Thule Urban Glide 2 Review

The Swedish company, Thule (Too-La), started in 1942 by creating products for fishermen. Today their products range from roof racks and luggage boxes to bike racks, the best bike trailers for kids, and strollers.

Performance Comparison

Run-Ability

Thule is one of the most run-able strollers we've tested in a market saturated with impressive competition like the Bob Revolution Flex 3.0. The swivel wheel options (with the wheel locked) scored higher on average for run-ability than the fixed wheel strollers, which historically were considered the ideal by die-hard runners.

This stroller has a locking swivel front wheel and adjustable tracking with large, easy-to-use knobs located where the wheel connects to the frame. This stroller runs straight on pneumatic rubber tires and tips easily to navigate the trail. We experienced a little play in the front wheel, but the stroller doesn't wander, and the play resulted in less need for back tipping to turn, and our professional runner remarks it is “very runnable.”

The Details

Within run-ability, we perform many tests that make up the greater overall score for this metric. Our tests tease out what makes a jogger more runnable than a competitor. These detailed test results can help you better understand the dynamics of a jogger so that you can choose the best option for you. The following charts can help see how the Urban Glide 2 compares to the competition.

Our running tests are 35% of the total run-ability score. This sub-test includes ratings from multiple runners about their experience on how easy each jogger is to run with. The Urban Glide 2 performed well in these tests.

Rolling resistance makes up 20% of the run-ability score. How easily the wheels spin with weight in the stroller impacts a user's ability to run while pushing the stroller. During testing, a longer rolling distance translates to less wheel resistance (farther is better), resulting in less fatigue and a potentially longer or fun run.

This jogger has an adjustable height handlebar with an ergonomic design the cuts the corners of the handlebar for great hand placement while on the go. The bar cover is dense foam with a twisting handle brake designed to slow the stroller.

Ease of Use

This stroller is one of the easier-to-use joggers in the review. Its impressive features and functionality make it a contender for the best full-size stroller, as well as a superior jogger.

Though it lacks an intuitive design, it offers simple features that function well with a light blue color at adjustment points.

Fold and Unfold

Folding is smooth, and you only need one hand (even if it is more comfortable with two) to operate the twist and fold mechanism under the leg rest (above left) to fold the stroller half; the folding handle doubles as a handhold to roll or lift the stroller. This option doesn't self-stand making it harder to stow, but it has an auto-lock (above right) feature and a more compact fold that pulls in the rear wheels for a smaller footprint.

Brakes

The brakes are single action with an extra-large plastic pedal (above left) in the middle of the rear axle that is easy to set and release. It also has a deacceleration brake (above right) that is a unique twisting handbrake in the middle of the handlebar. It is easy to grip and turn and does a respectable job of slowing the stroller.

Storage

The large storage bin comes with a weatherproof zippered cover (above left) to keep items clean and prevent them from falling out. The cover is similar to that found on the BOB Alterrain Pro, but is relatively unique overall in the jogger world. The basket is easy to access from the rear and sides with a weight allowance of 10 lbs, and we fit our large diaper bag inside. The Urban Glide 2 has a mesh pocket on the back of the seat that is large enough for most convenience items and passenger mesh pockets inside the passenger area (above right).

Sunshade

Thule improved their awesome canopy by adding zippered ventilation to the back (above left) and changing the visor to the same material as the rest of the canopy. The shade is one of the nicest canopies in the review, with a large, vinyl peek-a-boo window (above right) sporting a magnetic closure.

Unlike stationary canopies, the canopy rotates forward, and it snaps in place for a sleek look.

Harness

The 5-point harness on the Urban Glide 2 is easy to put on and adjust with straps that tighten the shoulder and waist simultaneously, with one pull on each side. It also features adjustable shoulder and crotch straps, making the harness easier to fit. The new Urban Glide 2 has an improved buckle that only requires one hand and pops open with a squeeze.

Seat

The seat is a sling style with a nicely padded non-adjustable leg rest and easy to clean footrest. The seatback has a one-handed adjustment toggle that is easy to operate, and the back lays flat enough for comfy napping. The reclined seat has a vented area at the top for additional airflow that you can cover if the weather is cold.

