In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Thule Sleek Review

Easy to use, possible two-seater with useful features that is easy to push
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Thule Sleek Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $830 List
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Manufacturer:   Thule
By Juliet Spurrier, MD, Wendy Schmitz, BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  Aug 30, 2019
71
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 8.0
  • Maneuverability - 30% 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 4.0
  • Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Thule Sleek is a high-end full-size stroller that can accommodate two. This impressive stroller has a reversible seat, large canopy, extendable covered storage, and an adjustable handlebar. The seat is padded, the leg rest is adjustable, and it can recline completely flat for newborns and sleeping. We like the telescoping handlebar that places taller users further from the rear axle and we like that you can attach infant car seats and bassinets to this stroller for increased versatility. While the Sleek could use nicer tires and we wish it was smaller when folded, it is still a nice quality option that has thoughtful features and impressive maneuverability for a lower price than comparable options.
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile seating
Useful features
Easy to push and turn
REASONS TO AVOID
Price
Harder to lift and stow size
2020 Update The Thule Sleek and the related car seat adapters for the Sleek have been recalled. For more information, contact the manufacturer.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Recall Alert: Thule issued a recall on March 19, 2020 for the Chicco infant car seat adapter that is compatible with the Thule Sleek Stroller. The recall is only for the adapter and does not pertain to the Sleek itself. If you were hoping to pair the sleek with a Chicco infant car seat, then you'll need to consider a different stroller or potentially a different car seat. Currently, the only adapter available for the Sleek is compatible with some models of Maxi-Cosi®, BeSafe®, Cybex® and Nuna® (check with Thule for specifics).

Erik Thulin founded Thule (Too-La) in Sweden in 1942. The company began making products for fishermen. Over time, they started creating gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The goal was always to contribute to adventures by increasing the ease of transporting outdoor supplies. With over 70 years of experience, the company continues to create new products for those who love the outdoors with a variety of gear ranging from backpacks and roof racks to trailers and strollers.

Performance Comparison



thule sleek - the seat on the sleek can lay flat for smaller infants or sleeping.
The seat on the Sleek can lay flat for smaller infants or sleeping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Thule Sleek is easy to use with features and design choices that make life easier.

thule sleek - it takes two hands to initiate the fold on the sleek by pulling up...
It takes two hands to initiate the fold on the Sleek by pulling up on the side release slides simultaneously.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


This Thule has a fold in half folding mechanism that requires two hands and two steps. The product has an automatic lock and it self-stands for easy storing. It is equally easy to unfold, again with two hands and two steps, but it might take some practice to master the method of getting the frame lock to release.

thule sleek - the sleek has a rocker brake that is easy to use and great for feet...
The Sleek has a rocker brake that is easy to use and great for feet and shoes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The single-action brakes on the Sleek are super easy to set and release with a rocker-style pedal that is fancy shoe friendly because you never need to use the top of your foot to release the brake.

The Sleek's storage bin can be pulled back to make it larger.
The Sleek's storage bin can be pulled back to make it larger.
The under seat storage on the Sleek is large enough to fit a large...
The under seat storage on the Sleek is large enough to fit a large diaper bag and it has an 11 lbs weight allowance.

Storage


The storage bin on this stroller is very large and fits our extra-large diaper bag inside. While it misses the impressive weight capacity of some competition by nearly 20 lbs, it is still well within the average with a capacity of 11 lbs. The bin can be accessed from all sides including the front. The basket can expand in the back and has a zippered protective cover over the main (unexpanded) portion; a rare feature in this group.

The Thule has a vinyl peek-a-boo window with a cover that has a...
The Thule has a vinyl peek-a-boo window with a cover that has a silent magnet closure.
The Sleek canopy has a zippable extension that includes a mesh...
The Sleek canopy has a zippable extension that includes a mesh ventilation/peek-a-boo window.

