REASONS TO BUY
Easy to move
Great runner
Quality materials
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder to lift and carry
BOB Rambler Review
A great jogger for a good price that works for every day use
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Jogging Strollers
The Skinny
The BOB Rambler is sort of a smaller and lighter BOB with slightly pared-down features from their usual fare. This jogger has a smaller footprint that allows it to negotiate crowded spaces easily. We like the adjustable tracking and suspension, the pneumatic tires, and the locking swivel front wheel that combines to create a stroller that is a pleasure to push, turn, and run over various surfaces. This top-ranked jogging stroller has a lower price than most of the high-end competition, but it doesn't feel like it sacrifices anything. If you have space and a large enough car to accommodate the folded Rambler, then this one should definitely make your shortlist of potential buys.
Editor's Note: This BOB review was updated on December 5, 2021, to include more information related to run-ability testing to explain the testing results in more detail.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Beast of Burden, or BOB, was founded in California. In 1994, an airline mechanic and bicycle professional started with trailers for bikes but moved on to jogging strollers after starting families. The founders continue to offer new technology in 2005 with a locking swivel wheel that revolutionized the jogging stroller industry. BOB was purchased in 2011 by Britax.
Performance Comparison
The BOB Rambler has a cozy almost flat seating area good for napping with ample protection from the elements with a larger than average canopy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Run-Ability
The BOB Rambler is easy to run with earning results similar to other BOB options and just below the top performers.
The Rambler has a locking swivel front wheel with adjustable tracking that is easy to use and keeps the stroller running straight on any surface. While this option lacks an adjustable handlebar, the height is good for most users to maintain good running ergonomics. Both the BOB Alterrain Pro and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 feature adjustable handlebars if that is a priority for you.
The adjustable suspension can help create comfort for the passenger and less fatigue for the pusher. This option has limited rolling resistance and is a pleasure to push at speed. While it isn't as smooth as some competitors, casual and serious runners will enjoy the price and its run-ability.
The Running Details
We "run" multiple tests within the run-ability metric that are weighted and add up to the overall score for run-ability. These detailed tests help create a more complete picture of each jogger and how they compare to the competition. This information can help you select which jogger is right for you based on details you might find important or valuable when picking a product in your price range.
Running TestsOur running tests encompass ratings and information from our running testers as they use and compare each product side-by-side. Running test results make up 35% of the run-ability final score.
Rolling Resistance
Testing the rolling resistance of each jogger helps provide information on how challenging it might be to push each jogger or how much fatigue you might experience from one product to another. The wheels on each stroller have natural friction and resistance built-in from the design of the product and the manufacturing process. Theoretically, the farther a stroller travels in this test, the less resistance it has and the easier it is to push, making it better for serious runners. This test is 20% of the overall run-ability score.
The quick release of the rear wheels can help you create a smaller folded package for stowing in tight places.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Rambler, much like other joggers, lacks some useful features, making it more challenging to use than some of the competition.
The features it does have are easy enough to use, it won't cause frustration.
Fold and Unfold
The Rambler has a traditional BOB fold that requires two hands and some practice. While not difficult it has multiple steps and isn't as straightforward as that of the Thule Urban Glide 2. It does not self-stand or have a carry handle, and the locking mechanism is a manual connection that gets you up close and personal with your stroller. Unfolding has fewer steps, but it requires some strength to shake it open.
The brake pedal on the Rambler is a rocking style that rotates to set and release. This pedal is easy to access and friendly to sandaled feet.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
The parking brake is a large center pedal that is easy to set and release as it rocks forward and back. it is friendly for sandal feet.
The Rambler storage bin is slightly smaller than that on the Revolution Flex, but it is still large enough to hold most diaper bags.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
The bin is large and holds our large diaper bag. It has a weight allowance of 10 lbs and rear and side access. There are no other storage features.
The canopy on the Rambler is large with a useful peek-a-boo window, but you may not be able to use it when you attach a car seat to the stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The Rambler's sunshade is large and has a small but useful vinyl peek-a-boo window nicely placed for easy viewing. The window cover is Velcro and it can be folded away in the open position. This canopy covers to the knee and can be rotated forward.
The BOB Buckles and harnesses are always a breeze to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The 5-point harness on the Rambler is straightforward with easy to tighten and adjust straps. This stroller has an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder height adjustment for a good fit.
The recline toggle on the back of the Rambler seat can adjust down with one hand but it requires two to raise.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
The seat is a sling-style option with stationary leg rest and a narrow footrest. The back reclines almost flat for cozy napping, and the thermo-molded seats help increase breathability and support little bodies.
