Awesome stroller! Detail review!
August 9, 2013
Ok so where do I start? My lovely Peg Perego! I want to start off by saying that if you are reading this review you probably are a Peg Perego lover just like me; and youve been reading the reviews for this stroller on not only Albee Baby but other websites too; and guess what? You are by now totally confused with all the mixed ratings from this stroller users. First and foremost, let me clarify something: The Peg Perego Aria Side-by-Side Twin Stroller sold on this website and pretty much everywhere else is their latest model (2011 or 2012 not sure what year exactly, couldn't find it anywhere in the description); BUT (and I write in capital letters) most of the low ratings and horrible reviews are for their older model (2007, 2008). I have owned both models and have experienced the differences personally; and I must confess that there are major improvements to this newer model which make it a great stroller altogether!!! This is the story:I have a 10 month old (29 lbs) and a 2 yrs and 10 month old (31 lbs). I kept procrastinating the purchase of a double stroller as I thought when we are out in the city, the little one could sit in our single Peg Perego Pliko P3 stroller and my toddler could stand at the back of it. Hence, there wouldn't be the need to spend money on a double stroller (by the way, I've had the Pliko P3 for 3 years now and I love itstill sturdy, rides smoothly, and even looks like new.) But after a few outings, my older one started to get tired and the fight for who gets to sit in the stroller began!!! My husband and I ended up holding one kid in our arms and riding the other one in the stroller...switching back and forthtotal hassle...therefore, the big decision of getting a double stroller arose. I started my research by reading online reviews and randomly approaching and asking moms with double strollers in the malls/parks. As I was still doing my search, my friend found a used Peg Perego Aria (older model) in a local second-hand store for just $45. I wasn't a big fan of getting a used one for my kids, but who could bid the price for $45??? and it looked pretty new. I was lucky that the store was offering a full-refund return policy. So, I tried it for a week and almost hated it. When the stroller was empty or even I had only one kid in it, it would ride so smoothly. But as soon as i had both of them in the stroller, the front wheels would lock and not move forward at all (especially if I wanted to make a turn.) Anyways, i ended up returning it for a full refund of course. After researching and reading tons of reviews on so many sites, I finally narrowed down my search to Joovy Caboose, Combi Cosmo (its the lastest from Combi, there are not so many reviews out there) and Peg Perego Aria 60/40. I tell you, it was a tough decision. I wanted a stroller that was comfy and safe for the kids, could stand-alone when folded, was light-weight, sturdy, compact, with a big storage, a bigger canopy, a smooth ride with a simple folding system. I was mostly looking to get one in the range of ~$200. Didn't want to spend more than that. Joovy was on sale for $198 and at some places for $220; Combi ~$275; Peg Perego ~350 or ~400 on some sites :( I found this site Albee Baby that had the Peg Perego for $219 :) and I just jumped on it :) (no tax and free shipping); and it had all the features that I was looking for. The newer model's canopy is bigger, with a great coverage (for some reason, its not shown in the pictures). It has a pick-a-boo window but no cover on it; so when my kids sleep in the stroller, the sun-light travels through the window; but it's ok. Although I'm not planning on using this feature anymore, but I have the option of putting our Peg Perego car-seat on the 60 side as well. Compared to the older model, the front wheels are redesigned, so the weight is being distributed evenly and I don't have a problem making turns here and there. Some people say that you can maneuver with one hand, but I haven't been able to do that. The storage is big enough, I can easily fit a bigger diaper bag, a purse, and even a few jackets in it; but honestly putting a bigger diaper bag inside and pulling it out is not the easiest task. When folded, the standing alone option is great, i use it all the time. There's only one cup holder for an adult, I wish there were two on each side though. I've had it for a few months now, and it has passed through all the doors in public places thus far. My kids love the red color and enjoy riding in it all the time. I haven't used the trays, so can not comment on the size, the functionality, or the cup holder for the kids. My younger one always likes to sit straight up front, so the option of freedom of movement while still having a safe harness is great. Altogether, we like it a lot; and for our family's needs it's great. I'll give this Italian design a 5 star. As far as Albee Babys website, they were on-time in delivering, the package arrived in a good shape and all the parts were there. It took me a while to write this review, but I felt like there were too many confusing reviews out there and needed to offer some clarifications. Hope you found this review helpful.