Sunshade


The canopy on the Sleek is large, ample enough to cover past the knees when fully open and it has a UPF rating of 50+. This sunshade has two peek-a-boo windows including a large vinyl window with magnetic closure and a mesh window that appears when the canopy is completely open using the zipper component. This mesh also provides added ventilation in warmer weather and can be covered to keep out the wind. The height of the canopy is adjustable for taller passengers.

thule sleek - the 5-point harness on the sleek requires connecting the shoulder...
The 5-point harness on the Sleek requires connecting the shoulder and waist straps before inserting into the buckle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The 5-point harness on the Sleek is somewhat difficult to get on, but easier to take off. It has adjustable shoulder heights in three positions and an adjustable crotch strap for a better fit. This harness style separates the shoulder straps from the waist belt and all four straps then clip into the main buckle with the shoulder straps holding the waist buckle portion in the slot. It's involved and could be challenging with a squirming child.

A padded seat and foam covered belly bar are part of the Sleek's...
A padded seat and foam covered belly bar are part of the Sleek's reclining seat and adjustable leg rest.
Pulling the seatback lever on the Sleek will recline the seat in a...
Pulling the seatback lever on the Sleek will recline the seat in a variety of positions including flat for cozy napping.

Seat


The Sleek seat is reversible and fully reclines with a small pull lever on the back. The seat can also be removed and replaced with an infant car seat or bassinet (sold separately). This stroller does not come with a bassinet, so you'll need to look elsewhere if that is on your must-have list as a standard configuration. The padded leg rest is adjustable and the footrest is narrow and shallow.

Car Seat Compatibility


The Sleek is compatible with a variety of infant car seats with the purchase of the appropriate adapter. These seats include many options from Cybex, Maxi Cosi, Nuna, and Chicco including many award-winning options from our Best Infant Car Seat Review.

Ease of Setup


The Sleek took us just over 6 minutes to pull from the box to ready to roll. Assembly includes the wheels, canopy, belly bar, and seat that all snap in place with no tools required.



The manual is multi-language divided into sections with illustrations in the back. The illustrations are pretty clear with no written instructions which are adequate in this case given the limited things you need to do.

The Sleek managed a relatively high score for maneuverability...
The Sleek managed a relatively high score for maneuverability considering the plastic tires.
The Sleek's front wheels can be locked in place with the push of a...
The Sleek's front wheels can be locked in place with the push of a button to help it move over rocky or uneven terrain without veering off course.

Maneuverability


The Sleek maneuvers well for a stroller with foam-filled plastic tires earning. This score isn't as good as the jogging products, but it is better or equal to similar strollers. Surprisingly this stroller pushes and turns with ease on and off the pavement with a slight edge on flat surfaces over uneven terrain. It feels very similar to other UPPAbaby options and made tighter turns than the similarly styled strollers. The longer handlebar makes it easier to go over bumps or curbs than options with shorter or flexing bars.

thule sleek - the sleek has a rather large fold if you don't remove the seat and...
The Sleek has a rather large fold if you don't remove the seat and back wheels. However, compared to some other double strollers it isn't as large.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Sleek is heavy and large which hurt its score for weight and folded size. This stroller is 27.9 lbs and measures 16,493 cubic inches when folded. This is more on par with a jogging stroller than a traditional full-size option. However, it isn't the heaviest option. You can remove the seat and back wheels for a smaller and lighter package, but then you'll have four items to carry and keep track of, so this is likely only a reasonable solution when storing in a smaller car. Keep in mind you'll need to somewhat rebuild your stroller when you reach your destination.

thule sleek - the sleek is a quality stroller with nicer materials and sturdy...
The Sleek is a quality stroller with nicer materials and sturdy construction.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Sleek is a quality product with attention to detail and durable materials. The Sleek uses a single fabric that is a heavy yet soft canvas that didn't snag during testing. The fabric wraps around the seat and stroller frame with no problems and the frames are sturdy, pleasing to the eye, and had no flex. The tires are foam filled plastic that would have been nicer if they were rubber, but they are dense and nicer than those found on less expensive models. It comes with all-wheel suspension, an adjustable telescoping handlebar with wipe-clean cover, and a belly bar. Everything comes together well for an overall clean and elegant fit and finish.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD, Wendy Schmitz, BabyGearLab Review Team