In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The Bumbleride Speed is a nice jogging stroller, but it isn't the best for infant car seats. Thanks to a higher weight, larger folded size, and strap in adapter connections it struggles to keep up with the more comfortable to use competition that is lighter and smaller. Even if your goal is to purchase a one and done option you can use for your little one's lifetime that is also good for jogging, there are better options.
REASONS TO BUY
Great maneuverability
Works with lots of car seat brands
REASONS TO AVOID
Requires straps for car seat connection
Harder to carry and stow
Price
Update — 2024
The Bumbleride Speed version we tested in 2017 has been discontinued by the manufacturer. There is a new 2024 version, but we have not tested this version and cannot remark on how it compares to the version we tested and written about in this review.
Our Analysis and Test Results
New vs Old Speed Versions
The Speed has been update at least twice since our testing of the 2017 version. We have not tested the most recent 2024 version and cannot say how it compares to the version we tested in 2017 or the competition.
Hands-on Gear Review
The Bumbleride Speed works with a variety of car seat brands depending on which adapter you choose to purchase. However, some require using a strap for a secure connection (like the Chicco/Graco pictured her), which hurt its overall score.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Bumbleride company was launched in 2004 by Matt and Emily Reichardt in San Diego. After having their first baby, the family was compelled to create baby gear for active families. Bumbleride dedicates itself to creating safe products with the environment in mind using 100% recycled polyester made from post-consumer water bottles.
Performance Comparison
Using the Chicco adapter requires removing the canopy and a two-step attachment process making this harder to use than much of the competition.
The loop style Chicco/Graco adapter requires a screwdriver to attach to the stroller but the carrier is easy to drop into the loop frame. If it didn't require straps to connect, it might have scored better.
The car seat adapter for the Speed to work with Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex is a two-part adapter where you need to align both sides of the carrier before pressing down. This style is harder to install than loop connectors.
The Chicco adapter requires a screwdriver to install, and you need to remove the canopy to use it. The canopy is easy to remove, and it decreases the weight somewhat, but it is annoying that you can't leave it on. The adapter is a click in and a strap adapter with the second step being mandatory for safety, but we worry parents will forgo it anyway. It isn't that easy to install the carrier or remove it, but at least you can't do it wrong, and it feels stable.
Weight and Folded Size
The Bumbleride Speed is one of the heaviest in this combo review. It weighs 27.9 lbs and measures 13,283 cubic inches. These measurements make the Speed a poor choice if you have limited space or want to avoid carrying heavy items.
The rubber front tire on the front swivel wheel helps the Speed earn high marks for maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Maneuverability
Thanks to the larger rubber tires and jogging stroller design, the Speed is effortless to maneuver. The front-wheel swivels easily, which, in combination with its small footprint, helps make it easy to maneuver. You can lock the swivel in one of two locking positions which makes it good at moving over flat surfaces as well as rough and bumpy ones.
The Canopy pocket remains on the Speed even after you remove the main canopy for car seat attachment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Speed disappoints for ease of use, making the Speed one of the more difficult options to use when combined with an infant car seat.
Folding the Speed requires pulling up on the frame locks simultaneously which requires two hands.
The Speed has an auto-lock feature to keep the folded stroller closed.
Fold and Unfold
The Speed requires two hands to fold with side frame locks (above left) that need to be pulled simultaneously. It isn't hard to fold, but it has multiple steps and is somewhat convoluted. This stroller self-stands when folded and has a carry handle which makes its weight a little easier to manage.
The Speed brake pedal is large but only average for ease of use thanks to a rougher underside that makes it hard on the top of feet and shoes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
The Speed's brake is a large center pedal that is average to operate. The bottom of the pedal is somewhat rough, making this pedal painful on bare or sandaled feet.
The Speed storage bin is large and carries up to 10 bs, this is average for a jogger and more than the frame products made for car seat attachment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
The Bumbleride's large storage bin can hold up to 10 lbs. It is easy to access from the rear only and fit our large diaper bag. The Speed also has pockets on the back of the canopy for quick access items. It isn't bad compared to some of the car seat combos, but there are full-size strollers that hold more supplies.
We tested the Speed with the Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat and Chicco adapter.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The Speed's canopy is large, but unfortunately, it is not usable in combination with the infant car seat. This lack of canopy use is true of several competing products.
Ease of Setup
The Speed is harder to set up than much of the competition taking over 14 minutes to put together. The documentation is good with clear directions once you get past the multiple pages of warnings in all languages. We were able to assemble it using only the pictures.
The Speed is nicer quality with durable materials and a sturdy frame with little flex and few plastic components.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
After maneuverability, the Speed scored best for quality. It has a sturdy frame with thick canvas and solid connections. The tires and wheels are nice with ball bearing hubs that allow for smooth rolling over every surface and tracking and locking mechanisms that work well. The Speed has an attention to detail we don't remember on previous Bumblerides, and we like the overall design and finish.
