Company Description
Valco has been producing baby products in Australia for over 20 years and has recently started selling their baby strollers in the USA.
Basics
The Valco Tri Mode Stroller is a three wheel all terrain baby stroller. It is called the “Tri-Mode” because the front wheel can be in one of three position settings (described below). It can accommodate newborn babies up to older toddlers and can be converted to a twin stroller by adding a toddler seat. It is available in 5 colors:
- Raven
- Hot Chocolate
- Artic
- Candy Apple
- Brilliant Black
This is a rugged stroller with large wheels that works well in the city but is more comfortable outdoors and on rough terrain.
Valco Baby Tri Mode Stroller Specification
- Dimensions: Open26″W x36″L Folded: 26″W x29″L x18″H Folded (wheels removed): 21″W x26″L x15.5″H
- Weight: 23 lbs
- Seat Weight Limit: 45 lbs
- Handle Adjusts from 30”H to 44″H
- Seat Width 12.5”
- Seat Depth 9”
- Backrest Height 19”
- Footrest Length 14”
- Height from Seat to Hood27”
Tri-Mode Stroller PROS
- Easy to assemble from the box
- Easy to push when jogging
- Comfortable for baby
- Easy to recline seat and many settings
- Adjustable handle
- A second toddler seat can be added to convert it to a twin stroller
- Brakes are very easy to use
Tri Mode Stroller CONS
- The shopping basket is too small and it is difficult to access
- Folding is very difficult
- Cover does not come off for cleaning
- Comes with only a few accessories as standard
Valco Baby Tri Mode Reviews and Features
Maneuverability
The large 12″ wheels will handle just about any sort of rough terrain that you are ever likely to want to take a stroller on.
It is very easy to push and steer this stroller with one hand and when the front wheel is free to swivel, it will turn on the spot. It is narrow enough to be practicable in shopping isles and even with the Toddler seat attached, the width is not affected.
Folding
Folding is not difficult but you do need both hands and a foot. This is my biggest gripe about the Tri-Mode stroller. If you are in a rush, you still have to put your baby somewhere secure before you fold the stroller. Weighing in at 23 lbs, this is not a light stroller and if you have to lift it a lot, you may want to consider a lighter stroller.
Seat
The seat can recline fully flat or be positioned fully upright and can be adjusted to any angle in between. If the seat is empty, it is easy to adjust with one hand using a strap at the rear but if your baby is in the seat, it is a little more difficult to adjust and you will probably need to use both hands. The seat is suitable for newborns when the infant safety flap is attached. When this is removed, the seat is suitable for older children. The seat has a 5-point safety harness with a childproof lock mechanism. Car seat adapters are available to convert the stroller into a complete Travel System.
Toddler Seat
When buying your first stroller, you will never buy a double stroller unless you know that you are having twins. The Valco Baby Tri Mode stroller can be fitted with a Toddler seat to easily convert it into a double stroller. This means that the stroller can grow as your family grows. With the Toddler Seat attached, the stroller becomes an in-line, double stroller and therefore the width remains the same. The Toddler Seat is easily removed and can be temporarily stored in the storage basket.
You should be aware that you cannot use the Toddler Seat and the car seat adapter at the same time as these accessories both use the same attachment points.
Bassinet
A bassinet is available for newborns but we did not have one available for this review.
Canopy
The canopy is large and functional and will protect your baby from sunshine from most angles. It attaches with a zipper which is easy to use. The canopy also has a mesh viewing window with a velcro fastener and this also helps with ventilation to the seat in hot climates. It also has a mini-visor for even more protection from sunshine or rain. Reflective piping around the edges makes the stroller much safer to use at night time and stroller visibility is greatly increased. Unlike many other strollers, the Tri-Mode single stroller comes with a plastic rain cover.
Shopping Space
The basket is located underneath the seat. Unfortunately, this is not a good design. It is fairly large but it is not easy to access. I was just about able to fit my diaper bag into it but it was a very tight fit due to the seat above. There are other, small storage pockets on the side and a detachable, zippered bag on the canopy. When this bag is removed, there is a large, mesh viewing window available to use on the back of the canopy. This canopy bag can be handy to take separately from the stroller when you are going shopping. The smaller pocket at the rear of the seat is useful for storing smaller items such as keys, toys etc. The other small pocket at the base of the seat is where the tire pump is stored.
Wheels
There are three wheels. They are large and have a 12″ diameter. The wheels have inflatable tires that really help to absorb the bumps on rough terrain and I like the fact that the stroller comes with a tire pump just in case a tire goes soft. All wheels have a quick release should you need more space when storing the stroller. The wheels are color coded to ensure that they go back on to the correct position on reassembly. The front wheel has three positions:
- 45 degree swivel: useful with the toddler seat and hills
- Locked: for use when jogging or on uneven terrain
- Swivel: for use on paved areas for greater maneuberability
Handlebar
The handlebar is very easy to adjust and will accommodate both tall and short parents. I am 5′ 11″ and I had no difficulty finding a comfortable height to push. My sister in law is only 5′ 3″ and she too had no problem finding a comfortable height for the handlebar.
Brakes
The brakes are foot operated. The brakes are easy to use and lock both wheels simultaneously.
Summary
The Valco Baby Tri-Mode Single Stroller is a jogging stroller that is just as much at home in the city as it is in the country. Its large wheels provide superb comfort for any baby and the three adjustments available on the front wheel provide for the perfect amount of maneuverability depending on whether you are jogging, shopping or going over rough terrain. We liked the way the stroller could be expanded to carry a Toddler Seat and converted into an in-line Double Stroller and also that it easily converts into a Travel System with the addition of a car seat. This stroller is well designed, sturdy and very, very practical. These strollers have a good resale value.
We did not like the difficult to access storage area and the fold was not as easy as it should be. Folding will not be an issue unless you intend to use a lot of taxis or you are going to be putting it in your car frequently. We also did not like the fact that we could not remove the fabric for washing.
However, this stroller was made for walking – or jogging and we think both you and your baby will love it.