BOB Ironman is a lean, mean-running machine. LOL. This stroller is designed for serious joggers who are training for long-distance events.
BOB Ironman has been selected to be the OFFICIAL stroller of the Ironman Triathlon which is a long-distance race that is organized by the World Triathlon Corporation and held in Hawaii. Do I need to say more?
This is not for those of us who want to lose some baby weight (count me in :)). If you are thinking, hm… maybe I should start running like those moms I saw in the park…
Nope. Not for you. If you are a runner, you know you are a runner.
This is not an everyday stroller that you can take to the mall or walk on the trails. It is a hard-core running and jogging stroller.
BOB Ironman has large 16″ aluminum wheels that will go over any uneven road providing a smooth ride. The fixed front wheel maintains stability at all times during jogging.
It has thin jogging tires that are NOT your all-terrain go-through-anything tires. They are designed for even pavement or hardback surfaces. It weighs only 23 lbs and can hold a child up to 70 lbs.
I read multiple reviews on this stroller and for some reason, the weight is wrong in almost all of them. This stroller is full of safety features like a 5-point harness, hand brake, and wrist strap. It also has a double option called ‘Duallie’.
OVERALL
I gave this stroller 5 out of 5 stars because it is one of the best jogging strollers on the market. Except for a few minor things like no adjustable handlebar and no automatic lock, this stroller is absolutely perfect. You can get this model for around $419.
Features
CANOPY
It has a huge full sun protection canopy with a large peekaboo window. I like it when canopies are large because my daughter Sophia is very fussy about the sun getting into her eyes.
This canopy solves that problem. A large peekaboo window allows me to see her and she can always look at me and give me one of her ‘I love u’ smiles. It makes my heart melt. *Sigh*
HANDLEBAR
Unfortunately, this handlebar is NOT adjustable. It’s located 40 ” from the ground. If you are much shorter or taller, it might be a problem.
The handle is covered with padded foamy material. Some parents complain about foam getting wet from the sweat and losing its grip.
SEAT
The seat is very roomy. It’s 15″ wide and 23″ high from the back of the seat to the canopy. There is a huge difference in padding from a previous model. The bottom and the back of the seat are nicely padded.
It has an additional detachable back support on the seat to make sure your little one is comfy. Before, there was no padding! Take a look at the photo of a 2006 model for comparison.
To recline the seat, pull two straps on both sides. It is 70° recline, it does NOT go flat. So you can only put your baby into the stroller starting from 8 weeks for non-jogging use and 8 months for jogging use.
If you want to use this stroller from birth, you can buy a car seat adapter and turn it into a travel system. The seat is made out of water-resistant material that is very easy to clean.
Two mesh pockets are on both sides of the seat for snacks or toys.
There is a big mesh pocket on the back of the seat that you can use to store your cell phone, keys, and wallet. Unfortunately, there is no parent counsel, but you can purchase it separately.
HARNESS
Of course, it has an adjustable 5-point harness with padded straps and a center release button. Before, there was no padding on the straps.
It has a wrist strap attached to the handlebar. It provides security in case the stroller gets away from you while you are running. The previous model had a longer strap that was attached to the bottom of the stroller.
This one is much shorter and attached to the handlebar. I am not sure what the idea is behind it. If you run and fall, you will pull down the stroller. I think, attaching it to the bottom was safer.
BASKET
It has a large storage basket underneath the seat that can be accessed from the back or sides. Jogging strollers usually have much smaller baskets than this one. You can probably fit a medium size diaper bag in this one.
WHEELS
The 16″ air-filled tires and lightweight alloy wheels make the stroller glide. The back and the front wheel are the same size. The tires are thin, they are not your all-terrain thick tires.
These are more like bicycle tires. You can get a flat, but it can be easily fixed by replacing the tubing inside. The front wheel is fixed making it difficult to go shopping with this stroller.
An adjustable suspension system has two positions. The first position is for children up to 40 lb. The second position is for children from 41 lb up to 70 lb. This state-of-the-art suspension system adjusts to a heavier child allowing for more shock absorption.
BRAKE
A hand brake is a great feature for joggers. If you are running down the hill and need to slow down, this hand brake is irreplaceable.
The parking brake is very easy to reach and can be pushed down with one foot. It’s not flip-flop-friendly.
FOLD
Like all other BOB strollers, this is a two-step fold. You will need to use both hands to fold it. It is a big stroller that weighs 23 lb and is 25.5″L x 41″W x 18″H when folded.
Also, it does NOT have an automatic lock when folded. You will need to put it on the ground and manually lock it by using a clip that is attached to the wrist strap. This stroller will not stand on its own when folded. Oh, my poor back.
Cons
-No automatic lock. The manual lock is a step up, because before there was no lock at all. But, I wish it was automatic.
-Non-adjustable handle bar. As with all BOB strollers, they don’t have an adjustable handle. I hope BOB makes a note and fixes it for the next release.
-Two-step fold. There are a lot of strollers that have one-step fold and they advertise it as a main feature. To make this stroller absolutely perfect, BOB should make it a one-step fold.
-Bulky. This is a jogging stroller with a fixed front wheel, so it is big. Since most of the jogging strollers are big and bulky it’s expected. It would be nice of course if it was more compact. To make it smaller, you can remove the rear wheels before loading it into the trunk.
Specs
Stroller weight: 23 lbs
Weight limit: 70 lbs
Folded dimensions: 41″L x 25.5″W x 18″H
Handlebar height: 40″
Seat to canopy height: 23″
Width (from the back): 25.5″
Overall Length: 50″
Available colors
This stroller comes in two colors: yellow and navy.
Accessories
These accessories also work with other BOB models. You can purchase separately: car seat adapter, snack tray, adult console (this is a must-have), weather shield, fleece seat liner, and travel bag (fits any single bob stroller).
Where to buy it
You can get BOB Ironman in one of the two beautiful colors for around $419.