In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The BOB Rambler is a smaller and somewhat stripped-down version of more traditional BOB strollers, like the BOB revolution Flex 3.0. While it is a top-ranked jogging stroller, we think it works great as an everyday favorite full-size stroller. We think parents will appreciate the storage bin, canopy, quality, and adjustability of this stroller that is still a manageable weight and smaller size. While we still wish it had a carry strap or could self-stand, we think the price is good for a product that offers this much. Considering the other strollers we've tested, we think most families will be happy with the BOB Rambler.
REASONS TO BUY
Less expensive jogger
Great maneuverability
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Larger
May be hard to lift and carry
Bob Rambler vs Bob Revolution
If you are a hardcore runner or plan to head off-road more than on, then you may want to consider the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 over the Rambler. We encourage parents to compare the two to determine which one meets their needs better.
Editor's Note: We updated this gear review on December 21, 2021, to include additional details and sections on what we would buy and other products to consider.
Our Analysis and Test Results
BOB gear was created in 1994 by two men, Roger Malinowski, a bicycle industry expert, and Philip Novotny, an airline mechanic. Together, they noticed the need for a new kind of stroller, particularly a jogging stroller that could handle greater adventures with their tots. Since then, BOB has been producing strollers that continue to revolutionize joggers with contributions to our best stroller lineup. Britax now owns BOB.
Performance Comparison
The Rambler fold lock is a strap and buckle method that requires force to press the stroller together to meet the two ends of the buckle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The BOB Rambler is average for ease of use on a daily basis, losing favor for a harder fold and limited features for storage.
The Rambler requires two hands to fold because the release levers on each side need to be squeezed simultaneously to initiate the fold.
The folding handle of the Rambler is under the seat instead of on top of the seat like that found on Baby Jogger or Britax strollers.
Fold and Unfold
This stroller is fairly easy to fold and unfold, but it has more steps than the average, and it requires two hands. It has four steps, a manual locking strap, does not self-stand, and there is no carry strap or handle, which seems short-sighted for a heavier stroller. Unfolding is easier with one hand ability and only two steps.
The single action brakes on the Rambler operate with a press rocker pedal in the middle of the stroller above the back wheels.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
This stroller has single-action brakes that press to set and release with no worries for the top of your feet or fancy shoes.
The Rambler storage bin is large enough for our large diaper bag and will hold up to 10 lbs with access from the sides and back.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
The Rambler has under-seat storage with an allowance of 10 lbs. It fits our large diaper bag and has good access from the back and sides, but none from the front. There are no other storage, console, or pockets for a bottle from our best water bottles for kids review, or small items like a mobile phone. If storage matters to you, the UPPABaby Vista v2 sports an easily accessible, extra-large storage bin with internal pockets and a maximum capacity of 30 lbs.
The canopy on the Rambler is large and can cover most children to their knees.
The peek-a-boo window on the Rambler is large enough and has a cover with Velcro closure.
Sunshade
Like other BOBs, the Rambler has a large canopy that can cover past the knees of most children with a medium-sized, vinyl peek-a-boo window. The window cover is cloth, secures with Velcro, and tucks in a pocket to stay open. The UV protection is not listed.
The 5-point harness is easy to use and adjust with simple pull to tighten red loops.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The 5-point harness on this stroller is also a typical BOB. The harness is easy to use, and the buckle isn't hard to press. It has a good range for adjustability, and the crotch strap is also adjustable. This stroller is not a rethread style, but the straps slide up and down straps sewn to the seatback.
The Rambler seat back reclines by squeezing a plastic toggle to allow side straps to slip through. This process requires two hands to raise the seat back up again.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
The Rambler seat has an adjustable recline and padded, but stationary leg rest with a narrow footrest. The seat reclines with one hand by pinching a plastic toggle with infinite angle options and a final position that is almost flat for napping. To raise the back, you'll need two hands to pull the side straps, and it could be challenging with a child's weight in the seat.
Never Run with Infants
General recommendations are that you should not jog with newborns or infants under 8 months of age. You should only walk with babies under 8 months old. Between 8-12 months, you can jog on flat hard surfaces, but off-road, uneven surface running should be reserved for babies over 12 months old.
Ease of Setup
This stroller took just 5:30 minutes to put together.
The Rambler requires the use of an included Allen wrench to tighten the wheels, which are the only things you need to assemble. The instructions are fine, but there are easier directions to follow.
The larger rubber tires help the Rambler earn an impressive score for maneuverability.
The front wheel of the Rambler can be locked in place or left to rotate depending on your needs.
Maneuverability
The BOB Rambler is one of the best strollers for getting around whether you stroll or run. This stroller has large rubber tires on durable plastic wheels.
The front wheel can swivel for ease of turning, or you can lock it in place for running and off-roading. With a slightly narrower footprint than other joggers, it can navigate crowded or tight spaces with relative ease. This stroller will get you where you need to go, whether it is the park, the trail, or the local grocery store.
The Rambler folds smaller than other jogging strollers, but it is still somewhat cumbersome and may not fit in smaller cars.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
The BOB Rambler is large and heavy compared to most full-size stroller options.
However, this jogger is lighter and smaller than most joggers, and this is definitely something to consider if you want the versatility of a jogger with a more reasonable size. The Rambler weighs 25.1 lbs and measures 13,150 cubic inches.
The Rambler is not as nice or as decked out as the BOB Revolution, but it is still impressive in its construction.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
Compared to other top-ranked full-size strollers, the BOB Rambler is high-quality with a frame that is sturdy without flex or connection problems, and the fabric is tough and resisted snagging in our tests. The overall fit and finish are impressive, with attention to detail and no errant stitching or material bunching. We appreciate the quality of the components, and they come together in a manner that implies durability and long-term use. This product has a stationary foam-covered handlebar, emergency wrist strap, and adjustable suspension and tracking for the front wheel. The sling-style seat is padded and combined with the better shocks make for a comfortable ride for both passengers and pushers.
Should You Buy the BOB Rambler?
The BOB Rambler delivers functionality for both jogging and everyday use, and we think it's an attractive and respectable option that is worth its price. The BOB Rambler is the smaller brother to the Revolution Flex and challenges some of the high-ranking full-size strollers in scoring as it brings impressive maneuverability and quality. Overall, we think this contender is tough to beat.
What Other Full-Size Stroller Should You Consider?
If you're a serious jogger who wants a top-notch jogging stroller to match your running ambitions and goals, then we suggest checking out the Thule Urban Glide 2. It's a step up from the BOB Rambler, and it's one of the easiest strollers to push, which can make all the difference when you're covering elevation or striving for distance. Alternatively, the Thule Spring is another high-ranking, award-winning full-size stroller, like the Urban Glide, but a little cheaper. However, it is not suitable for jogging, so if you plan to jog and want one stroller for everyday use and jogging, then the Spring is not for you.
