Bumbleride Indie 4 vs. UPPAbaby Cruz

Magic beans recently highlighted the similarities and differences between our Indie 4 and the UPPAbaby Cruz. Here is an excerpt from that feature: The Bumbleride Indie 4 and the UPPAbaby Cruz are very similar strollers on paper; they’re both close in weight, size, and longevity. But there are a few key things that can truly make a difference. Before we get started, here are the basic specs on both of these popular stroller models: Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller

• Weight (when empty): 22 pounds
• Max Weight: 55 pounds
• Tires: Air-filled
• Included Accessories: Bassinet, bumper (belly) bar, universal car seat adapter, and cup holder
• Price: $599
• Longevity: birth to 5 years

UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller

• Weight (when empty): 22 pounds (frame only: 16.5 pounds)
• Max Weight: 50 pounds
• Tires: Foam + air-filled
• Included Accessories: Belly bar, rain cover
• Price: $499 -$529
• Longevity: 3 months (or birth if you purchase bassinet or Snug Seat) to 5 years

The Indie 4 (named after its older brother, the Indie, but with a fourth wheel) comes with almost everything you need in one box. It comes with the bassinet, so you can use your stroller from day one. Or, if you prefer to use your stroller like a travel system (it’s so convenient when you’re transferring your baby from the car to the stroller!), just use the universal car seat adapter* and pop your car seat right on there. Between the bassinet, the cupholder, and the adapter, it comes with absolutely everything you need except for a rain cover. Ok, so we don’t love switching between the bassinet and the regular seat, and we don’t love removing the canopy – neither of these processes are as straightforward as they should be. However, these aren’t things you’ll be doing often. And if you need help, just drop by our store and we’ll do it for you – we’re the pros! As for the push: those chunky air-filled tires give an incredibly smooth ride. When we took our all-terrain models out for our Winter Stroller Test Drive Challenge, the Indie 4 made a very good showing. Air-filled tires require some minimal maintenance, so you’ll just want to familiarize yourself with how they work and be prepared to pump tires and repair flats. A few tips:

• DO NOT overinflate.
• You’ll be able to feel when they’re getting low on air – pump them up as soon as you can.
• Keep a spare inner tube on hand, because 9/10 times, that is what will need to be replaced if you have a flat. If you’re in a pinch, bike stores that sell kids’ bikes will have tires and inner tubes in the right size, though.

Another thing I love about Bumbleride is their customer service. While UPPAbaby is legendary for their customer service, Bumbleride may actually have them beat: I once emailed them about a broken piece, and got a response and a tracking number for the replacement piece in less than 5 minutes. I don’t think I can say that’s ever happened to me before, whether I’ve been on a personal or professional mission. This is a brand that really stands by their strollers and cares about their customers.... Price might be another consideration for you, although these two strollers are in roughly the same bracket. For the sake of comparison, let’s say you chose the Chicco Keyfit as your infant car seat. What would you spend on either stroller to get the same amount of stuff? Indie 4 ($599) + rain cover ($34.99) = $633.99 Cruz ($499) + bassinet ($199) + adapter ($44.99) + cup holder ($24.99) = $767.98 I, personally, am an Indie 4 fan: it’s light, it rolls so smoothly, it’s compact with good tires, and it comes with just about everything you need. But the Cruz is a tough contender, with some serious advantages. Ultimately, you’re going to want to get your hands on both strollers and give them a push to see what you think. Come on in to any Magic Beans store and give them a try! -Chelsea, Magic Beans Brookline Read the rest of the comparison at http://mbeans.com/spillingthebeans/baby/strollers/strolling-the-suburbs-the-bumbleride-indie-4-stroller-vs-the-uppababy-cruz-stroller/