Phil and Ted's Sport Double Strollers Review

Feel free to cut/paste the following link into your web browser to see pictures of my set up. The epinions editor keeps undoing my HTML coding.

http://strollerfreak.itgo.com/strollers/e3v1.html

Shortly after purchasing the stroller my husband was transferred to Kansas City, and we were to live in the Plaza area (big outdoor high end shopping center) so I was anticipating doing some heavy duty walking. Now that I am finishing up my last week here in Kansas City, I can say that I have put close to 150 miles on this stroller, and it still looks and performs as well as the first day I received it.

This stroller is truly adaptable. When purchased, it comes standard as a single with an additional doubles "kit" (purchased separately) that turns your single into a double stroller in two different modes. You can remove the fabric from the 2nd seat's frame and zip it into the main stroller seat, then lower the main stroller seat so that it lays horizontal and makes a kind of "nest" to put a newborn in. The older child sits in the new "main" seat, and the newborn lies in the "nest" under the older child. The other way to use it (two toddler mode) is to attach the second seat on the frame to the rear of the main stroller. It creates a modified tandem jogging style stroller.

I've been using mine in two toddler mode since I bought it. Looking at the stroller when set up in two toddler mode you might get the impression that the child in the second seat has NO view (other than that of the seat back in front of him) but I have found that my boys actually fight over who is going to sit back there. Don't know if it's a novelty because of the "jump seat" type styling, or if it gives them a "cozy" feel or whatnot, but for us it has not been an issue to have to make someone sit back there. I was hesitant to purchase the stroller sight unseen as it is a good chunk of change to be putting out for a not well known stroller. Not only because of the money aspect, but because I have a long stride for a short girl, and thought that I would kick the back of the 2nd seat. Well, I rarely kick that second seat, so to put your mind at ease (unless you are very tall) that will not be an issue for you!!

Perfunctory Parts :

The stroller comes equipped with 3 10" air tires. The handle can be positioned in two ways to provide a height difference of about 2". The front tire can be affixed in place, or can be set to swivel freely, allowing for easy turning without "popping" up the stroller like most other jogger style strollers. It has a 5pt safety harness, with adjustable straps. It also has a removable "bumper or napper" bar across the front of the seating area. It has a peek-a-boo window on the hood, and the hood provides adequate sun coverage for the child in the main seat. The brakes are a cog style, and are connected between the back wheels, so when you set the brake it's for both wheels, not just one. It also comes with a "jogging tether" wrist strap for safety. It has a fairly deep, adequate, and easily accesible parcel tray (basket).

Accessories :

There are several accessories that are available to be purchased separately. (Note: These are all available for the V1 style; there are now MORE accessories available for the V2 style including a car seat adapter bar!!)

Pannier Bags - I honestly think these are a must have if you are planning on using it as a double. The child in the rear seat uses the "basket" in the main stroller as their footwell, so your storage space is then gone. If the stroller is to be used in singles mode, it's probably a personal preference.

Parcel Tray Organizer - A neat concept, and I have this, but haven't yet used it other than to prevent muddy shoes on the actually Parcel Tray (basket). This lies inside the parcel tray, and you can put your purchases, diapers, wipes, etc inside it, then zip it up and when you are done using the stroller it lifts out of the parcel tray and the stroller is ready to be put away. No more standing out in the rain unloading the stroller...it's done in one quick motion.

Rain Cover - (Two versions exist, Single & Double) I have a double version as it came with mine from the original owner. I have yet to use it, as I don't plan on walking outdoors in inclimate weather, but should this not be avoidable the rain cover is easy to put on, and appears that it would give good coverage to both seats. It folds up small enough to store in a pannier bag with room to spare.

Sun/Mosquito Netting - (Two versions exist, Single & Double) I do not own this accessory.

Travel Bag - I do not own this accessory, but wish I did. I recommend NOT flying with the e3 unless you have one. My stroller was damaged by NWA when I flew without one, and ended up costing me ~$90 out of pocket to replace some of the fabrics on it because NWA refused to pay to replace all the fabrics, and the specific color I had on the stroller at the time of damage was no longer stocked.

What I LOVE about this stroller :
The adaptability / upgradeable. The ease of use (for the most part). How well it pushes with 2 toddlers in it. That it is only 23" wide. The maneuverability. The customer service of the parent company. The durability.

What I DISLIKE about this stroller:
The cost. That there is no latch to keep the stroller closed when folded. My tire tubes seem to have a slooooow leak. (but this could easily be fixed by getting the tubes replaced...I just haven't had the time yet.) The harness straps aren't easy to adjust "on the fly". Cost prohibitive to order new accessories because shipping cost from New Zealand is expensive.