Guava Roam Jogging Stroller Review

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The Guava Roam Jogging Stroller is a solid option for parents who like to walk, but want the versatility of a stroller that can handle more vigorous excursions. Unlike most traditional, bulky jogging strollers, the Roam has a specific design focus on adjusting the ease of use, storing it easily and taking a smooth ride. Though it does not have a hand brake, which would be essential for serious runners, it works well for exercise walkers and casual joggers.

This is truly one of the absolute best features of the Guava Roam and why it is much more convenient than many of the other joggers available. This one folds down to a surprisingly compact size, easily stowing in smaller spaces, unlike many jogging strollers that tend to be quite bulky and difficult to store. It is also lightweight, making it a convenient feature for parents who require portability and ease of carrying.

Though it provides a smooth ride, good build quality and excellent maneuverability in flat settings, the Roam isn’t suited for more strenuous, long-distance running. The lack of a hand brake, combined with a stationary handlebar and a lack of suspension, makes for a stroller less suited to rigorous running workouts and more appropriate for casual strolls or light jogging. If you want a more serious jogging stroller with all the trimmings, this probably isn’t it. But for anyone looking for a more all-in-one, compact stroller that is capable of handling both city and off-road environments with ease, the Guava Roam is worthy of consideration.

Imaged Source: WIred. com || Image courtesy: Guava Family

Folding Mechanism

Perhaps the most lauded feature of the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller is its fast, easy to use folding mechanism. Many traditional jogging strollers have an overcomplicated folding process that can create a hassle in getting them stored away and transported, but with the Roam, it’s a simple process that makes storing it easier. This stroller is a lifesaver for anyone who doesn’t want a heavy, bulky stroller crowding the home or car.

To fold the stroller, you just need to lock the brake, lower the handlebar to its last position, and lift the handle under the child’s seat. This collapses the stroller onto itself, tucking the wheels under the frame. It has a very thoughtful design that allows the Guava Roam to stand on its own when folded up. That makes it super easy to stow in cramped spaces — in your entryway, garage or car.

Stroller size when folded downTherein lies one of the most significant selling points of the stroller. Folded down, it’s much more compact than most joggers, which are often bulky. Some other jogging strollers can fold down, but they generally take up a sizable chunk of your trunk or of your home storage. This would avoid an issue faced by the Roam, thus making it a family-friendly option for those with limited storage.

But it does not come without a few challenges. Although the process of unfolding it is not hard, it can be somewhat awkward. Guava’s directions recommend picking up from the handlebar (that is, the end that will be on the ground after folding it) and unfolding the stroller up. This is a bit of an odd motion initially, and it can be a little unruly — until you get used to it. Some parents, like the reviewer’s husband, might instead lift from the center, but that also can lead to a less smooth process. Despite these minor annoyances, once you get the hang of the fold and unfold, it would become automatic.

The very compact, very practical folding design, with a standing folded position (you can stop the stroller from rolling away once you leave it) is also unique, however, since most joggers on the market that we found lack this user-friendly feature. It’s a fantastic feature for people who need to fold and unfold the stroller often, whether in a tight living space or when traveling.

Brakes and Safety Features

Guava Roam Jogging Stroller provides basic safety features such as a foot brake and a wrist strap. But for serious runners, this stroller’s most significant omission is a hand brake. A hand brake is usually a necessity for jogging strollers, giving parents the ability to moderate the stroller’s speed, especially when you’re running on an incline or downhill. The absence of a hand brake means users will have to control their stroller speed by controlling their walking speed, which can be inconvenient as well as unsafe on sloped terrain.

Although foot brake does its job in the sense that when the stroller is parked, it stays in place, it’s not as intuitive as some other models. Unlike being pushed down to engage, the foot brake on the Guava Roam must be pushed up with the top of your foot. This design may be uncomfortable when wearing thicker shoes, and the action feels slightly less natural. It also takes more effort to release, which may be annoying for parents who want to quickly navigate the stroller while they manage other things, such as unloading groceries or attending to a child.

On the safety side, the Guava Roam also has a wrist strap that connects to the handlebar, an important component to prevent the stroller from rolling away while the parent is distracted. That said, you might want to take note that the stability of the stroller can be compromised if you’re pushing the stroller at a faster pace or on uneven ground primarily due to the stroller’s absence of a hand brake and fairly flimsy design.

Overall, while the Guava Roam has some fundamental safety measures such as the foot brake and the wrist strap, the lack of a hand brake is a major drawback for anyone using the cart beyond simply walking leisurely with it. This is particularly important for going down a hill, as you need to be in total control of how fast your stroller is moving down the trail.

