BOB Revolution Flex 2.0 Review | Tested By BabyGearLab

In 1994, Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny formed the Beast of Burden Company, which is now called BOB, in San Luis Obispo, California. They saw a need for a new kind of stroller, and the BOB Sport Utility jogging stroller was born. The men continued to revolutionize the stroller world with the first locking swivel wheel on a jogger, making it more user-friendly. In 2011, the company was acquired by Britax.

Run-Ability

This stroller sports a locking swivel front wheel, a design that seems to be supplanting the fixed wheel options for serious runners in our tests. The Revolution's locking swivel front wheel and adjustable tracking are both easy to use. The tracking keeps the BOB running straight, and in our experience doesn't need adjustment often.

Despite being on the heavier side, the Revolution is easy to tip back and turn while running, with one of the lowest rolling resistance in the group. The Revolution moves smoothly with rubber air-filled tires and adjustable suspension, and our professional runner feels it is a good option for frequent transitioning from one surface to another.

The Flex offers an adjustable handlebar that helps parents maintain proper running biomechanics. The foam-covered handlebar has a wrist strap near the middle that works well with both hands.

Ease of Use

The Revolution isn't as easy to use as some of the competition.

The first step of folding the BOB Revolution is squeezing dual levers on either side of the frame to unlock the stroller. Credit: Abriah Wofford The second fold step for the BOB Revolution is pulling the red fold handle located under the seat bottom. The entire fold process is easy, but will require two hands. Credit: Abriah Wofford Previous Next

Fold and Unfold

The fold on the Revolution is two-handed and requires squeezing the levers on both sides of the frame (above left) to initiate before pulling the handle under the seat to fold (above right). The Revolution does not auto-lock or self-stand, and the manual locking mechanism is sort of hard to use and requires pulling straps together to connect.

Storage

The large storage bin is positioned relatively far under the stroller and can be hard to reach. It has access from the back and sides, and we were able to fit our large diaper bag in both ways, but it is easier to use from the side. The bin has a maximum capacity of 10 lbs, which is average for the group. The Flex also has a mesh pocket on the back of the seat with an elastic top and inside mesh passenger seat pockets.

Sunshade

The canopy is extra-large and covers children over their knees. It is adjustable with a large vinyl peek-a-boo window with a cover that has a hook and loop closure and a stow pocket to keep it open. The shade is made with water-resistant canvas and has reflective materials on the corners.

Harness

The Flex has a 5-point, lightly padded harness that is easy to put on, take off, and adjust. It offers shoulder height adjustment, an adjustable crotch strap, and waist straps with red pull rings that make them easy to tighten. The buckle snaps together easily and opens readily when the button is depressed without the need for excessive pressure or two hands.

Seat

The Revolution has a sling-style seat with a non-adjustable leg rest that extends down to a plastic footrest. The seat bottom is lightly padded but has a seam that runs across the bottom behind the knee bend that could cause chafing to exposed skin. The seatback reclines to a nap happy almost flat, and it has a more upright position. Reclining the seat is easier than the previous version with a one-hand button to recline as opposed to two hands. Once the seat is reclined, a ventilation gap opens at the top for increased airflow.

Car Seat Compatibility

The Flex 2.0 is compatible with some brands of car seats. All of the adapters are a two-step process that includes click-in and straps for proper installation.

Ease of Setup

The Revolution Flex is relatively easy to assemble, taking 5:21 minutes to put together. It requires a Phillips head screwdriver, and the manual is longer and more detailed than most, but this version is easier than the previous version.

Maneuverability

The Flex is easy to push on flat surfaces, but it is 2 inches wider than some of the competition, so you need to go a little slower in tight turns and smaller spaces. Moving on rougher terrain is just as easy as flat, with a relatively smooth transition from one surface to another. This makes it a good option for all-terrain pushing and outdoor adventures.

This stroller offers a relatively comfortable ride with a sling-style seat, thermo-molded padding, pneumatic rubber tires, adjustable suspension, and padded shoulder straps.

Weight and Folded Size

The Revolution weighs 27.3 lbs and measures 14,497 cubic inches. It can be made smaller with the removal of the quick-release wheels. The awkward fold and heavier weight make the Revolution a harder stroller to lift and carry, but the smaller size means it might fit in smaller spaces.

Quality

The Revolution is a high-end option with impressive quality. The Revolution's fabric is a thick, durable canvas with a thermo-molded seat and some reflective edges for nighttime visibility. The fabric doesn't snag, is water-resistant, and easy to care for. The aluminum frame has no flex and is utilitarian with tight connections and hinge points. The fabric fits the frame by wrapping around and doesn't look quite as finished or sleek competitors. The overall look is somewhat unkempt, and a little rumpled, but the materials are top-notch.

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