroller is a reliable and convenient companion. Despite its initial association with adventure gear, Thule has proven that they can create a stroller that is well-suited for the city life.