Storage Options

This Guava Roam Jogging Stroller has plenty of space for storage, which is important if you’re a parent that’s always on the move. It has an ample under-seat basket that can fit a diaper bag, groceries or travel necessities. However, the Keyser’s big selling point here is the included Parent Organizer, which takes the stroller convenience to the next level by providing access to your personal items.

Available in two compartments, one round for holding drinks; specifically water bottles or coffee cups, and one square that can fit smaller must-haves like keys, smartphones, or a pacifier. The organizer attached via Velcro straps to the handlebar, where you can give yourself easy access to everything. This thoughtful add-on is especially helpful for parents who don’t want to rummage through the under-seat storage or bend down to reach items while moving.

Perhaps most uniquely, the Parent Organizer is dishwasher-safe, so cleaning it after each excursion is painless. The organizer is also removable — so if you like to travel light, you can detach it when it’s not needed. The downside (though this is not the most customizable design we tested) is that it isn’t as customizable, like some of the strollers with more modular organizers or extra cup holders.

In addition to the Parent Organizer, there’s an optional snack tray to attach for the little one. This tray provides your child with easy access to snacks or toys during the ride. While it wasn’t tested personally in this review, the Guava Roam stroller does allow for it to be a useful add-on if you want to further your stroller experience, but especially with toddlers that like to eat or play on the go.

The under-seat basket, which is roomy, is weight limited, however. Though the maximum weight limit for the basket is not specified, users should take care not to overstuff it, as too much weight could cause the stroller’s frame to become wobbly. To make matters a little cumbersome accessories with the app you to access the buggy älkete a little limited by design less a limited. However, this is a great basket for quickly finding your essentials.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The Guava Roam Jogging Stroller focuses on making sure you and your child are comfortable, but there are some differences in ride quality compared to more premium running strollers.

Comfort for the Child

The seat in the Guava Roam is pretty comfortable for a jogging stroller. Its recline goes deep and has multiple positions, which is good for napping or when your child wants to catch some Z’s while you’re out and about for longer periods of time. The recline mechanism is simple and can even be used with one hand to adjust the position of the seat while on the go. While notably decent, however, it isn’t quite as deep as some more expensive models, so wouldn’t be as comfortable for younger babies who sleep fully flat.

The seat design is breathable to allow air circulation on hot days. This is an important feature to keep the child from overheating when left in the stroller for long periods. That said, the seat is not as plush or heavily padded as the seats in more expensive jogging strollers. It has the right amount of padding to keep Guinea pigs comfortable, but it might not feel as luxurious to some parents.

Another child comfort feature on the Guava Roam is the canopy. It is large and provides 50+ UPF sun protection, which is a godsend on those sunny outings. The canopy also rotates to shade from the front better, but does not extend to the rear fully for head-to-toe coverage, which is especially critical when the child is laid back. It does, however, include a mesh ventilation window to encourage air circulation on hot days, as well as a way for parents to check whether their child is sleeping soundly without lifting the canopy.

The Guava Roam ranks high for comfort (it’ll work well for walks or light jogs), but the lack of suspension means that it won’t be as smooth a ride as strollers with more sophisticated shock-absorbing setups. As a result, the stroller might get a little bouncy or a little more uncomfortable on rougher terrain or over longer jogs. This is particularly apparent when rolling over bumps or uneven ground when pricier joggers with better suspension systems tend to offer a smoother, more stable ride.

Comfort for the Parent

As for the parent experience, the Guava Roam has a comfortable handlebar, which can be adjusted to a height that works for most users. As a unique feature, it lets both shorter and taller parents grip it easily, which makes this stroller effective for a range of sizes. The handlebar is made out of a soft foam material that is comfortable to use for long periods. But it’s important to note that the foam material could be a bit slippery, particularly when it’s warmer outside or when your hands are sweaty, and left residue on your hands.

The foot brake although foot-friendly is a bit tricky to release as mentioned earlier. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it can get annoying for joggers on the go who sometimes need to stop the stroller quickly. This may be problematic for people who want fast control of the stroller’s motion. That said, Guava Roam does include a safety wrist strap with this product, so you have this added peace of mind when you are moving quickly.

Overall Ride Quality

On flat surfaces, like pavement or smooth sidewalks, the Guava Roam stroller is performance nice, and it has a locking front wheel that makes it easy to maneuver. Wide might be a preferable option with more control and stability while walking or light jogging. However, in terms of off-road performance, all-terrain strollers come with smaller wheels that doesn’t have suspension and prefer to feel a bit looser on uneven surfaces. That can lead to a bumpier ride for child and parent alike, especially on trails or grass.

