BOB Alterrain Pro vs Thule Urban Glide 2: Which Is Best?
Jogging strollers offer a practical answer for families on the move. Unlike regular strollers, they’re specifically designed to navigate a variety of terrains smoothly and maintain stability at higher speeds. This ensures the comfort of both young passengers and adult pushers. An added bonus: these strollers allow parents to get in a workout session without requiring a babysitter's assistance! Two favorite choices are the BOB Gear Alterrain Pro and the Thule Urban Glide 2, both of which stand out as top-notch, thoughtfully crafted jogging strollers. Each model boasts its own set of appealing features, providing options for different preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the Thule Urban Glide 2 vs. BOB Alterrain Pro.
Bob Gear Alterrain Pro
You’ll experience the epitome of jogging strollers with the BOB Gear Alterrain Pro. Its one-handed folding mechanism simplifies daily excursions, while its robust suspension system makes it ideal for even the most rugged off-road escapades. Equipped with BOB's cutting-edge SmoothShox™ suspension and air-filled tires, this stroller empowers you to confidently navigate uneven terrains and uneven sidewalks with your baby. Its sleek and contemporary design is complemented by high-performance fabrics, a canopy that is both waterproof and windproof to shield your child from the elements, and a fully adjustable padded seat for unparalleled comfort. Tackling downhill slopes is a breeze thanks to the ergonomic handbrake, and the oversized cargo basket, complete with a zippered lid, ensures the security of your belongings. It's adaptable from birth with compatible infant car seats from top brands such as Britax, Nuna, UPPAbaby, Cybex, and more.
Thule Urban Glide 2
The Thule Urban Glide 2 embodies both lightness and elegance, all without compromising its functionality as a versatile all-terrain stroller. It boasts prominent 16” wheels, a comprehensive all-wheel suspension system for comfort and precise control, and a front wheel that pivots to facilitate smooth strolls around town. This same wheel can be effortlessly locked in place when transitioning to jogging and more rugged landscapes. The integrated twist hand brake enhances security and braking efficiency on inclines and during running sessions. Thanks to its one-handed, compact folding mechanism, the Urban Glide 2 simplifies storage and transportation. For the utmost in space-saving, you can even detach the rear wheels. Compatible with a broad array of infant car seat brands through its universal adapter, this stroller features convenient attributes like a covered basket, an expandable sun canopy, and a non-rethread harness. These aspects are thoughtfully designed to cater to parents' needs, regardless of where your day's adventures take you.
BOB Alterrain Pro vs Thule Urban Glide 2: The Similarities & The Differences
While both are high-quality, all-terrain strollers with air-filled wheels and plenty of great features, there are a few notable differences between them.
Product Weight
This is one of the biggest distinctions between these two strollers. The BOB Alterrain Pro is slightly heavier by a little over 7 lbs compared to the Thule Urban Glide 2. If you frequently move your stroller in and out of your vehicle to access rough trails, this might be worth considering. However, with a 50 lbs child inside, the 7 lbs difference becomes less significant.
Fold
No more struggling with complicated stroller folds! Both models offer a straightforward solution: lift the calf rest fabric to reveal a twistable bar for closing the stroller after your journey. For the Thule, locate the handle and pull it sideways then upwards; it doesn't self-stand but is slightly smaller, making it ideal for trunk storage. The BOB features a yellow thumb button to press before pulling up; it self-stands, which is convenient for front hall closets or garage sides. Notably, both folds can be done with one hand.
Weight Limit
If you've explored stroller options, you're probably aware that a 75-lb total weight capacity is quite remarkable. (It's possible your child will choose to run alongside you before even surpassing this limit!) Both strollers share this maximum 75-lb weight limit, allowing you to have your child accompany you for years, possibly through elementary school!
Brakes
Both strollers feature a bottom parking brake and a hand brake for downhill control. The BOB Alterrain Pro uses a bicycle-style hand brake on the handlebar's right side, while the Thule Urban Glide 2 has a twist hand brake centrally located for ambidextrous use. Each stroller includes a safety wrist strap.
Handlebar
Running with a stroller requires adjustment, particularly if you're accustomed to a specific arm movement. It’s definitely a unique sensation and yet an effective arm workout. Fortunately, both feature strollers feature adjustable padded handlebars to make your runs more comfortable. The BOB stroller has a thicker handlebar compared to the Thule, potentially providing more comfort based on personal preference.
