Valco Runabout Tri-Mode Reviews and Specifications
Runabout Tri-Mode 2006 |  Sunrise Navy |
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Reader reviews (17)    | |
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| Black Magic | Nitrogen | Rage | Brilliant Black | Black Sunrise |
| Manufacturers description |
| Elegant yet sporty, the Runabout Tri Mode maintains the optimal balance of strength, weight and mobility while retaining a super small profile when folded!
Boasting our unique new Tri-Mode wheel system, the front wheel swivels through 360 degrees making it a breeze to manoeuvre through even the tightest of spots. When rough terrain is the go, simply turn the dial to fix the wheel in place for easy tracking – automatically! Well tri means 3 and the 3rd mode fixes the front wheel so that it swivels in a 45 degree arc in both directions, maximizing stability under less than perfect conditions such as on an incline, uneven terrain or for use with the optional toddlerseat, etc. Sporting an extra wide wheelbase to maximize stability, the lightweight aluminium alloy frame resists oxidation and rust, as do our unique aluminium wheel rims. With special attention placed on your child’s comfort, our unique new EXTENDED AIRGO™ system builds upon previous models and provides an allows you to increase the airflow within the seat area |
| Suitability | ||
| This pram is suitable | From birth | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 11.8 kg | 26.0 lbs |
| Seat | ||
| Seat capacity | 22 kg | 48.4 lbs |
| Can direction of seat be reversed? | No | |
| Wheels | ||
| Number of Wheels that Swivel | 1 | |
| Handle | ||
| Handle height adjustable? | Yes | |
| Handle reversible? | No | |
| Toddler seat | ||
| Toddler Seat Option? | Available | |
| Bassinet | ||
| Bassinet | Optional | |
Reader Reviews
Brilliant !!!
Reviewed by: Sam from Melbourne, Nov 28, 2009General Review
I cannot recommend this pram highly enough! I love it! I bought this pram and the bassinet when i was expecting my son, who is almost 3. I have absolutely gotten my moneys worth out of this pram, i have literally taken it everywhere and used everyday. It had a fault with one of the backrest zips and the material part of the pram was replaced by Valco without hesitation... a huge bonus! Also my son was a big baby and is very tall for his age, the Trimode and the bassinet have accomodated him perfectly. He is now over the weight recommendations for most of the similiar prams and toddler seats on the market. The Trimode is unbelievably easy to push, even with one hand and it will go anywhere. Ideally it could fold more compactly, but it does fit easily into the boot of my Mazda3... even with the bassinet.The bassinet was great, very sturdy which made me feel much more confident taking my newborn out and about and he could sleep comfortably anywhere. Not least of all, it's a great looking pram and still looks new after loads of use. I can't wait to use again for no. 2
Pros
* Very easy steer and move* Goes over any terrain
* Very sturdy
* Easy to fold down & fits in a small boot
* Looks great
* Good value for money
Cons
* It's a bit bulky when folded down* Hard to get through checkouts (but most have now gotten with the times and made the checkouts wider)
* A few punctures along the way
We love this pram
Reviewed by: Shannon from Melbourne Victoria, Australia, Jul 22, 2009General Review
We love this pram. We took our time reviewing and looking at all three wheeler prams. It came with a number of additional extras such as baby bag, rain cover and pump for tyres.It isn't the cheapest nor the most expensive - good value we thought!
Pros
Easy to unfold, easy to manage on all terrains - quite a smooth ride. Lays back for new born. Basket underneath is large.Cons
A little heavier than others but I was prepared to comprimise this factor as it had everything else we wanted. When folded it sits upright into the cormer of the car (we have a CRV) so it doesn't take up all the boot space.It is also a little wider and so doesnt always go thru checkouts and some door ways again was prepared to compromise this factor (theres usually other ways to get in/out).
Would buy again...
Reviewed by: Lynette from Wangaratta, Dec 29, 2008General Review
We bought this pram in 2006 when we had our first child, and have never regretted it.The price may seem expensive to some at first, but there are some way more expensive out there that aren't as good quality as this.
We bought the Special Edition so got all the extras at a reasonable price (when compared to buying it all extra).
We have done countless miles in this pram, and it is a delight! Easy to steer and maneuver.
I do have a couple cons however: -the overall width of the pram (it will not fit in standard checkouts, you must use the disabled checkout as they're quite a bit wider)
-the storage at the bottom of the pram is very hard to use when bub is a newborn
-tyres (until recently have not had a problem, however have had a spate of punctures... which are very annoying when you're out for the day without a puncture kit...).
Overall, the positives in this pram far outweigh the cons, and you definitely get your money's worth. We are now looking forward to baby #2 and being able to test out the toddler seat option.
We are very happy customers and would buy Valco again.
Pros
-Price (cheaper than others on the market).-Easy maneuverability
-Extras/Accessories (eg. footmuff, raincover, UV mesh, cup holder, toddler seat, bassinet etc.)
-Weight (is lighter than its predecessor and most of its rivals).