The Guava Roam stroller provides a soft ride for light jogging and walking, but it’s not built for more demanding running conditions. Its lack of a hand brake and suspension system mean it isn’t geared towards long-distance runs or hard-going terrain. Parents who want a stroller that performs better in minimal conditions or soccer-field-like scenarios, or that provides a more comfortable ride on longer runs may want to look at other models in this category.

Maneuverability and Handling

Perhaps one of the best features of the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller is its maneuverability, especially when compared to traditional jogging strollers. It has a more compact build, yet still provides the smoothest handling and responsive steering on flat surfaces.

Handling on Flat Terrain

The Guava Roam is designed for big city environments and is easily maneuvered through tight city streets and city parks and paved trails. The three-wheel architecture, a signature feature of most jogging strollers, also makes it so that it glides easily along sidewalks or other level surfaces without much resistance. The adjustable locking front wheel comes in handy here in maintaining extra stability during long excursions or light jogs, allowing parents complete control over the path of the stroller.

Front wheel lock is easy to engage: this is a more solid push — The option you’d use when you want the front wheel to avoid swivelling and would prefer a more stable push. The wheel locks smoothly to pivot for sharp corners, while the stroller glided with little effort. But most of the time because the stroller is light it is pretty agile with all those corners but it definitely needs a little more push compared to strollers with a large base with good wheel base and better suspension systems.

Finding our way on Hobbesian Rock

In off-road situations, Guava Roam is at a disadvantage. The stroller is ok for the occasional grassy patch or mild trail, but its smaller wheels and absence of suspension can render it tricky to push over more challenging ground. If infrequently you intend to do off-roading, this is fine, but the small wheels often make it feel more jarring, particularly on gravel and dirt roads. The stroller does not glide quite as smoothly as some of the other jogging strollers we tested do over bumpy surfaces.

The Guava Roam may not be the best option for parents who like jogging or walking on hilly or uneven terrain, however. Without a suspension system, pushing the stroller on uneven ground can be caused by smooth dynamics, which is a less enjoyable activity for the child and the parent alike. Because of the smaller wheels, it is harder to go over bumps and dips — the parent needs to push harder to keep the stroller moving evenly.

Compact and Easy to Handle

A key benefit of the Guava Roam is its small folded size and lightweight, making it easily handled. The stroller itself weighs only about 24 lbs, at just added to the lightest category of jogging strollers. Its light weight keeps it more manageable than many of the bulkier joggers on the market and particularly easy to heft where needed — like in and out of a doorway or a vehicle.

The folding mechanism also makes the stroller easy to use and store overall.Eventually, the seat can be folded up along with all the materials. The stroller folds in half and can stand upright by itself when collapsed, so it fits more easily in tight car trunks, entryways or closets. It is a lot more compact than a lot of other joggers when it’s folded up, which sometimes takes up more space. Some users may find it cumbersome when trying to cramp it with other gear when travelling with families where space can be limited.

Turning and Steering

A front swivel wheel (which can be locked, for greater stability) makes the Guava Roam easy to steer. Parents can also feel peace of mind if jogging or maintain a steady pace, thanks to the front wheel locking mechanism, which helps keep the stroller in a straight line.soapcycling.

However, at higher speeds, tight corners can get slightly complex, especially in the case of an unlocked front wheel. In cramped quarters, such as in stores, or on crowded paths, the stroller can be a little unwieldy, and it takes a bit more effort than on some other strollers to turn it smoothly.

Handling on smooth paths is good overall and it glides along with a solid push. The smaller wheels and lack of suspension make it less suitable for serious runner or for people who plan on using it frequently on rough terrain.

Storage and Convenience

Storage space is a favorite topic among parents when they’re looking for a stroller, and a top consideration, as it can make all the difference when running errands or going out for longer strolls. The Guava Roam Jogging Stroller excelled in this arena, providing plenty of storage for everyday essentials while maintaining a comparatively organized and accessible setup.

Under-Seat Storage

Guava Roam can comfortably fit all the baby essentials, with a generous under seat storage basket that offers plenty of room for diaper bags, jackets, or groceries. The basket is readily accessible from the back and sides, so when it’ll really help you out, parents can easily grab stuff when needed. The only real downside is that the storage basket has a weight limit of around 10 pounds, meaning you shouldn’t stuff it full of heavy items.

