In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The Thule SLeek is a versatile stroller that works for 1-3 children with the purchase of additional seating and adapters. It has impressive maneuverability for a plastic wheeled ride and unique covered storage with an 11 lb weight allowance. We like the capability of adding two infant car set carriers, two seats, two bassinets, or a combination of all three with the addition of a ride-on rolling board, which means you can easily stroll with three on board. The Sleek has a higher price tag, but not as high as the similar UPPAbaby Vista and certainly reasonable for a growing family who requires the seating options. While it is heavier than some of the competition, it is somewhat smaller and such high quality we think most families will be able to overlook the heft.
REASONS TO BUY
Variety of seating
2 car seats
Smaller
Covered storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Convoluted harness/buckle
Recall Update for 2020 The Thule Sleek has been recalled. If you own the stroller Thule is offering a replacement frame.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Recall Alert: The Thule Group has issued a recall of the Chicco infant car seat adapter that works with the Thule Sleek. This recall does not affect the stroller itself. If you have the Chicco adapter you need to stop using it immediately and contact the company. If you were considering this stroller to pair with a Chicco infant car seat, you'll need to look elsewhere as the only adapter currently being sold for use with this stroller works with some models ofMaxi-Cosi®, BeSafe®, Cybex® and Nuna®.
Over 70 years ago, Erki Thulin started the Thule company in Sweden creating gear for fisherman. After 20 successful years, they produce the first ski and roof racks. Today, active people can find useful items in the Thule lineup like racks for winter sports and water activity, bike racks, cargo carriers, bags, luggage, backpacks, bike trailers, and even strollers.
Performance Comparison
The belly bar on the Sleek flips open to allow easy access to the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Sleek performs well for ease of use with an impressive higher score for the competition.
Ease of use includes components that could impact your day-to-day use of a product.
Two hands are required to fold the Sleek by pulling up the side release slides.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Fold and Unfold
Folding the Sleek requires two hands and two steps, plus it has an automatic lock and self-stands when folded. You do need to bend halfway and you can leave both seats on or remove them for a smaller fold, but more parts. Unfolding also requires two hands and two steps with a little practice necessary to do well.
The Sleek has a rocker style brake pedal in the middle of the rear axle. The pedal is easy to use and foot-friendly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
The Sleek brakes are foot-friendly sporting a rocker-style pedal that is easy to set and release by pressing one end of the pedal or the other. They are single action brakes engaging both rear wheels with one pedal push.
The storage bin on the Sleek has an expandable back and a zippered cover with an 11 lb weight allowance. The cover does not encompass the expansion.
The Sleek's zippered cover helps keep the storage bin contents clean and onboard.
Storage
The storage bin (above left) has a maximum allowance of 11 lbs and comes with a zippered cover (above right). It is a very large bin with access from all sides and fit our extra-large diaper bag. The back of the bin can expand, but the bin cover will not fit the expanded space.
The seat canopy on the Sleek has a large, vinyl peek-a-boo window. The window has a cover with silent magnetic closure.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The shades on the Sleek seats are large, UPF 50+, with a zippered ventilation panel and a pop-out visor. They have vinyl peek-a-boo windows with magnetic closure covers. The main seat canopy is larger than the second seat, but both are adequate.
The Sleek buckle is somewhat convoluted requiring each strap to be inserted separately.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The Sleek harness is challenging to put on but easy to remove. This involved process requires separated shoulder and waist straps to be snapped into the main buckle with the shoulder straps securing the waist straps in the slot. This 5-point harness has a sliding height adjustment and an adjustable length crotch strap with one position.
The Sleek seats recline by pulling the lever on the back and tilting the seat. Both seats have 3 recline angles, but neither recline much when facing forward. A deeper recline is possible facing backward toward the pusher.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
The main and second seats are similar, though not identical. They both have adjustable leg rests and slight height adjustability. Both offer a one-handed recline with three angle options but neither reclines much if both seats face forward.
We tested the Thule Sleek with the Cybex Cloud Q.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Car Seat Compatibility
This double stroller is compatible with a nice variety of infant car seats including some award-winning options from our Infant Car Seat Review. With the purchase of one of two car seat adapters (see below), you can combine the Sleek with the Chicco Keyfit 30, Chicco Fit2, and some seats from the Maxi-Cosi, BeSafe, Cybex, and Nuna brands.
One of the car seat adapters available for the Sleek are side attachment adapters, while the other is a loop style option for Chicco brand carriers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Chicco adapter is a loop style frame, while the other adapter has two parts for side attachment. Traditionally, loop-style adapters are easier because you don't need to line up the sides. None require straps, which is great. You need to remove the toddler seat (including the canopy) as it uses the same attachment. The best part is this stroller accepts two car seat carriers at once.
