Best tandem stroller for the money!

This is a review of a Graco Duoglider in Bently Bear print purchased at Toys R Us for 120.00. This review is in the perspective of a seasoned mother of four who uses this stroller for a newborn, and a 24 lb 21 month old girl.

I am a mother of 4 children, ages 10, 9, 1 and 2 months. I have owned 2 double strollers previously as well as 3 umbrella strollers, 2 regular single strollers, and one side-by-side double stroller, resembling the Graco Duo Rider.

Compared to my previous stroller experiences, this stroller is the nicest one I have owned.
The attention given in the design of the stroller to me, is impressive. For a double stroller, it is reasonably lightweight and sturdy. This stroller can also fit two infant car-seats on it as easily as one.. or fitting older child in back or front, with an infant in either seat with or without car-seat. Both canopies can go over the car seat, acting like a weather shield. We were impressed and pleased to discover that both seats recline! This is not true of most double strollers with similar design.
Other pleasing features are: two canopies with rain-shields, one removable canopy(ideal if you have limited storage space in your vehicle) cup holders in each tray for children and for the adult pushing the stroller,and a compartment near the handle to stash a cell phone, snacks, keys, or anything small you need to get your hands on quickly, and both trays in front of children do not need to be removed before this stroller is folded, and both trays are removable for a quick wash after feeding. Padding is washable. The handlebar has a release button that allows the stroller to fold with ease, and there is a latch that locks the folded stroller in place rather than clipping bars together manually. It unfolds more easily than my other Graco Lite Glider single stroller. There is ample storage beneath the seating, perfect for going shopping in a mall!

I also own a Graco lite rider, (single stroller of similar design) and one thing in comparison I am disappointed of is the difference in crotch straps. The duo glider has a "strappy" seat belt, the light rider has a cloth covered t-shaped seat belt cover. To me this is a disappointment, for the t-strap seems more comfortable.

I found the Duo Glider is quiet and it glides. Because it is a tandem stroller with stadium seating, it does not turn on a dime as other single strollers, partly because of front and rear wheels and the wheel design. Compared to strollers I have owned in the past, it steers well in comparison. Strollers have come a long way! The biggest challenge is getting in an out-swung door. I found this particularly difficult. Having a larger child in front may add to the difficulty in pushing and turning, however I think this is true of any tandem stroller. The wheels are large enough to go over grass, light gravel, and most other surfaces you would find in a park.

This stroller is not a kind of stroller you can take for a run, it is not designed for that purpose. However you can take a brisk walk with it for exercise. It is a multi-purpose stroller designed with shopping and outings in mind.
The cons? What do I not like about the stroller?
First of all the assembly directions are not concise. They are diagrams, and can be confusing, however there is a toll free number provided for customer assistance.My husband is masterful at putting things together, and plus, we had experience with the Graco Lite Rider of similar axle design. We used components of the packaging to assist us when putting on the axles and wheels. That was not in the directions.
Truthfully, any tandem stroller will not be compact. It is a give-in that this stroller will consume a large portion in the back of your SUV, minivan or trunk. The length with the canopy may exceed your compact car, however the front canopy is removable. If you are looking for a stroller that is more compact, get an umbrella style side-by-side stroller. These strollers will not have as many "cadilac" features such as: trays, removable and washable padding, storage, canopies, travel system features for use with infant car-seats, reclining features without forking over the $$$.$$. If you do not anticipate long family outings with your children, if you do not take your children shopping or have lots of needs for your children when you are out, this may not be the stroller for you. If you only need a stroller for a quick walk, or trip to the park, if you live within the confines of a downtown city environment, where there are stairs to climb with children at your hip, this is not the stroller for you, unless you are able to keep your stroller at the floor level without worry of theft. If that is your lifestyle, consider a smaller stroller.
Another complaint I have is the color variety of strollers on the market today. Ten years ago, when one purchased a stroller, one could find it in light pink, gray,light and dark blue, yellow, green, purple, and any other color in between. It was easier to distinguish your stroller at family shows (where you must park your stroller outside the facility)rather than trying to see which navy blue stroller is yours. There are a few greens, a few tans, and some grays but the majority of strollers out on the market today including double strollers, are all made to be gender friendly. Sometimes it would be nice to come across something with an optional feminine seat cover.. or some bright colors, or something with grow with me toys built into the stroller.
My oldest daughter loves going for a walk in her stroller, now with her little baby brother she enjoys it more. When she saw the stroller for the first time, she got a look of pure joy on her face, followed by giggles of toddler gratification. She had not been on many outings since the birth of her baby brother. I could see the winter blahs lift from the expression on her face as I placed her in the front seat. When our outing was over, she begun to cry for she wanted to go on a longer walk. When she saw her brother in the rear seat of the stroller, nestled in his carseat, peaking through the hole in the car-seat cover, she couldn't resist how cute he looked there, and quickly forgot her desire to go on a longer walk.
It is a must have for a mom of 2 under the age of three to have a double stroller. It is my opinion and
recommendation that this stroller, is the best stroller on the market for the cost. I got this stroller on sale at Babies R Us/ Toys R Us for 124.00. I shopped around and like a miser I waited for the price to drop before I bought it. Even at the advertised every day price of $149.00 it is still an incredible buy, for the freedom, sanity, and order it provides.