BOB vs Thule: Affordable Strollers for Adventurous Families

Jogging and walking are three most popular forms of leisure activity, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Especially if you’re a mom, going for a brisk walk or jog can help you lose the extra baby weight. Not only this, but it can also improve your overall general health.

Having kids shouldn’t prevent you from doing the exercise you love, and a good quality jogging stroller is the solution!

Whether you’re a casual runner or a serious athlete, your research will most likely find you checking out the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 and the Thule Urban Glide 2.0. These two strollers come in at similar price points, offer similar features, and their specifications are pretty much comparable too.

However, there are some differences between these two iconic jogging stroller manufacturers that could influence your decision to purchase. In this article, we take a closer look at the BOB and Thule brands, and we focus on two of their most popular jogging strollers to enable you to make the right choice for your family and your needs.

BOB: Off-road, on-road fitness

BOB is a U.S. firm that’s been around since the early 1990s and is the most popular jogging stroller manufacturer in the world.

BOB’s strollers are renowned for being well-made, rugged, and built specifically for off-roading. With the BOB jogger, you’ll receive many helpful features and everything else you’ll need from an all-terrain stroller.

In 2019, BOB updated and upgraded its jogging stroller. The newest version is called the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, and it’s this stroller that we’re going to focus on in our review.

Thule: Stylish, contemporary, and safe

Swedish manufacturer, Thule is known worldwide for producing transport and outdoor activity-related items, including strollers. Thule products are rigorously tested for safety and durability, so if you choose one of their strollers, you can be confident that your child will ride in a stroller that won’t let you down.

In 2018, Thule launched its Urban Glide 2.0, which is an upgraded version of its best-selling all-terrain stroller, the Urban Glide, and it’s this stroller that we’ll review in this guide.

In a nutshell:

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0

The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is a versatile stroller that’s designed for use as an everyday stroller and for taking off-road when you want to go out running or hiking in the backwoods.

The Flex 3.0 is equipped with rugged wheels that will handle any terrain with ease. There’s a two-stage suspension system to ensure a smooth push and a comfy ride for your tiny passenger. Also, BOB has included a convenient carry handle so that you can pick up the folded stroller up and move it around hassle-free. 

In 2019, BOB launched the upgraded Revolution Flex 3.0 stroller in both a single and double format. The new versions of the old favorite include additional features. Some of these features include a variety of color choices, a silent magnetic closure on the canopy, and additional storage pockets.

You can see a video clip of the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 in action at this link.

Thule Urban Glide 2.0

The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 is a sleek stroller that comes with handy features, including an automatic lock, one-handed fold, and a covered basket.

Thule upgraded its Urban Glide to the 2.0 model in 2018 by adding a few extra features. These features include a handbrake with deceleration, automatic lock, redesigned canopy with extra ventilation, and reflective detailing for improved visibility in poor light conditions.

If you’d like to see the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 in action, check out this link.

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 vs. Thule Urban Glide 2.0

So, how do these two similar strollers measure up when compared with each other?

The Revolution Flex is BOB’s best-selling stroller. Furthermore, it has been regarded as the leading jogging stroller on the market for many years. However, recently, the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 has emerged as BOB’s primary competitor, thanks to the manufacturer’s solid reputation and the recent upgrades it has made to its jogger.

So, the two strollers are comparable, but they are designed to suit very different lifestyles. The Revolution Flex is more of a rugged off-road stroller, whereas the Thule version is optimized to suit an urban environment.

Price

Where price is concerned, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 and the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 are pretty much the same. Thule is a slightly more expensive option, but only by a small amount.

For a little more money, both manufacturers offer special versions of their strollers. So, Thule offers its Black-on-Black colorway stroller with a matte black frame, rather than a silver one. BOB’s Lunar edition has an ultra-reflective print on the canopy and basket to make the stroller stand out more in poor light.

Both strollers can take a child that weighs up to 75 pounds on the single version, and up to 50 pounds per seat on the double model.

Convertibility

Both the Urban Glide 2.0 and the Revolution Flex can be used with an infant car seat to create a travel system. However, although both these strollers can be used with one car seat, neither can accommodate two car seats, and that could be an issue for you if you have twins or two kids of similar ages.

Note that you’ll need to place the car seat on top of the stroller seat to make the conversion to a travel system, as neither stroller has a reversible or easily-removable seat. Thule does offer a bassinet that can be used with both the Urban Glide 2.0 double and single strollers, which allows a newborn to lay in the most ergonomic, safe, and comfortable position.

The Urban Glide 2.0 can be used with a wide range of car seats, as Thule makes a one-size-fits-all universal adapter, as well as specific adapters for Chicco, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex.

BOB is now owned by Britax, who is a world-renowned manufacturer of child car seats. The Revolution Flex is compatible with the Britax B-SAFE car seat that is specifically designed to match the stroller. You can also buy BOB car seat adapters for Graco, Nuna, Peg Perego, and Chicco.

Both the Revolution Flex and the Urban Glide 2.0 are designed for children who can sit upright and support their own head. However, if you add a child car seat or a bassinet, you can use both of these strollers from birth.

Weight and handling

Although only lighter by a pound or so, the Urban Glide 2.0 feels quite a bit lighter than the Revolution Flex 3.0. Primarily, that’s because the Urban Glide’s longer profile when folded makes for better weight distribution. So, that might not be a deal-breaker for you if you won’t need to lift the stroller in and out of your car trunk or cart it up and down a flight of stairs in an apartment block.

