Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller: A Dreamy Ride.
05/19/2009 at 10:00 AM ET
Bugaboo Cameleon stroller ($899) offers bouncy suspension, an ultralight push, reversible seat, height-adjustable handlebar, and rear foam tires. The Dutch company just turned 10 years old and also offers the Frog, Gecko and Bee Strollers.
The handle is also reversible, so your child can instantly face you — just click of the side buttons and raise the handles over the seat. There are three ways to use the wheels: city position, rough terrain position, and 2-wheel position.
Putting It Together
Like the other Bugaboo models, the Cameleon comes in two parts: the chassis and the seat. Just attach the two rear foam wheels and the two front swivel wheels. Then attach either the carrycot, the seat, or a Graco, Peg Perego and Maxi-Cosi Infant Car Seat, with the car seat adaptor (sold separately, $45).
The Ride
The Cameleon's suspension is one of the best I've ever encountered. The back tires are 12″ foam and the front wheels are 6″ lockable swivel wheels. Switch to rough terrain position (so the larger tires are in the front) if you are going on uneven terrain or encounter a lot of broken pavement. You can also switch it to 2-wheeled position for beach use with loose sand or in snow. Despite the big wheels, the Cameleon is not suitable for jogging.
The Seat
The Cameleon comes standard with a carrycot and a seat. We tested the seat only — which has three positions: upright, semi-reclined and flat. The seat can be used forward or rear facing. If you decide you want to change the way your child is facing, you can flip the handle over (by pressing and lifting the handle over the seat) and instantly turn your child's view of the world around. The 5-point harness was easy to adjust. A car seat adaptor for Graco, Peg Perego and Maxi-Cosi car seats is available separately.
Storage
The Cameleon has a fabric storage basket attached that can be hard to access if the seat is reclined fully.
Sun/Weather Exposure
The sun canopy was generous and fully protected my child from the sun. For hotter weather, you have the option of the Breezy Sun Canopy ($39, on sale in fleece pink, black, sand and red at Let's Go Strolling for $14) which has mesh air vents.
The Fold
This is a two piece, compact fold. First take the seat off by pushing in the white square buttons on the sides of the seat and lift up.
To fold the chassis: Make sure the chassis is in the 4-wheel position, put the handlebar above the large wheels, pull the two white release knobs towards you and while pulling the handlebar down, place it on the floor. Then grasp the center shaft and lift everything up. The chassis, wheels and handlebar should fall against each other.
Available Accessories
A rain cover is included. Additional accessories for purchase include: a parasol, footmuff, the Breezy Sun Canopy, a transport bag, a cup holder, car seat adapter, diaper bag, backpack, and a wheeled board for use with an older child. Tailored fabric sets like the limited edition Paul Frank designs are also available.
Pros: Amazing suspension, comfortable reversible seat, featherlight push.
Cons: You have to remove the seat to fold it and the price is on the highest end of the stroller spectrum.
Final Verdict: I love the Cameleon. If you are looking for a smooth ride and don't mind the two part fold, you'll love the Cameleon too.
— Nancy
CBB Deal: Use code BUGCAMFG at Letsgostrolling.com for a free gift with purchase of a Cameleon. Expires September 30, 2009 or while supplies last.
Source: www.bing.com
Images credited to www.bing.com and top-stroller.com