Car Seat Compatibility

Thule offers optional infant car seat adapters, including the Thule Urban Glide Car Seat Adapter for Chicco, the Thule Car Seat Adapter for Maxi Cosi, and the Thule Infant Car Seat Adapter. These adapters allow you to safely walk your baby in their infant car seat carrier attached to the stroller while they are too young to jog (8-12 months; discuss with your pediatrician). The Chicco adapter works with Keyfit infant car seats, including the Chicco Keyfit 30 that won an award in our infant car seat review. The Maxi-Cosi adapter will also work with the Cybex Aton 2 infant car seat. These adapters allow click-in attachment of the Aton 2, which has the best crash test score, making it an impressive combination. The Thule Infant Car Seat Adapter is somewhat of a universal adapter that works with a variety of brands, including the UPPAbaby and Peg Perego, and some seats by Graco, Britax, Bob, and Safety 1st.

Ease of Setup

The Thule is straightforward to assemble, with a build time of 5:13 minutes. The only assembly is putting on the rear wheels. No tools are required, but an informational insert on removing the front wheel is misleading. The manual is multi-language, and the directions don't start for a few pages, but the illustrations are straightforward.

Maneuverability

This stroller is very easy to maneuver, whether running with the wheel locked or walking with a swivel wheel.

The front swivel wheel helps it navigate tight spaces, and pushing and turning on hard flat surfaces is a breeze. The Thule is very responsive, and our professional runner feels this stroller is lightweight and easy to turn.

Off-road, the Urban Glide 2 excels, and we like how it handles rougher terrain, making it a good choice for managing a variety of unexpected outdoor surfaces, from forest trails to playpark greenbelts.

It sports rear wheel suspension, pneumatic tires, and a padded sling-style seat for a comfortable riding experience. The rear shocks make this stroller a little jumpy when going down curbs, but the longer handlebar keeps you standing straighter for better control.

Weight and Folded Size

Even though it is 2 lbs heavier than the previous version at 24.4 lbs, it is still relatively light compared to the jogging competition, with most of the competition weighing more.

It also has a smaller fold overall than most of the competition, measuring about 15,300 cubic inches.

These measurements make it lighter than similar options, so it may be easier to lift and carry. You can also use the quick-release hubs to remove the wheels to make it smaller if your trunk space is limited.

Quality

The Urban Glide is a high-quality stroller with impressive materials. The components and materials combine to create one of the review's sleekest and sharp-looking joggers.

This stroller has lovely fabric that feels good and appears breathable. The fabric didn't snag in our tests, and it fit the frame nicely in a groove that hides seams and fittings. The frame has a sleek design that is pleasing to the eye and is lightweight with very little flex. The Urban Glide 2 has molded plastic wheels with air-filled rubber tires that do not wiggle or vibrate where connected. The joints and connections are solid without flex or give, and the overall fit and finish are sleek and unencumbered.

Should You Buy the Thule Urban Glide 2?

It is hard to find anything to dislike about the Urban Glide 2, and its performance during testing is why. This jogger is great at almost everything, and if it could only bring us flowers, we might marry it. We think that no matter what your goals are for jogging, heading off-road, or getting groceries the smooth-moving, runnable Urban Glide 2 can get the job done with ease and style.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?

The only reason to consider another option is if your budget is tight or you want to go on other types of adventures. This stroller is not the most expensive option in the group, and it is less expensive than some of the products we tested in our full-size stroller review. However, if it isn't in your wallet's neighborhood, the Baby Trend Expedition is a respectable choice with a smaller price tag. If you love being outdoors and want to share this with your little one, you might consider the Thule Chariot Cross 2 with Jog Kit, as you can use it for jogging, strolling, biking, and sledding (with accessories). While this option is expensive, it has so much versatility it could be worth it depending on your goals.

Accessories

Thule offers several nice accessories you can purchase to use with the Urban Glide.

• Thule Snack Tray — A snack tray can come in handy if you use a jogger for everyday strolling. This addition rotates to the side for easy access to get into and out of the stroller and is easy to attach and remove. It is unlikely you will use this addition if strictly running, as items can fall from it while moving quickly.
• Thule Car Seat Adapters — A car seat adapter makes strolling with an infant a breeze and extends the usable life of your jogger. Thule offers two car seat adapters that work with some Chicco, Peg Perego, UPPAbaby, Britax, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Nuna options (see Car Seat Compatibility above). Compatibility includes seats like the Chicco Keyfit 30.
• Thule Mesh Cover — The mesh cover is an excellent addition for hotter weather that offers protection against bugs and the sun but still allows for airflow. Depending on your climate, this accessory could be a must-have item to keep bugs at bay.
• Thule Rain Cover — This clear rain cover drapes over the seat to protect little passengers from rain, snow, or the wind without limiting the visibility of the world around them. Arguably a must-have if you plan to run no matter what the weather.

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