Ease of Setup
Setting up the Sleek requires about 10 minutes, including 6 minutes for the main stroller and about 4:30 minutes for the second seat.
Setup of stroller:
The manual includes pictures and multiple languages. The illustrations are clear and have no written instructions. You assemble the 4 wheels, canopy, belly bar, and seat.
Set up of the second seat:
The front wheels of the Sleek are foam filled plastic which maneuvers better than most of the plastic wheels we've tested in the past. The single wheel per leg design may be the reason why it pushes and turns with ease.
The front wheels on the Sleek can be locked in place with the press of a button to help the stroller stay on course over rough terrain.
Maneuverability
The Sleek is relatively easy to maneuver despite the plastic wheels (above left).
This stroller has a shorter wheelbase than some inline strollers and it is easy to push and turn on hard flat surfaces. Off-road on grass and gravel it works surprisingly well, as we assumed it would struggle with the plastic wheels. The frame does flex somewhat, but overall it is average and will get you across a park or greenbelt. The front wheels swivel and can lock in place (above right) for rough terrain.
The Sleek has a somewhat larger fold with the seat and back wheels in place. But it isn't the biggest.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
The Sleek is heavier than the average double, but the folded size is somewhat smaller than similar inline options.
This Thule weighs 35.9 lbs, which is 3 lbs over the average. It measures 19,373 cubic inches when folded, which is smaller than some of the competition that measures 28,264! If your space is limited, then the Sleek may be a better choice despite the higher weight.
The Sleek is a quality stroller with durable materials that come together with few connection points and very little flex. Everything is straight and lines up well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The Sleek is a quality stroller equal to other top performers in the group.
All of the canvas on the Sleek is the same giving it a nice uniform look. The material is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. The frame is sturdy with no flex and few connection points. It features foam-filled plastic wheels that are good for plastic, but not as nice as those on the jogging strollers. The overall fit and finish are clean and simple, or "sleek" if you will.
The handlebar on the Sleek telescopes in and out to accommodate pushers of different heights.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The handlebar has a telescoping adjustment with adequate padding for comfort that is smooth and wipes clean. It has nice all-around shocks and thick padding to provide a comfortable riding experience for passengers.
The seats on the Sleek can face forward, where the recline is limited or facing back where the seats can lie closer to flat.
The Sleek seats can also face opposite directions for good recline capabilities.
Twins
The Sleek is a good choice for twins as it offers a variety of seating configurations that are virtually identical for children of the same age and size. It works with two infant car seat carriers, two bassinets, and two toddler seats. While you need to buy the additional seats and adapters, it makes the Sleek versatile enough to work well for twins or children of different ages.
Manufacturer Video
Accessories
The Thule Sleek Sibling Seat
Credit: Thule
Thule Sleek Sibling Seat — If you have two children or plan on adding another family member this sibling seat is a must-have addition. This seat is similar to the main seat that comes with the stroller and allows two children to ride the Sleek.
The Thule Sleek adapter kit helps separate the two seats to provide more leg and recline room between seats.
Credit: Thule
Thule Sleek Adapter Kit — These seat attachment adapters allow you to attach two toddler seats to the stroller frame so they have slightly more room between seats for increased recline and foot room.
Thule Sleek Bassinet
Credit: Thule
Thule Sleek Bassinet — If you plan to use your Sleek with an infant you can purchase a handy bassinet or a car seat adapter. This bassinet can be placed in either attachment position and allows little ones to remain comfortable while strolling.
The Thule Sleek Snack Tray for passengers
Credit: Thule
Thule Sleek Snack Tray — The snack tray replaces the belly bar on each seat and can rotate to the side to allow seat access for little tushies. This tray has a shallow cup holder and a depression for snack foods.
Thule Sleek Car Seat Adapter for Chicco®
Credit: Thule
Thule Sleek Car Seat Adapter for Chicco — This car seat adapter attachment works with the award-winning Chicco Keyfit 30, Keyfit non-30, and the Chicco Fit2. The loop style adapter is traditionally very easy to use with little room for error or frustration.
The car seat adapter for the Sleek and Maxi-Cosi brand car seats.
Credit: Thule
Thule Sleek Car Seat Adapter for Maxi-Cosi — This car seat adapter is a necessity if you'd like to pair your Sleek stroller with seats by Maxi-Cosi, BeSafe, Cybex, and Nuna. See the Thule website for specific compatibility.
The Thule Sleek Sibling SeatCredit: Thule
