Hard to believe it's been four years now that we've been visiting the BIG, REALLY BIG Stroller Roll-Out! And this year's show was gigantic! As Maclaren USA's CEO, Bahman Kia said, "You've really got your work cut out for you!" So with all the Royal effort we could muster, we took more than 300 photographs, and interviewed the rulers of 40 different Kingdoms, er,companies!So roll the drums, let the trumpets blare, dun dun dun dun dun dun dun....Announcing, the latest, the greatest, all the best of the new model year, live from Strollerland, it's the "2007 BIG Stroller Roll-Out!
Peg Perego
This year, Peg's gone with 3 different collections. Marketing research showed that there were 3 different types of parents--"Traditional", "Sportive", and "Modern." Hmm, there are models I like from all three. Wonder if that makes me confused? I do know I like these polka dots on their newest model--the "Uno."This is "Revi black", and "Revi orange", part of the modern collection.
It's
the same chassis as the time-honored Venezia, right down to the
reversible handle and footsteps. But here's the notable exception--and
the first trend I see for 2007--the large fixed rear tires on the back,
and the small swivels on the front. 
The
thing that is a little odd here, though, is that is you have the handle
reversed, then you have the fixed large tires in front, and the small
swivels in the the rear. So this requires you to steer the stroller in
"rear wheel drive." Marketing reps insist their tests show people
prefer it, because you can "turn the stroller on a dime." I dunno',
it's an acquired taste, I reckon.
The
GT3 Completo knocked me out at the 2006 show. And now it looks like it
is finally making it to market. I am still crazy about it, and I am
giving it the award for the "Best Niche Stoller"of the show. Why?
Because it is a true A/T, with a swivel wheel, AND a handbrake, AND a
rear footstep for an older child to stand on! WHOO-HOO! There is
nothing, and I mean nothing else like this on the market, Loyal
Subjects.
In addition, it has a boot, raincover, padded front bar, dual
retractable side cupholders, parent fanny pack, adjustable suspension,
car seat anchors, huge basket, and the easy fold Peg is famous for. But
why this is part of the Mod line and not the Sportive, I don't get. I
am so confused! Nevertheless, I am eager to get my hands on one!
New
to the US, but not to our Canadian and Euopean friends, is the
"Pramette". It is basically a P3, in which the fabric reverses to make
a newborn bassinette. Note the new, contrasting chassis colors. The
color is "Mod Verde." 
Speaking
of the P3, the wildly popular model comes in all the colors of all the
lines--traditional, modern, and sportive. I guess this is the one that
crosses all the lines!
One
of the reasons I love Peg, and the reason they remain a market leader,
year after year, is that not only do they take risks, but they are also
responsive to what we want. So, yes, to Jessica in MA, they have made
the P3 steps bigger, lol! 
We
also wanted the P3's little sister to become lighter, and so, the Pliko
Lite loses a couple of pounds, and becomes the Pliko X-Lite! The
recline mechanism and chassis changed a bit, to cut the weight. I
folded it next to the P3 to compare sizes:
Another
thing people wanted was to put a car seat in a side by side stroller.
OK, I didn't want it, because I don't believe in putting car seats in
strollers. But people were doing it anyway, hence the "Aria Twin 60-40"
was born. It is so-named because one side is wider, 60% of the
stroller, to accomodate a car seat. But the interesting thing is, I
measured this prototype at 29 inches, so it is actually now narrower!
The color here is "Soleo", and is considered traditional. Still
confused.
If
you're looking for a tandem, the Tender Twin is making a comeback. But
only in one traditional navy color, and it will accept a rear car seat.
If you are looking for a tandem that takes two car seats, has seats
that face both ways, and the very cool steering wheel, then it's the
Duette. It also comes in a Triplette version.
This
year, Peg will sell a dozen different models in the US. Because the
line is so large, release dates for each model are staggered. Other
models being carried over include the Aria, Venezia, and Centro
Completo. This has the reversible fabric and canopy like the Pramette,
boot, and footstep for an older rider.
Bertini
Alex Williamson is the proud papa of the brand new modular "X" system for Bertini. This is why he is so proud:
Because
this Australian-based line is based on an entirely new concept. First,
you choose your "X"chassis--Automatic, Classic, Lite, or Trek. Next,
you choose your seat and or bassinette, from one of five colors--black,
red, blue, green, or orange. Then, you buy a high-chair frame and a
rocker frame, and pop said seat or bassinette off the chassis, and onto
the rocker, or the high chair.
The tray can also fit onto the stroller.
OK, this one is really not as complicated as it sounds. It is really
just a cool modular concept, in which everything fits together. 
All of the models have height adjustable handles, quick release wheels, and can be folded with the seat forward or rear facing.
OK, this last "Z1" "model is the exception. It is not modular, but it's narrow rear wheel base makes it awfully cool looking! Easy Walker
looking! I decided to have another look at this, and I am glad I did. Because how many A/T's are out there that weigh 15 pounds, (more or less), come with both swivel and fixed wheels that are interchangeable, and folds into a cute little compact package?
