As we quickly sell out of our 2008 Bumbleride stroller inventory – the inevitable question is : Is it worth it to wait for the 2009 Bumblerides? We think it is! Here’s a summary of the updates to expect in 2009 from Bumbleride:
New Colors:
As we mentioned in an earlier blog entry, Bumbleride is keeping the popular Spice, Seagrass and Ruby colors and releasing 2 new colors. Lava, a sleek black with charcoal accents and a subtle botanical almost black on black print is their nod to people who just want the basics. Vita, a vibrant pink with charcoal accents and the same subtle botanical print is their fun “girly” addition to the line for people who just have to have their fill of pink. It’s a good one though and while not gender neutral, not your basic baby pink either.
New Features:
All Bumbleride stroller will now come standard with the appropriate raincover. While people who don’t venture out in the rain might not appreciate this addition, you never know when you are going to get caught in a winter or summer shower so it’s a nice accessory to have come standard with your stroller.
All Bumbleride strollers will now feature a new, one push harness system. I have no idea how it works since I haven’t seen it yet, but it seems like an easy solution for parents on the go.
All Bumbleride Strollers will feature their redesigned canopy. This new canopy is larger for better coverage, with a smoother ratcheting system (YAY! About time!). It also will have a zipper pocket for small valuables.
The Indie Twin, Indie and Flyer will also feature redesigned wheels. The Indie air tires will have a sleeker aluminum 3 spoke design which has a more sophisticated look for the side.
The Indie Twin and Indie will have a new backrest recline mechanism. They will be easy slide backrest adjusters which allow for easier reclining and a more compact, faster fold.
The Flyer will have a redesigned footprint to allow for easier maneuvering in both the rear and forward facing positions. What this mean? Darned if I know but I’m eager to check it out in person!
When should you look out for these redesigned beauties? Word on the street is late February for the Twins and Early March for the singles (although the new Queen B is already out). Of course shipping dates can change at any time, as we have often learned, so plan accordingly!
Love the new features! Do you know what the price point for the new 2009 Indie is yet?
Dear Susan,
Yes there are some great new features and colors. The new pricepoint on the Indie is $459. The New price point on the Flyer is $359 and the new pricepoint on the Indie Twin is $659. Unfortunately all those upgrades do come at a higher price point!
Best,
Jo
Do you have more information about the new Flite? I am having such a hard time deciding on a stroller, but since I live on the second floor, I’m thinking a nice lightweight stroller would be best. Even the Micralite might be too heavy for us. The Uppababy G-luxe is at the top of my list, but I do love Bumbleride, too.
Dear Erica,
I do know the Flite will be available late March/April timeframe. It is a super cute stroller but I don’t think it will be as light as the G-Luxe if that is your main consideration. The Baby Jogger City Mini has also been a popular lightweight but it is heavier than both the anticipated Flite weight and the Gluxe weight. I keep waiting for the Phil and Teds Smart Buggy V2 but I haven’t heard any updated ship date on that. It looked very light and steered quite nimbly. The Gluxe is definitely our current VERY light favorite!
Thanks for the response, Jo. I like the City Mini’s fold and maneuverability, but would prefer a seat-back that has more support. I haven’t seen the G-luxe in person, yet, so I’m not sure what the seat is like.
At this point we are going to use a sling and pouch for the first month or so while we decide which stroller to buy. It looks like the Flite has a big canopy, which is a definite plus. I guess I could get a Maclaren like everyone else in my building, but I wanted something that is comfortable for very long walks. I hope they release more info about the Flite soon.
If I didn’t live on the second floor, I would buy the MB Swift, but I can’t imagine lugging it up and down everyday.
Dear Erica,
Have you checked out the Valco Latitude Single? IT sounds like that might be a good fit for you as well. I’m not a huge Mac fan so I’m biased but I think there are a lot of much better lightweights out there nowadays. Any chance you can leave a bigger Swift like stroller downstairs safely in a lobby so you don’t have to carry it up everyday?
I’ll take a look at the Valco, I haven’t really thought about it so far. Unfortunately our lobby isn’t secure (several packages were stolen over the holidays!), otherwise I would love to buy the Swift as my main stroller.
I agree, the Maclaren isn’t my favorite, but they seem to be everywhere! Would a Valco be easy to travel with, or would I still want a lightweight like the G-luxe for planes, etc.?
The valco latitude would definitely be an easy-to-travel with lightweight. I think even better than the G-Luxe for many people since it has a roomier basket and a deeper recline and bumper bar.
Best,
Jo
Any insight whether the Bumbleride Flite will have a reversible handle/seat? I’m looking for a compact lightweight stroller for my urban lifestyle (easy to haul in/out of my car and fits through isles at shops) that allows my toddler to face me. The Bee is on my list, but would like a lower price point.
Dear Sarah,
Right now the Bee is probably one of the most compact reversible strollers. The 2009 Bumbleride Flyer might work as well but it is probably not going to be as compact or nimble as the Bugaboo Bee. That is definitely one of the Bugaboo’s strong selling points!
Best,
Jo
I emailed Bumbleride customer service a couple weeks ago to find out if they’d say if the Flite would have a reversible handle, and all they could tell me was that it would be 12 lbs and will be out in late spring. I was hoping it would have a reversible handle too…but I suppose I’ll have to be happy with the 2009 Flyer I have on order!
Dear Cristi,
Yes it definitely won’t be reversible though it is light and super cute! I’m eager to see the new Flyer as well with its changes.
Best,
Jo
thanks for the response about the valco, jo. i still haven’t tried it out in a store, but it would be nice to compare it to the g-luxe soon.
Thanks to add nes features.
the 09 flight will not be reversible and it is coming out in June of 09. Just spoke with rep from company 2 days ago. My question is, I’ve heard the flier is bulky when folded, is this true? I have a pontiac G6 and need to put groceries in the trunk too
The Flyer isn’t that small folded but it depends what you are comparing it too. Its not really bigger than any other reversibles except maybe the Bugaboo Bee. Most other reversible strollers have an even bigger fold. I know hard for strollers and groceries to fit in smaller trunk sizes!
Best,
Jo