Valco Runabout TriMode Twin Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers and owners alike praise the Valco Runabout TriMode Twin's narrow width, ease of pushing and maneuverability. Many infant car seats are compatible (with optional adapters).

What the reviewers don't like:
As with all double strollers, there are some disparaging comments about the Valco Runabout TriMode Twin's 35-pound weight and bulk. Because its seats don't fully recline, this stroller isn't suitable for newborns unless you buy an optional car-seat adapter. Some parents say the Runabout is hard to fold and the sun canopy is inadequate.

Valco Runabout TriMode Twin review highlights

Experts and owners are generally impressed with the Valco Runabout TriMode Twin. This stroller has an extremely narrow width -- only 28 inches, compared to 29 inches for the Mountain Buggy Urban Double (*est. $670). The Trimode Twin is easy to push and maneuver, according to parents and reviewers, who complain only of its 35-pound weight, bulk and difficulty in folding (common issues with double strollers in general), as well as its high price.

The Valco Runabout TriMode Twin receives the most thorough coverage at Baby-Gaga.com and JoggingStroller.com, which offers an in-depth editorial review followed by posts from parents who own this side-by-side all-terrain double stroller. The TriMode Twin is also discussed on the Baby Bargains Forum and by a several owners posting to Epinions.

Also see full report: Double Strollers

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. JoggingStroller.com
Valco Tri Mode Twin Double Stroller
Editors of (and contributors to) JoggingStroller.com

The professional review on this site calls the Valco Runabout TriMode Twin "among the very best in feature-loaded swivel-wheel all-terrain double strollers," and compares it favorably to the Mountain Buggy Urban Double and Phil and Teds Twin (it's lighter, slightly narrower, and has higher seats). The two dozen parents posting here overwhelmingly give the Valco double stroller high scores.

2. Baby-Gaga.com
Valco Twin Runabout Review
Editors of Baby-Gaga.com
Jan. 18, 2006

In this review, Baby-Gaga acknowledges all the good stuff about the Valco -- its maneuverability, durability, cushy padding and ability to accommodate an infant car seat -- but points out that it is "annoyingly bulky and heavy to fold and stow," is hard to keep clean, and has an ineffective sun canopy. The editors of this site prefer the Mountain Buggy Urban Double.

3. Baby Bargains
Valco Runabout TriMode Twin Stroller Reviews
Contributors to Baby Bargains Forum

The half-dozen parents contributing to this site (the online companion to the popular book of the same name) give the Valco Runabout TriMode Twin stroller high marks for steering and maneuverability, but point out that it 's heavy and difficult to fold. In the Baby Bargains book, Valco strollers in general earn top marks for quality.

4. Epinions
Valco Runabout TriMode Twin Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

The handful of owners posting here give the Valco Runabout TriMode Twin uniformly high grades, citing its narrow (28-inch) width, ease of folding and unfolding, and maneuverability.

Also see full report: Double Strollers