Seat
Both strollers provide a user-friendly, one-handed recline and a cushioned 5-point harness, ensuring your little passenger's comfort during a casual stroll or an extended Saturday morning marathon training session. The Thule incorporates mesh padding around the harness and a cushioned mesh cover for the crotch buckle. In contrast, the BOB's padding is non-mesh but offers enhanced thickness for comfort. The BOB features a slightly wider seat than the Thule, yet both can comfortably fit larger riders.
Clearly, a gentle recline while running aids in aerodynamics and natural maneuvering over bumps. Both strollers have adjustable angles, with the BOB offering an upright option suitable for walking. The Thule lacks a fully upright position and maintains a slight recline even at its highest angle setting.
Wheels
Both the BOB and Thule models feature air-filled 16” rear tires and a 12” front swivel wheel that can be locked. Additionally, they include reflective rims. While the swivel wheel is useful on even surfaces, we advise locking it when going faster or on uneven terrain to prevent any odd shaking, as it's designed for running. Remember to periodically inflate the wheels, similar to a bike with air-filled tires.
Canopy
Both canopies provide multi-position coverage and UPF 50+ protection, ensuring your child's comfort on sunny days. Both use the "fold & tuck" method to reveal peek-a-boo windows, with slightly different overall designs. The BOB's peekaboo window includes an extra mesh panel, facilitating making it easy to chat with your little one about what they’re seeing in the world around them. On the other hand, the Thule features an additional pop-out sun visor that can be unzipped for extra coverage, creating a cozy, dark cocoon that’s ideal for lulling your child to sleep.
Storage
Safeguard your essentials like keys, wallet, water, and phone with the water-resistant zip-top cargo basket on both strollers. This feature is perfect for storing snacks or even making a quick grocery store run for last-minute dinner ingredients. Both strollers also feature interior mesh pockets within the seat, providing your little one a place to store their sippy cup, toys, or a handful of flowers.
BOB Alterrain Pro vs Thule Urban Glide 2 Comparison Chart
Take a look at this chart for a quick comparison on the specs between these two amazing jogging strollers.
Specs |
BOB Gear Alterrain Pro |
Thule Urban Glide 2 |
PRODUCT SIZE: |
- |
- |
Product weight |
32.3 lbs |
25 lbs |
Dimensions |
46″D x 25.5″W x 45.5″H |
41.1″D x 27.2″W x 40″H |
Dimensions (Folded) |
39.3″D x 25.5″W x 16″H |
34.2″D x 27.2″W x 13.3″H |
FOLD: |
- |
- |
One-Handed Fold |
Yes |
Yes |
Stands on its own when folded |
Yes |
No |
MAX WEIGHT LIMIT: |
75 lbs |
75 lbs |
BRAKES: |
- |
- |
Parking brake |
Yes |
Yes |
Hand brake |
Bicycle hand brake |
Twist hand brake |
Wrist strap |
Yes |
Yes |
HANDLEBAR: |
Padded, adjustable |
Padded, adjustable |
SEAT: |
- |
- |
One-handed recline |
Yes |
Yes |
Fully upright seating |
Yes |
No |
5-Point harness |
Yes |
Yes |
WHEELS: |
- |
- |
Full Suspension |
Yes (SmoothSHOX®) |
Yes |
Air Filled Tires |
Yes |
Yes |
Tire Size |
Rear: 16″ Front: 12″ |
Rear: 16″ Front: 12″ |
Reflective rims |
Yes |
Yes |
CANOPY: |
plastic peekaboo window with silent magnetic closure UPF 50+ & separate mesh window |
plastic peekaboo window with silent magnetic closure UPF 50+ & pop out sunshade |
STORAGE: |
- |
- |
Zip-top cargo basket |
Yes |
Yes |
Storage Pockets |
|
|
Which Is Better – BOB Alterrain Pro or Thule Urban Glide 2?
Choosing the right jogging stroller is a personal decision. Both the Thule Urban Glide 2 and BOB Alterrain Pro are excellent options, offering top-notch safety features, comfortable designs, and user-friendly elements. Ultimately, the choice between Thule Urban Glide 2 vs BOB Alterrain Pro depends on your individual preferences and specific needs. When selecting the best jogging stroller for your family, consider your level of activity, how frequently you plan to use it, and which features are most important to you. You really can’t go wrong with either choice! You can shop ANB Baby’s entire Thule and BOB Gear collections online anytime. Still unsure which jogging stroller is best for you and your little one? Visit us in-store to try out our selection and get personalized assistance from our staff!