We advise that you always take the stroller you’re considering buying out for a test drive before you part with your cash. That’s the best way to find out if the stroller’s weight is manageable for you or not.

The Urban Glide 2.0 handles well in an urban environment on city streets and in malls, and the lighter feel of the stroller makes maneuvering it up flights of steps pretty easy for most people.

However, the stroller’s llightweight can cause problems when you take it off-road onto an uneven trail or over grass. The combination of a flexible suspension system and a light stroller can allow the stroller to run away from you when you’re moving faster than walking pace.  Also, you may find that the stroller’s handling becomes more erratic.

In comparison, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 feels heavier than the Thule Urban Glide 2.0. However, that extra weight is a definite plus when you’re negotiating rough terrain. The centralized suspension system makes for a super-smooth ride across the most uneven ground like mud and sand.

You’ll find it easy to keep the stroller smoothly moving when you’re jogging, and you can adjust the suspension system, depending on the weight of your passenger.

Features

The Urban Glide 2.0 has plenty of appealing features, including a covered basket and a new, improved design with super-sleek styling. The stroller’s lock has also been improved, making it much more reliable and effective when closed.

The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 has a deeper basket than the Urban Glide 2.0. However, you pack more stuff, but the basket lacks a cover, leaving the contents open. This can be risky because your belongings are open to the elements. Due to this, they are at risk of falling out when you’re running over uneven ground.

The Urban Glide 2.0 features a handbrake as well as a footbrake. To contrast this, the Revolution Flex 3.0 only has a flip-flop-friendly footbrake.

When folded, the Revolution Flex 3.0 takes up less trunk space than the Urban Glide 2.0. This could be important if you plan on taking the stroller with you when you and your family are traveling.

Seat configuration

One recent upgrade to the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 that’s worthy of noting here is the seat configuration. The Revolution Flex 3.0 stroller seat can now be positioned completely upright, as well as reclined.

Most joggers have seats that are set at a slight angle. This prevents the possibility of the stroller stopping short while you’re running, saving your passenger from a possible whiplash injury. However, most older toddlers prefer to ride sitting upright so that they can enjoy the view. So, BOB realized that parents were using their stroller for everyday work, as well as for jogging. As a result, they engineered their strollers in order to allow the option for kids to sit upright.

Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Pros and Cons

Here’s a summary of what we like about the Urban Glide and where we think there’s room for improvement:

Pros

• The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 is light in weight, weighing three pounds less than the Revolution Flex.
• The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 comes with a 10-year warranty on the frame, which is twice that offered by BOB.
• The smart handbrake enables quick deceleration when moving downhill or in an emergency.
• The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 has a zippered, covered pocket to keep your stuff safe and clean as you run.

• It is compatible with over a dozen car seat brands, compared with just four brands for BOB’s Revolution Flex 3.0.
• The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 folds in just one quick and easy step that can be achieved in with one hand. This can be a big plus point when you’re out and about with your child. 
• The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 is made using high-quality fabrics, and the seat has more padding than the Revolution Flex 3.0. 

Cons

• The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 is longer than the Revolution Flex 3.0 when folded and lacks a carry handle. This may pose a small problem if you plan on traveling in the car with the stroller in the trunk.
• The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Suspension system is not adjustable, which is an issue when you’re traveling over rough ground.
• The stroller’s tire tread is not as rugged as that of the Revolution Flex 3.0, making the stroller more adaptable to the urban environment than on off-road terrain.

BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0

• The BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 has a fully-adjustable two-setting suspension system. This system can be altered to suit the weight of the passenger, making for a smoother, safer ride.
• The thick tread on the tires of the BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 is designed to withstand running along uneven ground like rough trails, sand, snow, and grass. 
• The upright seat of BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 allows your passenger to enjoy the scenery as you’re running.

• The BOB stroller coordinates with the matching Britax B-SAFE child car seat.
• The BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 has a carry handle for easier lifting in and out of your car trunk.

Cons

• The BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 weighs three pounds more than the Thule Urban Glide 3.0. This could be an issue for you if you need to go up steps or if you’re traveling.
• The BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 doesn’t have a handbrake for quick deceleration.
• The BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 has a two-step fold that takes two hands to achieve. This process takes a little time and effort, which may be a hassle if you have multiple kids to manage single-handedly.
• The BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0’s fold has a buckle that must be fastened to lock it. On the other hand, Thule has an auto-lock feature to make this easier. 
• The BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 is compatible with fewer child car seats than the Thule.

Final thoughts

Both BOB and Thule’s jogging stroller offerings are popular models that give good value for money. Both are well-made, using the best quality materials and innovative design.

Of the two brands, BOB is the more tried and tested true jogging stroller, and the Revolution Flex 3.0 model gives you crucial features, including an adjustable suspension system and tires with extra-thick tread to cope with the roughest of trails, sand, and snow.

That said, the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 is a few pounds lighter than the Revolution Flex 3.0. It also gives you unique features that the BOB stroller lacks. Some of them include a handbrake, auto-lock, wide-ranging car seat compatibility, and a covered basket.

Both these superb strollers come in a double version, the Bob Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie, and the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Double.

Share with your friends: