Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec Review

Baby Trend began making baby gear more than 26 years ago. The company was the first to create and launch "sit and stand" style strollers and the Snap-N-Go stroller. Baby Trend makes infant car seats and favorite strollers and more.

Performance Comparison

Run-ability

If running is your jam, the Race Tec is probably not your stroller. This option earned one of the lowest scores in the lineup and was not a tester favorite. We ran with all of the strollers for about 5 miles each on a flat track, asphalt, and off-road trails to assess each stroller's run-ability. The Race Tec, like the other Expedition, lacks key features serious runners will find critical, like suspension, adjustable handlebars, and adjustable tracking.

In our tests, the Race Tec was so bouncy that it felt squirrelly when steering on anything but flat surfaces. It required hyper-vigilance and constant two-hand pushing that increased the fatigue of the entire run. Getting into the rhythm and flow of a good run was difficult. While it is fairly lightweight and easy to push, perhaps the lighter weight is why it felt more unstable than most competitors.

This stroller has a lower-placed safety leash, which we liked. It doesn't have a deceleration brake, which is a miss for most serious runners or those who run on hilly terrain or at higher speeds. The handlebar is not adjustable and sits about 41 inches from the ground. While it might work well for an average-height person, our shorter tester didn't think it was ergonomic for all runners. The handlebar has a sticky residue when sweaty, which became a problem on longer runners.

The real bummer is the lack of adjustable tracking. Tracking keeps the stroller running straight, and the ability to adjust it can help keep a stroller headed in the right direction without extra arm power from the pusher. The stroller we purchased tracked relatively straight out of the box, but it did feel like we needed two hands on the bar at all times to avoid veering off. This issue becomes more exaggerated when you hit the dirt trails.

Overall, running with the Race Tec feels like a slog. While it can manage a casual jog around the neighborhood, and an intermittent shorter run would be fine, we suspect anyone dedicated to a regular running schedule will be annoyed and overly fatigued for the wrong reasons.

Ease of Use

The Race Tec is not easy to use, and while some were more challenging, the Race Tec scored below average for the group in our ease of use tests.

Storage

The Race Tec has multiple storage features like an under-seat storage basket, child's tray, and parent console. The console has two cup holders, a center tray, and a flip top. The child's tray has a center compartment flanked by a cup holder on each side.

The storage basket is large and has good access. We were able to fit our extra-large bag inside without a problem. Unfortunately, the maximum allowance is only 5 lbs. This limit is probably fine for running because you don't need much, but it isn't enough for a day of adventures, as a standard diaper is likely to weigh more when fully loaded.

The child tray cup holders are narrow and shallow. Many wider sippy cups won't fit, and smaller toddlers won't be able to utilize the tray when properly belted into the seat. We prefer the side mesh pockets many of the competition have for ease of access and snack storage.

The parent console has a cup holder that will fit a bike water bottle but not the popular, larger stainless steel insulated bottles. The holders are pretty shallow, and the bottle can topple out when running, so we don't think parents should use it when moving at speed or over uneven terrain. The flip-top center trap isn't big enough for the common larger smartphones, but it has a smartphone prop to keep it available.

Fold and Unfold

The Race Tec requires two hands to fold and unfold. The process isn't convoluted, but it feels dated and unnecessary given that higher-ranking options have one-hand folds. The process includes reclining the seat back, closing the canopy, unlocking the stroller on each side of the frame, and pushing down on the handle until it folds. It has a manual lock to keep it closed.

Harness

The Race Tec 5-point harness has a threading shoulder strap adjustment. The straps detach from the main buckle for height adjustment, but despite this odd design, it should not be used as a 3-point. The buckle feels flimsy but gets the job done, and the webbing is stiff and not smooth in places that touch sensitive skin.

Brakes

The Race Tec does not have a deceleration handbrake, which is not a deal breaker but is noteworthy for those who live in areas with steeper hills and would benefit from the slow down going downhill.

The parking brakes are double-action, so you must press two pedals to fully engage them. This cheaper brake design pushes teeth from the brake into slots on the wheel. This can take more effort than you think, and we encourage users to double-check the engagement. We prefer single-action brakes because the process is simpler. They are not foot-friendly, as the stiff design makes it hard to press and disengage by lifting the pedal up from underneath.

Ease of Setup

It took us 5-10 minutes to set up the Race Tec. The manual was only average, and you will need a bike pump to complete the setup. A lot of the directions were for things that came pre-assembled, so you need to pay attention not to get off track, but it is pretty intuitive. We prefer the tire valves on this option over the cheaper Expedition as they are angled and easier to use because we didn't have to fight spokes.

Maneuverability

The Race Tec was a mixed back for maneuverability in our tests, but overall, it scored below average for the group.

The Race Tec performed fairly well on the indoor course. At first, we had semi-flat tires we didn't notice, but they performed so poorly that we took an assessment and discovered the flats. After filling the tires, the stroller could easily cruise through the tight turns and doorways. It had a smooth glide and felt easy to push. It felt nice and light to move around.

Off-road, it didn't perform as well, and this dragged its score down. It was easy to steer on a flat dirt trail, but things got harder when the road got rougher. It started to feel quite tippy, and we experienced several bumps where it felt like the stroller was going to tip over. Other times, the front wheel would bounce up oddly. It took two hands to keep this stroller on the path. Overall, we'd rather keep it on flat surfaces to avoid the trouble. As one tester put it, “It requires steely determination to use it on uneven trails.”

Transport and Storage

The Race Tec earned a score for transport and storage that is just below the average for the group. It weighs 28.1 lbs by our measurement, which is 3 lbs heavier than the manufacturer's claim. This is heavier than average and 5 lbs heavier than the original Expedition. It measures 36.5" x 24.5" x 16" when folded, which is 14,308 cubic inches. This is about average, making neither big nor small for this kind of stroller. However, the child's tray sticks out and creates a bulky, strange final package that takes up more space than you think it will.

Quality

The Race Tec is of lower quality and scored lower than most for this metric. It is an inexpensive stroller, and it shows in the materials and design.

The Race Tec has polyester material and a little more cushion than the cheaper Expedition. The fabric is nicer, too, but not on par with the higher-priced options. There are two different fabrics, and both feel sturdy. The frame feels sturdy, and there wasn't much flex on ours. It is made of metal and plastic and has lots of visible fasteners and connection points. It feels and looks cheaper than the competition, and longevity could be an issue depending on how you use it or how often.

Overall, the fit and finish are disappointing and not as sleek as the competitors'. It has the sloppy appearance of someone who slept in their clothes compared to strollers that look ready for prom. While it looks better than the OG Expedition, it isn't anything to crow about.

Kids' Comfort

The Race Tec earned a slightly above-average result for our tests of kids' comfort, but it still isn't impressive. This version has an extended leg rest and a much bigger canopy than the original, but the canopy doesn't rotate and is still too short for protection in the afternoon.

The seatback reclines with one and raises with two. It is an old-fashioned plastic toggle and lays flat enough for napping. The seat and leg rest design are not as padded or comfortable as competitors, and while we suspect little ones will be fine, longer trips over bumpier terrain could be a big ask they won't enjoy.

Should You Buy the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec?

Maybe, but probably no. This stroller did not perform well during testing and came in with one of the lowest scores in the group. It was hard to run with, and the quality was disappointing, even if it cost more than the cheaper version. On the flip side, this option is easier to use and has nicer materials than the Baby Trend Expedition. If you value better materials and your budget is smaller, then it could be the one you want. Especially if you don't plan to run with it and are more interested in an all-terrain option. While there are better options to be had, there aren't many in this price range, and we see why it would be a good choice (or perhaps the only choice) for some.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?

The Baby Trend Expedition is our preferred inexpensive stroller. While it doesn't stand out for much, it feels like you get more than you pay here. It is basic and straightforward, with some conveniences, such as a child tray and parent console. It has enough features for occasional running and performed better in our running tests than the Race Tec. While it struggles to be a serious running option, and the canopy is super small, we think that considering the price, it is the best choice for those on a budget. Should you find extra money or have a generous family member, the Guava Roam Crossover is one of our favorites. It could be the only stroller you need for a price hundreds below other top competitors, which can save you money over time. This stroller is a great runner and has almost everything you need for adventures on and off the beaten path.

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