Car Seat Compatibility
The BOB Rambler is compatible with several infant car seats, including some in our best infant car seat review when you purchase an adapter. All of the adapters require strap-in attachment, which isn't our favorite but can be functional and secure. You can purchase adapters for several Britax and BOB infant car seats, including some Britax seats; Graco SnugRide Click Connect and SnugRide Classic Connect seats; Peg Perego car seats, including the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35; and Chicco car seats including the Chicco KeyFit 30, Chicco Keyfit 35 and Chicco Fit2.
Ease of Setup
The Rambler is easy to set up, with an assembly time of 5:30 minutes. While it requires the use of an Allen wrench, the instructions are easy to follow. The manual could be more direct and concise, but it is easy to understand.
Maneuverability
This BOB is easy to push and turn on all surfaces with impressive maneuverability results.
The swivel front wheel and rubber tires make it easy to move in small spaces despite the bulkier size. It can be moved with one hand and makes the transition from one surface to another without any trouble. The rear wheels are somewhat smaller than other BOBs but it still manages well.
The Rambler is a small folded jogger compared to most of the jogging competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
The BOB Rambler is smaller and lighter than other BOBs and much of the competition.
This stroller is 2 lbs less with a weight of 25.1 lbs and one of the smallest in the review with a folded size of 13,150 cubic inches. These measurements make it a good choice if your vehicle is smaller or you are worried about how you will lift your jogger.
The Rambler is a pared down version of the Revolution but the quality of the materials and construction is much the same.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The BOB Rambler is similar in quality to other BOB products with solid construction and better materials.
This product has thick durable canvas and molded portions for increased airflow and comfort. The parts align well and we don't see any manufacturing defects or lack of attention to detail. The frame is sturdy with no flex and the wheels spin with little resistance. The brakes work well and the pedal is solid and smooth.
This stroller has a padded sling-style seat with a giant canopy and adjustable suspension. The plastic wheels have rubber air-filled tires and the handlebar is foam covered and not adjustable. We think passengers will be comfortable in the Rambler and most pushers will find it useable as well, but taller users might wish for a taller handlebar.
Should You Buy the BOB Rambler?
The Rambler is a smaller more compact BOB with a few less features than the BOB Revolution Flex 3 and the BOB Alterrain Pro. It moves well in tight spaces and offered impressive test results in run-ability. We like the smaller size for everyday errands and the lower weight makes running somewhat easier. There is nothing wrong with the Rambler and a lot of things right. We suspect anyone who owns it will be pleased.
What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?
This BOB is missing some key components serious runners might want like an adjustable handlebar, which could be a real concern for parents with a vast height difference or those who are taller than average. If you have more money to spare and budget isn't a huge restriction, you might consider the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 or the Thule Urban Glide 2, as both offer better run-ability and a few more features that make the easier to use.
Accessories
BOB makes a variety of optional accessories from fitness add ons to car seat adapters.
The BOB's optional Handlebar Console has a zippered pocket and two 5 inch deep cup holder pockets. Caution never put hot drinks in cup holders because they could fall out and land on baby.
Credit: BOB Gear
- BOB Parent Console — This console is canvas and Velcros to the handlebar of the stroller. It has two cup holders and a center pocket. It is easy to attach and quick to remove. The cup holders are deep enough for tall water bottles and the center pocket will hold most smartphones.
The BOB weather shield is a great way to keep baby cozy no matter what the weather brings.
Credit: BOB
- BOB Single Weather Shield — This weather shield is a useful cover to protect little ones from the elements. It is a potential must-have option if you plan to run no matter what the weather, or if the weather where you live can be unpredictable.
- BOB Single Fitness Kit — If you want to get a good work beyond the jogging option, this kit is the one for you. Made specifically for BOB strollers, it has resistance bands of various strengths for a total body workout on the go.
- BOB 2016 Single Infant Car Seat Adapter for Chicco — This adapter works with the Chicco Keyfit 30 and Chicco Fit2.
- BOB 2016 Single Infant Car Seat Adapter for Peg Perego — This adapter will work with several Peg Perego infant seats including the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35.
- BOB 2016 Single Infant Car Seat Adapter for Britax & BOB — This adapter is the one for you if you own a Britax or BOB infant car seat.
Before purchasing any adapter, double-check your manual and with BOB to ensure compatibility.
Manufacturer Video
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Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers
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