Being a runner and a mom are not mutually exclusive. A smooth-riding jogging stroller can make all the difference for you and your little one, so you can get out and enjoy the fresh air in your lungs as you put in the miles. Both the Thule Glide 2 and the Thule Urban Glide 2 offer great options to do just that. We’ll help you decide which best fits your needs.
Why Trust Us?
Because my full-time job is being mom to 2 precious daughters, and I know a thing or two about strollers. Besides personal experience, I get feedback from other moms who use these strollers every day and put all that research into our unbiased stroller buying guides
- Kyli
Table of Contents
Thule
Established in Sweden in 1942, Thule is well known for providing quality outdoor products, such as strollers, bike trailers, and roof and bike racks. Their strollers stay true to this theme, made from durable, reliable materials for outdoor pursuits.
Each of their products undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that they are safe, high-quality, and real-world-tested. You can rest easy, knowing that Thule strollers provide a safe ride for your precious cargo.
They also design their products specifically with an active lifestyle in mind. They know you’ll be cruising through mud and snow in these strollers, so they’ve designed them to accommodate your dedication to getting outside.
Overview
Thule Glide 2
- Fixed front wheel and oversized rear wheels for superior jogging performance
- One-handed, compact fold for easy storage and transportation
- Integrated twist hand brake provides speed control on hilly terrain
The Thule Glide 2 is a dedicated jogging stroller for serious joggers. This stroller is extremely lightweight and has incredible glide that makes it feel like you’re hardly pushing any weight while on your run. It offers great suspension for a smooth ride and large tires to accommodate all conditions. The 16″ front wheel and 18″ rear wheels allow you to use the stroller in rougher terrain or even snow.
The Glide 2 has a fixed front wheel that allows joggers to get up to speed. You maintain excellent control with the integrated twist brake on the handle, no matter how fast you get going. However, this fixed wheel feature makes it less versatile because it is less maneuverable in urban settings or twisty terrain. And, you must completely remove it to pack flat. The stroller offers an excellent option for jogging.
What We Like:
- Ultra lightweight at 23 pounds, saving more energy for your run
- Made specifically for jogging with a fixed front wheel to keep up your speed
- Large 16″ front wheel and 18″ rear wheels to accommodate all conditions
Main Drawbacks:
- The fixed front wheel makes it less versatile
- Doesn’t pack flat without taking off the front wheel
Thule Urban Glide 2
- A lightweight, all-terrain stroller perfect for jogging or strolling through town
- Voted Best Jogging Stroller of 2023 by Women’s Health
- Swivel front wheel locks into place for jogging and running
The Thule Urban Glide 2 is an all-terrain jogging stroller with adaptability. You could almost compare this stroller to a swiss army knife. You can bring it nearly anywhere, it’s incredibly useful, and it packs down easily.
You can get great jogging mileage with this stroller, and it’s a bit more versatile than the Glide 2. The stroller still offers great suspension and large 16″ rear wheels, but the smaller 12″ front wheel swivels. The swivel front wheel allows for better maneuverability in urban settings. It also allows the stroller to pack down without removal.
The Urban Glide 2 also includes the integrated twist brake for speed control, an adjustable handlebar for supreme comfort, and lots of storage for any outing. From your daily jog to a stroll in the park, the Thule Urban Glide 2 can tackle both with ease.
What We Like:
- Large 16″ rear wheels and 12 “front wheel for all-terrain capabilities
- Swivel front wheel for maneuverability with the option to lock for speed
- Easily packs down as one piece
Main Drawbacks:
- Heavier at 25 pounds
- Less wheel clearance for rocky terrain
- Larger dimensions when folded up
Features that Matter:
Price Range
Both the Thule Glide 2 and the Thule Urban Glide 2 sit higher on the price spectrum than some strollers, with the Urban Glide 2 still a bit more expensive than the Glide 2. Although pricier than some strollers, you’re paying for Thule quality. If you’re looking for a cheaper model, you might want to look into the Bob Ironman stroller. Read our guide for a more in-depth look at Thule vs. Bob strollers.