Though the capacity isn’t as large as some higher-end strollers, access to the storage space is easy, and the practicality of this feature makes it a great option for short trips or carrying snacks, small toys, or water bottles. It suits families who need space for the essentials but don’t want to haul too much weight.

Parent Organizer

A very nice bonus with the Guava Roam is the fact that it comes with a parent organizer, providing additional storage space and convenience literally right at your fingertips. The organizer mounts to the handlebar and is a great place to stow things you want to be able to grab quickly, like keys, a smartphone, or a drink. It comes with two mesh zipper pouches, one round for drinks, another square for essentials.

Removable parent organizer for easy cleaning and removal when not in use. The attachment is adjustable, accommodating several belongings, and the Velcro straps make it easy to put on and take off. On-the-go parents, in particular, will find this to be a convenient addition, as it means no more hunting for an extra accessory to hold your drink or your other small items.

Child Tray (Optional)

Guava Roam also has an optional snack tray for your child to make it more convenient. This tray secures to the stroller and provides the perfect spot for your child to eat or hang on to their toys while riding. The snack tray is dishwasher safe, for easy cleanup. Although I didn’t try this feature out personally, the addition of this tray does add a nice touch, and I do love that it’s easy to clean since I know that’s important to busy parents.

Compact Folding and Storage

An easy and convenient feature the Guava Roam has going for it is its foldability. As discussed, this stroller folds in on itself, and can then shrink much smaller than many other joggers. Folding is simple and completed in just three easy steps and this stroller can stand on its own once folded up, meaning you don’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in storage.

In comparison with other jogging strollers, the Guava Roam is one of the most compact and lightweight models on the market. This is especially critical for parents with limited space at home or who need to frequently put the stroller back in a car. Whether you’re off to the park, beach, a family gathering or a quick jog around the block, its compact build is a plus, forgoing the bulkiness that usually comes with other joggers.

Hurdles in Storage and Convenience

While the Guava Roam has many positive features, there are a few areas that could be improved, particularly in storage and convenience. As previously stated, the weight limit on the storage basket can be limiting if you’re carrying a lot of mass. Though the parent organizer is a nice touch, some parents may find it lacks the space for all of their essentials.

Additionally, the absence of a handbrake can be a negative for runners, especially if they are going to use the stroller on hilly terrain where they might want to keep the stroller from rolling at a speed they aren’t comfortable with. The foot brake works, but not as well as a handbrake, especially when you need to slow down quickly or control the stroller’s movement when running. To obsessive joggers, this might be a crucial issue.

Comfort and Ride Quality

The comfort/ride quality is vital, as it determines how enjoyable the ride is for both parent and child. While the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller excels in some areas, including providing a smooth ride on most surfaces, there are areas of improvement that would make it more suitable for serious running or longer outings.

Ride Quality for the Parent

On rougher terrain, the Guava Roam rides quite well especially over wider, flatter surfaces such as sidewalks, parks or paved trails. It has air-filled tires, which insulate the vehicle from a lot of the bumps and jolts supplied by rugged landscapes. The suspension system isn’t top of the range like on some higher-end models, but it offers a more comfortable push compared to some of the basic models. But it isn’t as advanced as what you’d find in serious running joggers.

With its three-wheel design and rotating front wheel, the stroller is well-equipped to maneuver: It glides smooth, though you may feel the need to make some pushes while turning corners and getting through tighter structures. This is a serious advantage versus bulkier joggers as they offer more control and smooth steering experience.

That said, the absence of a handbrake can significantly dull the stroller’s overall usability while running, especially downhill. Having a handbrake provides better control of the stroller speed for parents and makes it easier to maneuver the stroller without changing their stride or pace. Also, the foot brake available for use on the Guava Roam is not the easiest to manoeuvre and involves pushing up with your mid-foot. This could be bothersome, especially since some people wear thicker shoes or run faster.

Child’s Comfort

The Guava Roam does some things really well in the comfort department. The soft and durable seat fabric provides a comfortable spot for your little one to sit. The seat has adequate padding, plus reclines to provide multiple positions from awake to asleep. The recline mechanism is intuitive and easily adjustable with one hand.

The stroller also has a sufficient-sized canopy that helps shield the kid from the sun. But, similar to a lot of strollers, it doesn’t provide total sun coverage during early morning or late afternoon when the sun is closer to the horizon. To protect little ones fully, some parents may find sunhats or sunglasses provide additional sun protection and the stroller’s effectiveness during these times.

If your child is on the smaller side, the leg rest is well proportioned; taller toddlers may find it a little low. Adding an adjustable footrest could help, as it would allow growing children to fit their legs more comfortably over longer journeys.

