Thule Sleek Double Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Over 70 years ago, Erki Thulin started the Thule company in Sweden creating gear for fisherman. After 20 successful years, they produce the first ski and roof racks. Today, active people can find useful items in the Thule lineup like racks for winter sports and water activity, bike racks, cargo carriers, bags, luggage, backpacks, bike trailers, and even strollers.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Use
The Sleek performs well for ease of use with an impressive higher score for the competition.
Ease of use includes components that could impact your day-to-day use of a product.
Fold and Unfold
Folding the Sleek requires two hands and two steps, plus it has an automatic lock and self-stands when folded. You do need to bend halfway and you can leave both seats on or remove them for a smaller fold, but more parts. Unfolding also requires two hands and two steps with a little practice necessary to do well.
Brakes
The Sleek brakes are foot-friendly sporting a rocker-style pedal that is easy to set and release by pressing one end of the pedal or the other. They are single action brakes engaging both rear wheels with one pedal push.
Storage
The storage bin (above left) has a maximum allowance of 11 lbs and comes with a zippered cover (above right). It is a very large bin with access from all sides and fit our extra-large diaper bag. The back of the bin can expand, but the bin cover will not fit the expanded space.
Sunshade
The shades on the Sleek seats are large, UPF 50+, with a zippered ventilation panel and a pop-out visor. They have vinyl peek-a-boo windows with magnetic closure covers. The main seat canopy is larger than the second seat, but both are adequate.
Harness
The Sleek harness is challenging to put on but easy to remove. This involved process requires separated shoulder and waist straps to be snapped into the main buckle with the shoulder straps securing the waist straps in the slot. This 5-point harness has a sliding height adjustment and an adjustable length crotch strap with one position.
Seat
The main and second seats are similar, though not identical. They both have adjustable leg rests and slight height adjustability. Both offer a one-handed recline with three angle options but neither reclines much if both seats face forward.
Car Seat Compatibility
This double stroller is compatible with a nice variety of infant car seats including some award-winning options from our Infant Car Seat Review. With the purchase of one of two car seat adapters (see below), you can combine the Sleek with the Chicco Keyfit 30, Chicco Fit2, and some seats from the Maxi-Cosi, BeSafe, Cybex, and Nuna brands.
The Chicco adapter is a loop style frame, while the other adapter has two parts for side attachment. Traditionally, loop-style adapters are easier because you don't need to line up the sides. None require straps, which is great. You need to remove the toddler seat (including the canopy) as it uses the same attachment. The best part is this stroller accepts two car seat carriers at once.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the Sleek requires about 10 minutes, including 6 minutes for the main stroller and about 4:30 minutes for the second seat.
Setup of stroller:The manual includes pictures and multiple languages. The illustrations are clear and have no written instructions. You assemble the 4 wheels, canopy, belly bar, and seat.
Set up of the second seat:Maneuverability
The Sleek is relatively easy to maneuver despite the plastic wheels (above left).
This stroller has a shorter wheelbase than some inline strollers and it is easy to push and turn on hard flat surfaces. Off-road on grass and gravel it works surprisingly well, as we assumed it would struggle with the plastic wheels. The frame does flex somewhat, but overall it is average and will get you across a park or greenbelt. The front wheels swivel and can lock in place (above right) for rough terrain.
Weight and Folded Size
The Sleek is heavier than the average double, but the folded size is somewhat smaller than similar inline options.
This Thule weighs 35.9 lbs, which is 3 lbs over the average. It measures 19,373 cubic inches when folded, which is smaller than some of the competition that measures 28,264! If your space is limited, then the Sleek may be a better choice despite the higher weight.
Quality
The Sleek is a quality stroller equal to other top performers in the group.
All of the canvas on the Sleek is the same giving it a nice uniform look. The material is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. The frame is sturdy with no flex and few connection points. It features foam-filled plastic wheels that are good for plastic, but not as nice as those on the jogging strollers. The overall fit and finish are clean and simple, or “sleek” if you will.
The handlebar has a telescoping adjustment with adequate padding for comfort that is smooth and wipes clean. It has nice all-around shocks and thick padding to provide a comfortable riding experience for passengers.
Twins
The Sleek is a good choice for twins as it offers a variety of seating configurations that are virtually identical for children of the same age and size. It works with two infant car seat carriers, two bassinets, and two toddler seats. While you need to buy the additional seats and adapters, it makes the Sleek versatile enough to work well for twins or children of different ages.