Company Description
Baby Jogger was founded in 1984 by Phil Baechler. Mr. Baechler was a journalist and a jogger and when he became a father, he soon found out that the strollers available at the time were not strong enough, nor suitable for jogging. He designed the first three wheel stroller and it was so good that other stroller manufacturers soon copied him. Baby Jogger still produces quality strollers today.
Basics
The City Mini GT Double Stroller takes many features of the City Mini Double Stroller and makes it even better. It has an adjustable handlebar and all terrain capability and even more padding in the seats. The brake is now hand operated instead of foot operated and it is still really easy to push. This stroller is ideal for the shopping mall or for long walks off the beaten path. If you like the City Mini then you are going to love the City Mini GT Double. But you should be aware that this is not a jogging stroller and it was never designed as one. It only comes in two colors – Black and Orange.
Baby Jogger City Mini GT Specification
- Dimensions Open: 44″L x 29.5″W x 43″H
- Dimensions Folded: 31″L x 29.5″W x 12.5″H
- Weight: 32.5 lbs
- Max Frame Load: 100 lbs
Baby Jogger City Mini GT PROS
- Large canopy
- Airless Tires – never get a puncture
- Front wheels suspension
- Handbrake
- Padded seats
- Adjustable handlebar
- Easy folding using only one hand
- Suitable from birth
Baby Jogger City Mini GT CONS
- Difficult access to shopping basket
Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double Stroller Reviews and Features
Maneuverability
The City Mini GT is 29.5″ wide. This means that it can fit through standard doors and this is vital for any double stroller. But being a side by side stroller makes it difficult when you have to go shopping; especially in narrow shopping isles and this will be a problem. For a double stroller it is pretty easy to push and steer but do not expect it to steer like a single. Is is heavier and less maneuverable than a single stroller. The 8.5″ wheels are the ideal compromise between using your stroller in the city and using it off road. These wheels will handle gravel, grass, bumps and hollows and also be at home on paved surfaces.
Folding
Folding the City Mini is a breeze and can be done with only one hand. As you would expect with a double stroller, it is still quite large when folded (see dimensions above). There is an auto-lock but this can be tricky to use as the sides of the seats sometimes get in the way. Once folded, there are built in handles to make carrying it easier but at 32.5 lbs, you will not want to be carrying it too far.
Seat
The seats are very well padded. Each seat has its own individual recline but cannot go totally flat. Each seat has a vented top to help increase the airflow when it is hot. The seats are slightly larger than the City Mini Double and so larger children can be accommodated. The frame can hold a maximum load of 100 lbs and this can be distributed in any way between the seats. Each seat has a five point security harness with padding for the shoulders. The security harness buckle has a cover to prevent toddlers inadvertently releasing them. Newborn babies will require the optional infant seat adapter. The seats can be reclined to any angle between upright and flat and this is done by using a strap at the back of the seat. It is a very good design and very easy to do.
Bassinet
This is an optional extra and was not available at time of review.
Canopy
Each seat has a large canopy. Each canopy has two viewing windows.
Shopping Space
The shopping basket is quite large but like many strollers, access is a problem. Many double strollers have a structural support bar running across just at the basket access area and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT is no exception. However the designers have made things a little easier by putting a slight bend in this support bar and this certainly makes access to the basket a little easier. More storage is available in a compartment at the back of each seat.
Wheels
There are two 8.5″ wheels at the rear and two, dual (8.5″) wheels at the front. The front wheels have built in suspension to absorb some of the bumps and this seems to work very well. The tires are puncture proof and will never go flat. The front wheels can be locked into position when traveling over rougher terrain. The wheels are an ideal size for normal strolling both in urban areas and also on rough or soft surfaces. They are not designed for jogging.
Handlebar
The handlebar has a pivot adjustment and there is a good range of height adjustment which should accommodate most parents.
Brakes
The brake is hand operated and is located on the right hand side. It is easy to see and locate and requires very little pressure to operate.
Summary
If you want a stroller to go jogging with, then this is not the stroller for you. If you need a double stroller that is great to maneuver and push around the city streets and shops and also want to take it into the country at the weekend, then this IS the stroller for you. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double stroller is ideal for this. The fold is easy and it takes up the typical amount of space that you would expect for a double stroller.