Smoothness of the Ride

For daily walks and casual jogs, the Guava Roam is a cushy and smooth ride for both parent and child. The stroller’s front swivel wheel offers a fair bit of maneuverability, and air-filled tires can help cushion shocks from an uneven ground. That makes it suitable for an occasional walk or jog.

However, when the stroller is used on rougher, off-road surfaces or for more intense jogging, the absence of a suspension system and smaller wheels can cause the ride to feel bumpy and jarring. If you will be running with the stroller for long sessions, particularly on trails, you might notice that the stroller transmits vibrations through the handlebars, which can become uncomfortable for both the person pushing the stroller and your bespectacled baby inside.

The Guava Roam is fantastic for an easy roll at the park or around your neighborhood, but its performance as a jogging stroller is compromised due to these design elements. Serious runners should invest in a stroller with better suspension and bigger wheels.

Conclusion on Comfort and Ride Quality

The Guava Roam Jogging Stroller is a comfortable stroller designed for casual users who are primarily using it to walk or light jog on smooth terrain. With a reclining seat, large canopy and adjustable footrest, it’s a comfortable ride for kids, while the folding mechanism and lightweight design make it easy for parents to transport.

But when it comes to long-distance running, rough terrain, or serious joggers, it’s less ideal due to no suspension system, smaller wheels, and no handbrake; The Guava Roam can still serve a purpose for joggers that only do so once in a while, but it simply doesn’t have the performance to make it an option for serious runners in search of a high-performing jogging stroller.

The Verdict: Should You Buy the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller?

Upon a deep dive in to the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller paired with the Guava Roam seat, it’s easy to see how this is one of the most useful joggers on the market for casual walkers and parents that want a lightweight stroller that folds up easily and won’t take up space in their car. However, it comes short of serious jogging, as well as more rugged terrain.

Who should buy the Guava Roam?

The Guava Roam is best suited for parents focused on convenience, usability, and storage. If you’re a parent that likes power walking, casual jogging or shorter walks around the neighborhood or park, this stroller gets you quite a bit of bang for the price. The stroller’s compact folded size, lightweight frame, and easy handling are recommendations for families with limited storage space, or those who need a stroller that’ll fit easily in a trunk or tight entryway.

(Note: If you don’t intend to take your stroller out for serious distance running or rough trails, the Guava Roam may also suffice.) The adjustable handlebar, smooth ride and well-padded seat make the experience comfortable for both parent and child on shorter outings.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

But if you’re a serious runner or someone who will run often with the stroller, it’s worth considering alternatives with more advanced jogging-specific features. With no handbrake, smaller wheels and no suspension, the Guava Roam isn’t designed for any serious running, particularly downhill, or on more rugged ground.

If you often run on hilly trails, rocky surfaces or require adjustable tracking for a more even ride, you may find this stroller’s performance maddening. If you plan to run frequently, definitely consider a slightly higher-end jogging stroller that has good suspension/ can take larger wheels and sometimes has handbrakes for better handling/control.

Final Thoughts

The Guava Roam Jogging Stroller is a great all-in-one option for casual walkers and parents who want a compact stroller for errands — you can fit it in a small trunk — and those seeking an easy-to-use stroller to take on short jogs or light outdoor adventures. It may not be appropriate for serious runners or those needing a stroller for off-road, rugged terrain, but it provides plenty of value for the money.

The compact design, smooth ride, and lightweight frame make it a worthy contender for parents who need a versatile, everyday stroller that can fit easily into any home or car. But if you need your new wheels to do more than cruise or jog, consider other high-performance jogging strollers for rougher conditions.

Alternatives to Consider

If you want a high-performance jogging stroller or want something that has more features for serious runners, take a look these options:

Thule Urban Glide 3: This Smooth ride with suspension and quality build makes this perfect for active runners looking to tackle various terrains.

BOB Revolution Flex 3.0: Ideal for serious runners, this stroller features wonderful suspension, adjustable tracking and a handbrake for more control when running over varied terrain.

Cybex Balios S Lux: A more flexible stroller with higher-end features for long strolls, a relaxed jog and families that need a stroller for all terrain.

Overall the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller is best for parents who want a stroller that is super easy to use and very compact with a very shallow fold for everyday walking and light jogging use who don’t want to sacrifice too much space, it is not for serious runners though and people that want to use this off-road.

Citation:

Guava Family – Official website for the brand behind the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller:
https://www.guavafamily.com

WIRED – Original review and detailed insights on the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller:
https://www.wired.com/review/guava-roam-jogging-stroller-review