REASONS TO BUY
Nice quality
Easier to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Higher Price
Large
Heavy
Frustrating harness and buckle
Maclaren Twin Triumph Review
Larger option with hard to use buckle and harness strap adjustment
Maclaren Twin Triumph
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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Our Verdict
The Maclaren Twin Triumph earned an average rank in our review. This stroller received one of the highest scores for quality, but its performance, in general, was lackluster. Its strongest metrics are maneuverability and ease of use, but its size and weight prevented it from scoring higher overall. In a gear category where weighing less and folding small is king, the Twin Triumph was one of the largest and heaviest. This stroller does offer nice seating, good canopies, and extra storage pockets that makes us feel like we can possibly overlook its shortcomings. Still, one attempt to adjust the harness or release the buckle leaves us unable to recommend this stroller.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Test pilot and aviation engineer Owen Maclaren started Maclaren in 1965 with a lightweight stroller that was easy to fold and travel with. He created his design by adapting his own design for aircraft landing gear, and the first umbrella stroller was born. His design was patented and honored by the Queen and for over 50 years has been almost completely unchanged.
Performance Comparison
The Twin Triumph came in middle of the pack for lightweight strollers for two.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
When we tested for weight and folded size, the Triumph earned a subpar score in this metric. This stroller weighs 23 lbs and measures 12,519 cubic inches when folded, making it one of the largest strollers in the group and not a good option for parents with limited space. The Triumph does have a carry handle, but a shoulder strap would be nicer for a stroller this size.
The Triumph's carry handle is a nice touch, but a shoulder strap would make carrying it easier and keep user's hands free.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Triumph Twin earned an above-average score for ease of use. The Twin lost points in this metric, thanks to a ridiculously difficult to use harness and stiff buckle.
Fold and Unfold
The Twin has a two-handed fold that is initiated with the foot (above left), making it not great for sandaled feet. It does not self-stand, but it does have an automatic lock that works well. While it folds easily, you will need to bend all the way over to push it together and lock (above right).
Brakes
The Twin brakes are some of the easiest to use and make a reassuring click sound when the pedal is engaged. They are sandal foot-friendly and smooth to set and release.
Storage
The Twin has two under-seat storage bins that hold up to 4.4 lbs each (above left). The bins are medium in size and held our small diaper bag. The access isn't great, but the real problem is that the opening is too small for most bags. This stroller also has a pocket on the back of each canopy that is easy to use and holds easy access items (above right).
The Triumph has some of the nicer and better looking canopies in the review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The shades on the Twin are large, function well, have a pop-out visor, and are SPF 50+. These canopies don't have peek-a-boo windows, but a panel zippers open for ventilation and visibility under the shade.
The Twin Triumph's harness is the hardest to adjust, and the buckle is super stiff and challenging to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
Maclaren makes the most difficult to use harnesses and buckles. The straps have a convoluted back and forth threading system that will leave you frustrated and tempted to go with “good enough,” and the buckle is so stiff two hands doesn't feel like enough pressure to open it.
The recline on the Triumph is no where near flat, but it should be deep enough for comfortable napping.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
The Twin looks like it has a leg rest, but it is really just a flap of padded fabric. The seatbacks do not recline flat, but it is far enough to fall asleep. The seats recline with a button push and slide and sit upright the same way.
Ease of Setup
The Twin took us just over 6 minutes to set up and requires no tools. The real problem is a poorly designed manual that has 19 languages all mashed together instead of divided sections. This takes extra time to sort through and follow, which leads to frustration and losing your place or accidentally skipping steps.
Maneuverability
The Twin earned an average score for maneuverability. The Twin has the dual front wheel design, common on this kind of stroller, with 6 wheels in front that can veer off course easily with bumps in the road. This stroller steers and turns well, with occasional one-handed pushing possible on straight flat surfaces. Taller users might end up kicking the back of the stroller when strolling, but it did go over curbs without a hiccup. It does have problems with significant transition edges and struggles over small bumps and larger cracks.
The dual wheel design on the Triumph's front wheels isn't the best, but somehow these small plastic wheels still manage to be better than most of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This stroller has all-wheel suspension and a nicely padded seat. The handles are foam covered and nicely placed. We think both users and passengers will find the Twin comfortable enough for regular use.
Quality
The Twin earned one of the highest scores for quality, making this the metric where the Twin really shines. Maclaren seems to take great care in choosing materials and components that work well together and connect securely to form a sturdy final product. While it still has commonalities with the competition, like plastic wheels and exposed fasteners, this one just looks nicer and feels better than most with little flex and high thread count fabric.
Manufacturer Video
This Maclaren video gives an overview of the Twin Triumph.
—Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team
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