Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Micralite FastFold Superlite Review

Superlite at the Pool, Parade, and Pier

Here's one of the most common questions I get... "Strollerqueen, I love my Volo, but I wish it had big air tires. Is there such a thing?" And the answer is yes, but a qualified yes. Because it isn't actually a Volo. It is the new, and improved "Micralite Fastfold Superlite!"  

 Check out these 12" beefy air tires. They can really handle the rough stuff. And the brake is flip-flop friendly, lol!
Though the front wheels are spaced widely apart, the rear is extremely narrow. At 15", that is the narrowest you will find on a stroller. In cramped spaces, I tilt it back and roll it on the rear wheels.
The Superlite belies the idea that air tire strollers have to be heavy. It weighs in at an astonishing, Mac-like, 14 pounds! So the "Superlite" part is really true.
One of the places the stroller saves weight is in the seat. It is all mesh, just like the old Volo.

 The mesh seat is ideal for the pool, and very breathable on these hot summer days.
 The "Fastfold" part is true, too! And it's easy. Just follow the instructions to "Press and Lift".
Slide up the handle...

And it stands alone folded! You can grab the handlebar in the center and roll it behind you for easy transport. The fold is really compact. And you can pop off the rear  wheels if you need it smaller.
The handlebar is height adjustable. It goes up or down by unlocking these clamps--from 37" to 45"! On the old version, you had to use an Allen wrench to adjust it. So this is a great improvement.
 Another improvement on the "Superlite" is that the frame is feels much more solid. It's not rattly outdoors at all. The one handed steering is still superb. Really as good as it gets.
  You might think the design would make it back tippy. But look at how I have it loaded down!

 Of course, you can't hang quite as many bags on the back if the seat is empty. But you can recline the seat by sliding down the top two levers on the back of the frame,

 and then you have a lot of space between the seat and frame to for your pool bag!
Here are a couple of shots without the bag, so you can see how much the seat reclines. The hammock-y sling seems quite comfortable.

The handlebar is in the tall position, by the way.

 
 The Micralite Superlite isn't just for the pool, though.
We've had fun with it at a parade.
And the pier. For a smoother ride on the bumpy wooden planks, I popped  it back and rolled it on the big rear air tires.
You can see here that the basket holds quite a bit, too. Another reason it lives in my car. It takes up little space, yet it is versatile enough to handle whatever summer adventures come our way.

Weight:                               14 lbs.

Seat Back:                          21"

Seat to canopy:                 23"

Seat Width:                       14" bottom, 8" top

Seat Depth:                       10"

Drop to footrest:              10"

Seat to ground:                18"


Length:                              27"

Width:                               15" rear, 24" front,
 

Height:                              37"-45"

Folded:                             15"L x15 "W x 43"
Micralite FastFold SuperLite
                        
I can help you find the perfect stroller for YOUR needs. Don't let a salesperson sell you a stroller that won't work for you! For more info on consultations, visit strollerqueen.com There are lots more reviews here, and info on how to get the 2010 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, an online video magazine of all the new stroller models. strollerqueen.com

1 comment:

  1. I am so confused as to what stroller to get for city living and my first baby. I am looking for something that can be my all around everyday + travel stroller, as well as grow with my child. I am giving birth in Paris and will be taking the stroller on subway and apartment steps by hand while carrying the baby with the other. We live in a small space and have a small car, so I am looking for something light and compact and nothing too expensive. I was also considering the City Mini or the Peg Perego Si strollers. I am going for what's lightest, easiest for me to maneuver on my own with baby in other hand while climbing into stairs/subway, can easily fit in car, is comfy as all around everyday stroller on cobblestone or park grounds for baby. Please help me, I am so desperate for the perfect stroller :)

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