Well the short answer is “who knows?” The longer answer has so much more detail. Valco demoed several different single and doubles models at the ABC show this year. Many of them ranged in price and quality and many deviated significately from their current Valco Twin Trimode/Trimode models.
Valco had a double Ion Model that was super lightweight (seemed between 25-28lbs) and folded incredibly easily - this one was the one that we were most excited about. It is unlikely that it will be out before the end of Winter 2008 or the beginning of the Spring of 2008. There were a couple of other lightweight models debuted as well but it is unlikely Valco will bring all of them out so I wouldn’t wait for them. They ranged from the Super light-weight to the midweight. Some were very easy to open and close, others seemed more “fiddly” but were also prototype models so it is hard to tell. . .
So what do we know for sure is coming out from Valco: First of all Let’s Go Strolling will have the exclusive “Boy Meets Girl” Pink & Blue Limited Edition version of the Valco Twin Trimode that will be fully loaded with matching footmuffs, UV/Sun Cover, Matching infant headhuggers, Matching individual bumper bars, a weather shield and a tire pump. Whether you are looking for the perfect stroller for boy/girl twins or a new sibling - the Valco Twin Trimode is a tried and true favorite and this new color combination is sure to be a smash hit!
The Trimode Single will also have some new colors but Valco is still mum on what the final chages are. They have recently released a Brilliant Black as well as a Champagne color but several new colors are on the way for the late Fall/early Winter of 2007. The Valco Buggster will also be coming out shortly with a new closing mechanism to make it easier for those of us that loved the push and manueverability of the Buggster but found the fold to be a bit challenging at times.
The Rebel is also being completely redesigned and will still face rear and foward and hold a toddler seat but will no longer be a three wheeled stroller (it will be have 4 wheels) and a more urban terrain look as opposed to the previous rugged version of the Rebel with 3 air-filled tires. The newer Rebel will be lighter and fold smaller - making it more flexible to meet the needs of today’s urban and suburban parents who value rear facing for their two kids but also want the portability that was lacking in the previous version of the Rebel.
Lastly Valco introduced prototypes for several lightweight Urban terrain strollers that didn’t have air tires but still had a fabulous push. Our favorite was the Ion which pushed smoothly, closed quickly and easily and was incredily lightweight with full recline. There were several other lightweight models in addition which didn’t push as smoothly and seemed to offer less attractive value to our customers. We are not sure when/if Valco will release any of these models in the US market. The Australian market does have a lower priced line called Vee-Bee after which many of these demo models were patterned.
So while we can guarantee the fabulous pink/blue Valco Twin Trimode, as well as some new Trimode and Twin Trimode colors, what else is coming down the pike with Valco is still a work in progress. But don’t worry folks, we’ll keep you updated with plenty of time for when you are planning your next stroller purchase whether it needs to hold another child or just provide the convenience of a lighter single stroller for travel and everyday use.
STAY TUNED. . .