There's
a lot of things to like about this very popular- in- the- Netherlands
stroller. First of all, fabulous maneuverability. Thing two-fingered
steering. Next, huge seats, ("Dutch children are tall!" they said). The
Easy Walker comes in 7 yummy colors, with footmuffs and changing bags
that are really cute. You can also get a raincover and carrycot, which
foretells trends two and three of '07, lots of lots of accessories, and
the return of the bassinette, yay! 
Valco
There are lots and lots of lovely family-owned stroller businesses. And the family of Shalom New, president of Valco Baby, is one of the loveliest.
Of
course it helps that they ply you with cookies, from both Brooklyn and
Australia, from the moment you arrive, until the moment you leave.
Then, in a sugar-induced haze, all the products are sweet. Especially
the new cool Rad.
The Rad won't be out until next year, but you can get a Buggster now.
The
Buggster has a front bar, large reclining seat, compact fold, boot, and
raincover. So here you see the continuation of the '07 trends. The
swivel/fixed wheel combos, loads of accessories, and the return of the
bassinette.
Which is not to say that Valco is not innovative. Don't forget their Runabout Tri-Mode with toddler seat.
And
the eagerly awaited Runabout Tri-Mode Twin has arrived! It has all the
features of the single, including the 3-position quick release swivel
wheels, saddle bags, zip-off back carry bag, front bar, large basket,
relatively compact fold, and fully reclining seats. It has independent
twin canopies with flip out sunshades and a mesh airflow, and is still
the narrowest double on the market. Colors are Harlequin/black,
Sunrise/navy, Bubblegum, and Scarlet.You can also add an additional
toddler seat to this. And the footrest makes a convenient seat after
a long day! 
Up next...
On page 2...A new stroller folds into a suitcase! The return of Silver Cross to the US! And what the heck is Strollerqueen doing with the dude in the kilt?
Mia Moda
In the 1950's, there was a nifty new "concept" stroller that was demonstrated by traveling salesmen. What was so ahead-of-it's-time about it, was that it could fold squarely, into a small, compact suitcase. As I have oft said, what is old becomes new again, and so we have the "Cielo." This one is easy to fold, and even comes with it's own travel bag!
There
are a half dozen models in this new line, which debuted right here at
the show. They are on the heavy and hard to push side. 
But they have all the features consumers want, like trays, and big baskets. There is even a reversible with rear-wheel drive. The prices are kind of 1950-ish, too, ranging from $149 to $349.
Stokke Xplory
Priced for the new millennium, with a look to match, is the Stokke Xplory. Think $50 shy of a grand. What's new for 2007 is a car seat adapter, and colors--turquoise, beige, green, black and red. I have yet to see one being used in real life, although it does have a few fans in Strollerland. I just thought that SOME Bug owner somewhere, would want something a little different? Well, not in my neighborhood, at least.
Uppa Baby
Looking
Looking at Uppa Baby, a couple of sayings come to mind. One is, "Why
re-invent the wheel? Another is, "Don't mess with success." And so,
capitalizing on the perennially popular Bugaboo and Volo, "Uppa Baby"
has the "Vista System" and "G-Lite." But I'm sure company owner Bob
Monahan would say, "If you can build a better mousetrap..." 
There are some nice touches here. The Vista comes with a bassinette and
car seat adaptor. The bassinette has a reversible summer/winter lining,
pops off easily, and has a safety indicator to make sure that it, or
the seat, is securely attached.
The
handle is height adjustable, and it will fold with the seat on, forward
facing only. The tires are EVA, not air. Which may or may not be a good
thing, depending on where you live. It retails for $599, and is
shipping out now.
The
G-Lite has an aluminum frame, carry strap, and reversible,
washable seat pad. It weighs one pound less than the Volo, because the
recline is different. Instead of using your foot, you pull up on two
tabs. It also stands alone when folded. Retails for $99.
Why
is there a guy with a kilt trying to serve Strollerqueen drinks? The
answer is: Maclaren has decided to return to it's Scottish roots. The
Scottsman, (although rumor has it he has been seen playing Cesar in
Vegas, too), is to drive the point home. The argyle logo is becoming
central to the design, since Maclaren originally came form the Argyle
district in Scotland. 
The newest model is the Techno XLR, which comes in a beautiful, rich shade of chocolate. Why more manufacturers don't do brown is beyond me. It is gorgeous. You will see a few more chocolate models in this Review, that are simply stunning. Anyway, the XLR is that it is much bigger than the XT (which will still be sold.) It can hold a car seat, and a child up to 65 pounds! The Techno XT will be sold in gray, and you will choose your pad inserts at the time of purchase--as you can see below.
Colors
are more subdued this year, very urban looking. Because, as Executive
Director Bahman Kia says, "Our customers are very sophisticated." 
There is also a new pink,and a deeper red.
But, and this is big, HUGE news for Strollerland, back by popular demand, the retun of the PLAIDS!
Not yet, but look for the wonderful plaid colorways starting the middle
of next year. In the meantime, the Philippe Starck model was creating a buzz, You can see the matching diaper bag with it, on the "parcel shelf."
Who is coming to America? And which stroller looks like a Hermes' scarf? See page 3 for answers!
stroller jealous!
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