Swivel or Fixed Wheel? What to choose?
A jogging stroller has to have a fixed front wheel if your intention is running, jogging or rollerblading.
If you run with a jogging stroller, you would need a fixed wheel. All you need is safety and stability. A stroller with a swivel wheel rattles and does not go smoothly.
I strongly recommend NOT to use a stroller with a front swivel wheel for jogging, running and not under any circumstances for rollerblading.
Let me tell you why: a front wheel should be fixed. No lock can guarantee that it will remain fixed at high speeds. The last thing that I would like to think about while rollerblading and pushing the stroller in front of me is the front wheel lock.
That is the same as to use a sport car for driving in the city center in the rush hour! Plastic joints and locks will not give you 100% guarantee of safety and stability. These factors are crucial. Bear in mind, the simpler the construction of the stroller, the more reliable and safer it is.
Even if you are not going to rollerblade or run with your stroller, you might face some kind of difficulties while walking as a swivel wheel might pull to the sides. It might happen especially at speedy walking pace. Besides, sandy beaches and snowy roads are difficult for a swivel wheel to conquer. You will have to lock it anyway.
I know some parents who run with a fixed swivel wheel. They say it is fine. But there is always much hassle of adjusting a stroller front wheel before it can go straight. If you are a serious runner, you should consider a running stroller with a fixed front wheel.
You need to work on your English because I truly tried but couldn’t understand your examples.
Hello and thank you for pointing that out! We just have corrected the post – now it’s fine and readable. My apologies and hope this time you will enjoy the reading!
I’m sure there was a more polite way you could have made your point.
My apologies if it was perhaps too emotional.
Will make my edits.
Thanks for making the point!
I don’t know if you can see comments on older posts but here goes: I am really debating this fixed vs swivel wheel issue. I have a 40 pound 3 year-old and I have been jogging with a swivel wheel citi mini *not the jogging version just the little wheels*. I live on a 3.5 mile lake and the path is very curvy and filled with all manner of people, children, dogs, geese and potholes. My stroller was stolen and I am looking at used jogging strollers because that is all I do with it these days. Everything recommends fixed wheels, but i can’t imagine steering a fixed wheel around all the obstacles in the path. I do jog quite slowly. On the treadmill, my highest speed for pushing it is about 8-9 minutes a mile and my average speed is more like 11-12.
Hello Owain,
As you jog at quite moderate speed, I don’t see the point why you should switch to the fixed wheel.
Steering a fixed wheel is quite tricky and requires extra efforts especially with the older and heavier kids
So taking into account your 3 years swivel habits and experience I would recommend staying with the swivel unless you’re ready for the new challenges:-)
What I personally dislike at City mini is the solid wheels I mean not air filled. For a bumpy road it’s just so much better to have something smoother..
I believe your choice shouldn’t be driven by fixed wheel, but rather make sure your next stroller is of decent size and perhaps air filled tires would make the riding a bit more pleasant..
Hope it helps!
Lena