The new BOB Rambler jogging stroller is a scaled-down budget-friendly version of the popular BOB Revolution Flex.
It’s more compact, has a little less features, and costs about $150 less. So, let’s talk about differences first.
While you can still jog with it, the rear wheels are a little smaller than on Flex. The seat is not as wide and not as tall.
There are no mesh pockets inside of the seat which is not a big deal.
The handlebar is not adjustable like on Flex. All these small differences resulted in a more compact fold, cheaper price, and 3 lbs lighter weight of 25 lbs (Flex is 28.5 lbs).
All other features are pretty much the same. It still has a large canopy, a high weight capacity of 75 lbs, a one-hand strap recline system, a large basket, a two-step fold, an adjustable suspension system, adjustable front wheel tracking, a run-away strap, and a one-step brake.
It can also be converted into a travel system and works with the most popular infant car seats. The Rambler model is a great choice for sporty parents who don’t have space for a large jogger like Flex.
If you are looking for a little fancier model with more features but the same size, take a look at Bumbleride Indie.
I think that BOB Rambler is a great addition to the BOB collection of joggers. It’s already one of the best-selling joggers this year.
The BOB Rambler comes only in black and retails for around $359. There are no accessories included. I would like to see a cup holder, snack tray, or at least a tire pump included.
Features
CANOPY
It has a large two-panel SPF 50+ canopy that provides full coverage. There is also a large plastic peekaboo window with a Velcro closure. I would like to see a mesh window instead of plastic and a magnetic closure instead of noisy Velcro.
HANDLEBAR
The handlebar on the Rambler is not adjustable and is located 39.5″ from the ground. It’s covered with nice thick foam (not the most durable cover).
A runaway strap is attached to the handlebar providing extra security in case the stroller runs away from you during jogging. It also works as a lock when the stroller is folded since there is no automatic lock.
SEAT
The seat is 14.5″ wide with an 18″ seat back and a measurement of 21″ from the bottom of the seat to the top of the canopy. The one-hand recline is operated by a strap system. Not my favorite, but easy to do.
You will need one hand to recline it, but both hands to bring it back up. The recline is very deep and can accommodate a child from 3 months and up to 75 lbs (till college. LOL).
Of course, I wouldn’t recommend jogging with a baby till he is at least 9 months old. If you want to put your baby into the seat, I would suggest using an infant insert.
The Summer Infant insert is perfect for an infant car seat or a stroller. It provides additional support so your baby will be comfortable and safe.
Once you recline the seat you will be able to see a large mesh window in the back. Since the seat back is only 18″ (which is on the lower side) your older child will not be able to take a nap. I am guessing by the time your child is 75 lbs he/she will not be into naps anyway. LOL.
The padding on the seat is very nice and thick and the material is very durable and easy to wash. BTW, the seat is pretty upright in the most upright position. I know this is important for many parents.
HARNESS
Like most strollers these days, it has an adjustable 5-point harness. The cool thing is that to adjust the harness you don’t need to re-thread it. The padding is very sick and comfy.
The center release buckle is very easy to do, unlike many other strollers that have a puzzle piece.
I really like the fact that the waist straps can be attached to shoulder straps for quick ins and outs. You can also easily adjust waist straps by pulling on two red rings.
STORAGE
If you like me, you will need all the storage you can get for all the baby crap you need to take with you. Sometimes I feel like I’ve packed half of the house just to go to the park. And lately, my little angels who is a toddler now, refuse to eat in the evening.
So, I usually take the whole dinner to the park and try to feed her there while she is running around. More stuff! The zipper pocket in the back of the seat offers more storage for small items.
BASKET
The basket will definitely fit your large diaper bag plus some. It’s also very easy to access from the back and the sides. For even more storage I would recommend getting a universal stroller organizer.
That way you can take not only your coffee cup, but also a LOT of stuff including keys, phone, water, wallet, snacks, diapers, toys, and more. The amount of stuff it can fit is unbelievable.
WHEELS
It rolls on three 12″ air-filled tires. The wheels are made out of high-impact polymer material. You can easily take this one off-road with no problems.
Great for going to the park, or beach, or just tackling snowy streets. The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight for rougher terrain. Since these wheels are air-filled you will need to get a tire pump.
It has an adjustable front wheel tracking that helps to correct alignment.
It has a mountain bike-style suspension system that provides an ultra-smooth ride. Adjustable shock release knobs allow for two shock positions: 0-40 lbs and 41-75 lbs.
BRAKE
The parking brake is located between the rear wheels and will lock both of the wheels in place. It’s easy to do but is not flip-flop-friendly. I am not sure why they couldn’t take an extra step and make it flip-flop-friendly.
FOLD
The fold is the same as on Flex. There is still no automatic lock or standing fold. It’s a two-step process that requires both hands, but it is easy to fold and unfold. After folding, you need to use a clip to lock the stroller in place.
It also does not stand on its own once folded. The folded dimensions are 38″L x 24.5″W x 14″H. It is slightly more compact than the Flex model. To make it more compact, you can easily take off the rear wheels.
TRAVEL SYSTEM OPTION
You can convert it into a travel system with popular car seats like BOB, Britax, Chicco, Graco, and Peg Perego.
Cons
-No Automatic lock. I guess BOB is still working on that. In the meantime, you will need to use a strap with a clip to lock it in place. I hope to see it in the next update.
-Non-adjustable handle bar. The handlebar is not adjustable like on Flex.
-Bulky. Like most joggers, Rambler takes up a lot of space in the trunk. There is really nothing you can do. To make it more compact you can remove the wheels, but that is about it.
-No bumper bar. There is no bumper bar available for this model. At least there is a snack tray you can get and use instead of a bumper bar.
Video Review
Here is a video overview.
Specs
Stroller weight: 25 lbs
Weight limit: 75 lbs
Folded dimensions: 38″L x 24.5″W x 14″H
Overall Length: 48″
Overall Width: 24.5″
Handlebar height: 39.5″
Seat to canopy height: 21″
Warranty
BOB has a 5-year limited warranty on the frame and 1 year on small parts and fabric.
Available colors
BOB Rambler comes only in black with a grey frame.
Where to buy it
The BOB Rambler comes only in black and retails for around $359. There are no accessories included. I would like to see a cup holder, snack tray, or at least a tire pump included.