GB Lyfe Travel System Review

One of the interesting strollers I saw at the ABC Kids Expo 2015 was the new GB Lyfe model.

The GB Lyfe will be sold as a travel system together with the Asana35 AP infant car seat.

The stroller features a reversible seat that turns into a bassinet using the same seat fabric. No additional kits are needed.

It also can be easily turned into a travel system replacing the infant car seat with an Asana35 AP car seat. As of right now, I am not sure if it’s going to work with any other car seats.

Since this model is not out yet, I only have some of the information and can give you just a short overview of the product.

The stroller features a large canopy with a mesh panel, removable swing-away bumper bar, rear-wheel suspension, a very large basket, and never-flat EVA wheels.

The fold is super easy and can be done with the seat attached facing any direction. It has an automatic lock and standing fold.

You can get the GB Lyfe 2016 Travel System in one of the two beautiful colors for around $349. I think it’s a good deal for a car seat and a stroller.

Buy GB Lyfe Travel System »

Features

CANOPY

It has a large canopy with a zipped-in mesh panel that provides good ventilation on a hot day.  The canopy goes all the way to the bumper bar providing great coverage. There is no peekaboo window, but you can use a zipped mesh panel to look at your child.

HANDLEBAR

The handle bar is not adjustable and is located 40″ from the ground. This is an average height if compared to other strollers.

SEAT

The seat is 12″ wide with 17″ seat back and a measurement of 22″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy. The seat can accommodate a child from birth and up to 50 lbs.

As it happens with most reversible seat models the seat is really designed for younger kids and doesn’t have a lot of head room for an older toddler. My 3 year old could probably fit in, but it’s not going to be a comfortable ride because he legs are way to long for that foot rest.

Now, many older toddlers (2.5- 3 year old) don’t really need a stroller anymore. And for those who do, parents usually get a lightweight umbrella stroller so I don’t think this should be a problem.

BASSINET-LIKE ENVIRONMENT

The Lyfe model can also be turned into a pram by releasing two belts underneath the seat. One belt is located at the knee level and another one is at the neck level. By simply unclipping the buckles, you can turn it into a bassinet-like environment that is perfect for a newborn.

I am saying ‘bassinet-like’ environment because in the real bassinet the sides are solid and the bassinet keeps it’s shape whenOf course this is not the same as a carrycot and can’t be used as a stand-alone, but this is a great option for a newborn.

I wish there was a cover for the top portion of the bassinet like you can see on many stand-alone carrycots.

BUMPER BAR

INCLUDED! There is a removable swing-away bumper bar.

HARNESS

It has an adjustable padded 3 point harness with a center release buckle. BTW, most strollers have 5-point harness.

BASKET

The basket is large and can be easily accessed from all the sides even if the seat is fully reclined.

WHEELS

It rolls on four EVA never-flat wheels with 7.5″ wheels in the front and 9.5″ wheels in the back. The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight for rougher terrain.

This is an average size wheels for strollers in this category. The rear-wheel suspension helps to absorb some of the bumps.

BRAKE

The foot brakes are located near each rear wheel and are not flip-flop friendly.

FOLD

You can fold the stroller with the seat attached. The seat can be facing any direction when folded, but when it’s facing forward the fold is more compact. You can even fold it in a bassinet mode without taking it off.

There is an automatic lock and a standing fold. Because of the seat designed with non adjustable leg rest, the fold is very bulky.

In most other strollers with a similar fold like Uppababy Cruz, you can make the fold a little more compact by also adjusting the leg rest that sticks out.

CUP HOLDER

It comes with a small cup holder.

TRAVEL SYSTEM OPTION

You can turn it into a travel system by replacing the seat with an infant car seat. I don’t have information on what car seats it will work with, but I know it will be sold as a travel system with the new Asana35 AP Infant car seat.

Cons

-Non-adjustable leg rest. Most luxury strollers have an adjustable leg rest, but Lyfe does not. I think because of the bassinet option the designers couldn’t make that part of the frame adjustable.

-Non-adjustable handle bar. The handle bar is located at a good height of 40″ from the ground, but I still would like to see an adjustable handle bar since this is a full size stroller.

Video Review

Here is a quick video overview from ABC Kids Expo 2015.

Specs

Stroller weight: 24 lbs
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Handlebar height: 40″
Seat to canopy height: 22″
Rear wheels: 9.5″
Front wheels: 7.5″

Warranty

The GB has a 2-year warranty from the original date of purchase and you have to be the original owner.

Where to buy it

You can get GB Lyfe 2016 Travel System in one of the two beautiful colors for around $349.

Buy GB Lyfe Travel System »