Storage capacity
The Thule Glide 2 and the Thule Urban Glide 2 offer ample storage. Pack extra layers for everyone in the large covered cargo basket. Once you’re warm enough, peel off that sweatshirt and stuff it in the rear mesh pocket. Tuck some snacks or toys in the mesh seat pockets. Both of these strollers can accommodate all of your storage needs.
Wheel type and suspension
The Thule Glide 2 and the Thule Urban Glide 2 offer the same great rear suspension that takes the bumps out of the trail for your adventure buddy.
The Thule Glide 2 offers larger wheels with a 16″ front wheel and 18″ rear wheels for tall ground clearance to tackle rough terrain. The fixed front wheel also allows for speed as you tack on those miles.
In contrast, the Thule Urban Glide 2 has slightly smaller wheels. The rear wheels are 16″, and the front swivel wheel is 12 “. The smaller wheel size still offers a lot of ground clearance and the ability to offset rugged trails, but not as much as the Glide 2.
The Urban Glide 2’s clearance has been sufficient in my experience, but the large wheels may offer a bit more speed. The swivel front wheel has the benefit of versatility, allowing you to use just one stroller for most of your outings.
You can bring your little one to the Farmers Market and then go for a run by the river afterward without needing two different strollers. The front wheel can also lock, meaning you can get the speed you want, too.
Portability
The Glide 2 and the Urban Glide 2 offer the one-handed folding feature. This is a great feature for parents, who often juggle a couple of tasks at once. A simple pull, twist, lift, and it’s folded and ready to place in your trunk.
The Thule Glide 2, however, does not fold up as compactly if you do not first take off the fixed front wheel. However, when you do, it packs down smaller than the Thule Urban Glide 2. If you want the ease of not having to remove the wheel, the Urban Glide 2 compacts flatter without dealing with removing the wheel.
The Glide 2 is also a few pounds lighter, weighing in at 23 pounds, whereas the Urban Glide 2 weighs 25 pounds. When you’re jogging, this may mean you can run just a bit longer. Or, it’s just a bit less to lift when tossing it in your car.
Packed down dimensions:
Glide 2: 36.8 x 22.8 x 12.9 inches
Urban Glide 2: 34.2 x 27.2 x 13.3 inches
Accessories
Both of these strollers come with a few accessories included. If you want a water bottle holder, rain cover, or a bumper bar, these are all add-ons. You can also get a snack tray or mesh cover for your little one. You may not need or want all of these because of the weight they add when running, but a rain cover might be nice if a bit of spring weather surprises you while you’re out on the trails.
It will keep the baby dry and happy, and both of you out there for a little more baby time. A bassinet is also available for the Thule Urban Glide 2, so you can take baby out on a stroll from day one. However, you would not want to use this for jogging, as it does not protect your infant’s weak neck muscles at that early age. Thule offers a universal car seat adaptor, as well as many brand-specific adaptors.
Seat style
The Thule Glide 2 and the Thule Urban Glide 2 both have simple, one-handed reclining seats to keep your cutie snoozing longer while you run it out. Or, keep them upright to observe the beautiful day you both get to experience the outside world.
Wrap up
If you’re looking for a great jogging stroller for you and your adventure buddy, you can’t go wrong with Thule. The Glide 2 and the Urban Glide 2 provide a safe, smooth ride for your bub and an effortless glide for you.
You can get out and enjoy a run with either of these strollers, but if you’re looking for a multi-purpose stroller, try the Thule Urban Glide 2. If you’re looking for a dedicated jogger, the Thule Glide 2 might be your best bet.
Check out our full review of the Thule Urban Glide 2. Or, if you want to know more about the difference between a Fixed and Swivel Wheel Jogger, read our guide. See you on the trails!
