BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 vs. Thule Urban Glide 2: Which Jogging Stroller Is Better?

BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 vs Thule Urban Glide 2: Overall Results

Winner: Thule Urban Glide 2

Though we approved of both jogging strollers in the lab and in real-world testing, the Thule Urban Glide 2 beat the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 in nearly every category. While it is pricier, the Thule Urban Glide 2 has a sleeker design and is much easier to fold.

Assembly

Winner: Thule Urban Glide 2

Neither jogging stroller was difficult to set up, but the Thule Urban Glide 2 stood out, since it was nearly assembled right out of the box. All we had to do was simply pop in the wheels. A few parts of the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 had to be folded into place, and we needed to install a screw into the front wheel. However, all of the necessary tools and parts are included in the box.

Design

Winner: Thule Urban Glide 2

One of the Thule Urban Glide 2’s main selling points is its aesthetic appeal, mixed with thoughtful features that runners will appreciate. Earning a full 5 stars for design in our lab test, it’s made from shiny aluminum and cool-toned polyester fabric for a modern look, and it has a zippered cargo hold, a peekaboo window with a magnetic closure in the canopy, and an ergonomic handlebar with a hand brake. In the lab, we noted the security of the padded five-point no-rethread harness and the convenience of the detachable seat and canopy covers, which can be hand washed as needed. The cargo space can fit the most basic necessities you’d need on a run, but it wouldn’t hold a large bag, as we discovered in real-world testing. Overall, it hit the sweet spot between “the most basic out there” and “over-the-top bells and whistles,” our at-home tester told us.

While it’s not quite as sleek as the Thule, we were still impressed by the design of the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0. The seat can be reclined with one hand for a nap time, and the extra-large canopy has a peekaboo window for checking in on your sleeping little one. (The canopy also has UPF 50+ for added protection from the sun.) This stroller’s padded handle is adjustable, so adults can change it to their preferred height. In the lab and at-home, we found that the foot brake left something to be desired, as it was “sometimes a little tricky to kick it up or down,” according to our at-home tester, who noted that “a hand brake would be an upgrade for this stroller, especially if you're using it in hilly areas.” Additionally, she found that it was a tight squeeze to fit her son’s bag into the cargo hold.

For both jogging strollers, there were a few features that we wished were included with the stroller, rather than sold separately. Thule sells a snack tray and a stroller organizer—complete with a water bottle holder and a zippered pocket for keys and a phone—and BOB Gear sells a snack tray and a handlebar console with two mesh water bottle holders and a zippered compartment.

Maneuverability

Winner: Tie

The official word from doctors on the safest way to run with joggings strollers: “You want to lock the front wheel to prevent the swivel feature from causing sudden turns,” California-based board-certified pediatrician Tomomi Hayashi, MD, advised us. On the other hand, some parents find that it’s easier to maneuver a jogging stroller with the wheel unlocked, especially while walking or navigating a crowd. We ran with the strollers both ways during testing.

With its front wheel unlocked, the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 drove smoothly in lab testing, when we noted that it “turned on a dime and felt very comfortable.” With the wheel locked, the stroller pulled to the left during the test at first, before we realized that the alignment of BOB strollers can be fixed with the twist of a knob near the front wheel. While this stroller maneuvered “very fluidly” while unlocked, our real-world tester said, she found that running with the front wheel locked was much more stable.  

When the front wheel of the Thule Urban Glide 2 was unlocked, “it did bounce around a bit as we ran over uneven pavement and over railroad tracks,” according to our real-world tester. “Once I tried it locked, it was way more stable and not as hard to turn as some of the other models I grew frustrated with while testing at the lab. … The ride was very smooth and solid, and I didn't feel like I was pushing a lot of extra weight around.”

Our lab tester also raved: “It turns VERY VERY well, even with one hand. … The best part: It was super lightweight and nice to handle.” 

Folding

Winner: Thule Urban Glide 2

Ease of folding is an important factor when evaluating a jogging stroller. When it’s not your everyday stroller, you’ll likely be storing it or toting it to the park quite a bit. The Thule Urban Glide 2 was simple to fold with a quick lift, turn, and push of a flap. 

“It’s possible to do with one hand, but easier to do with two,” our at-home tester said. Though it wasn’t intuitive to her on her first try, with “a quick glance at the manual,” she found it easy to learn the steps. 

We found that the Thule is easy to store and transport, as the rear wheels can be detached with the click of a button to give the stroller an even smaller footprint.

Folding the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0, on the other hand, is a bit of a hassle, as it requires quite a few steps. To collapse, you need to lock the brakes, press on levers located near the handlebars, push the top half of the stroller forward, and pull up a red loop that’s underneath the seat before securing the buckles around the folded stroller. It also isn’t very compact when folded: ”It does not fold down into anything that could be considered compact,” our home tester said. “It takes up quite a bit of room, even folded.”

Value

Winner: Thule Urban Glide 2

Both jogging strollers received 4 out of 5 stars for overall value in our lab test. At $550, the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 is one of the more affordable jogging strollers we tested. We think that it’s reasonably priced, as it performed well in assembly, design, and maneuverability, only losing points for its laborious folding process. 

On the other hand, the Thule Urban Glide 2 is just $100 more and performed just as well, if not better, in many of the same categories, and it far surpassed its competitor when it came to ease of folding. If you are already making an investment in a jogging stroller, we recommend going with the Thule Urban Glide 2. As one of our testers said, "The stroller is going to encourage you to run!” 

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start using a jogging stroller?

Pediatricians and running coaches recommend waiting to run with a baby until at least 6 months, if not later. It’s also important to make sure that your little one is able to hold up their head and chest before running with them in a jogging stroller. (Always consult the stroller’s age recommendations first.)

“Ultimately, you will want to defer to your pediatrician. The manufacturers of jogging strollers often recommend waiting until the child is 6-8 months old,” says Laura Norris, a Colorado-based certified running coach. 

Additionally, keep an eye on your baby when you begin jogging with a baby. “Always start out slow on the run to ensure the stroller is moving comfortably and your baby is tolerating the speed well,” says Dr. Hayashi.

What are the most important features of a jogging stroller?

First and foremost, you’ll want to look for “a stroller designed for jogging,” says Norris. “This means that the stroller has the proper suspension to support the baby during higher velocity movement.” As with all strollers, a jogging stroller should have a five-point harness to keep your baby safe and secure, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.[1] This is especially important when running at a fast pace.

Other features to consider are effective brakes and a front swivel wheel that can be locked. 

Why Trust Verywell Family

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor and was one of the jogging stroller testers in the lab. She was a particular fan of the Thule Urban Glide 2 for its sleek look and many useful features.