-Looks awesome (was what made me fall in love with it in the first place...)
-Great choice of colours to choose from.
-Easy to fold.
Cons
-Overall width of pram.-Storage basket.
-Tyres (can be easily punctured).
Hate this pram!
Reviewed by: Anonymous user, May 21, 2008General Review
Can't stand this pram! it was expensive but i am going to sell it as soon as my son is old enough to put in a little umbrella stroller. It is too wide for most shops, i have to take the wheels off to get it in the boot. The foam on the grip split, a prickle punchured the trye in the middle of a walk. if you put a change back on the back it tips over backwards, if you put a toddler on the front in the toddler seat it can tip over sideways. if you have your toddler on the front it is nearly impossible to manuover and steer. The bed is too short for a baby, their legs hang out the front and when it is lying down you can't get anything in the basket underneath. i could go on and on, really dislike this pram waste of money.Pros
light, easy to steer with ONE baby in itCons
see above!Love It!
Reviewed by: Shannon from Melbourne Victoria, Australia, Sep 24, 2007General Review
We have just had our first baby and so spent some time prior trying to find the right pram for us. I love this pram. We checked out so many prams and this one just stood out from the rest. All the accessories were great and any additional items such as sun shade covers etc are all reasonably priced. The pram is extremely easy to manouver, its simple to fold up and then unfold.Pros
Easy to handle, fold and unfold. Great accessories and storage, with good size pockets. Can fit a newborn up to a toddler and can have a toddler seat.Cons
A little heavy but I was prepared to put up with that given all the other great features.You do need a good size boot, however the wheels do easily come on and off.Very dangerous, but well thought out design.
Reviewed by: Donna from Macarthur, Sep 24, 2007General Review
Brilliant Pram for one, but very dangerous for two. Tips very easily and hard to control on uneven ground. I have almost lost control of it a number of times with both my children in it. I do alot of walking and am now at the point where I don't want to go out, because of the effort it takes to get the pram around. I do however love the fold/unfold design, the storage and the accessories. A great pram for getting around the shops, but I would not recommend it for people who do alot of walking. Unless you are only using it for one child. For Toddler seats stick to a 4 wheeler. Most three wheelers should not be allowed to have the option of a Toddler Seat. It is too dangerous. We need more 4 wheeler/Toddler Seat options.Pros
* Accessories* Fold/Unfold design
* Storage
* Relatively light
* Pneumatic Tires
Cons
* Very dangerous with a Toddler in the Toddler Seat.* Hard to control on uneven ground with two children. Need two hands at all times to steer.
Overall happy
Reviewed by: Katie from NZ, Sep 12, 2007General Review
This has been a great buy for us, we have had a phil and ted and mountain buggy and this model TRI MODE is good. Much better than there earlier models. The bassinete Was awesome and well used, used as a pull time bed till 3months then used just in the wheels till 7month, being able to sit up my girl loved it and then u just lowered it if they fell asleep. No wheel issues at all we use it for running and walking over rough terrain, and no probs.Pros
Bigger pocket and zips to get into it. bassinete sits up so prolongs the time used. being able to sit straight up. sleeping bag perfect and love al the pockets. adjustable handle perfect for us mis matched in height couples???Cons
a little heavy( but not to bad) a little tight in my little car,Great Pram
Reviewed by: Sharon from Perth Australia, Aug 30, 2007General Review
Overall I have found the pram to be excellent. This is my first child and we looked at so many prams over many months but just kept coming back to this one. We bought the Special Edition so it came with everything you need. Although I did purchase the bassinette and stand as I preferred to have my baby in this until she was older. We also used it as her inside bassinette which was fantastic and easy to wheel around the house. Still using it and she is 8 months, the sit up bit in it is really great.I have heard that all 3 wheeler prams that could have a toddler attachment can be unstable, this is why not many pram manufacturers actually do not make them.
Pros
Very easy to use and steer.Excellent for walking over grass etc.
Easy to adjust back height for sleeps etc.
Easy to fold and lift into car (I am only quite small and find this no problem at all)
Basketis good size and love all the extra storage pockets.
Drink holder for parents is great.
Bassinette attachment is fantastic and very easy to take on and off.
Very stable.
Cons
Access to the basket when the back is down.WONDERFUL STROLLER
Reviewed by: jennifer from USA, Jul 12, 2007General Review
Overall this stroller has been a wonderful purchase. We have a 2year old and 4month old and utilize the toddler seat attachment everyday.I searched for 4 months for a stroller that would fit our needs for getting around town with two small children. I am very happy with our purchase and aside from a few cons would recomend it to anyone.
Not a day goes buy that other moms (who are pushing a huge double stroller) ask about the toddler seat attachment and are just amazed.
Pros
Large airfilled tiresHuge basket, two side storage pockets, removable bag on the back.
GREAT Canopy....sturdy and adjustable.
One hand adjustable seat to any position.
Wide rear wheels...keep it sturdy.
Rear seat folds flat...great for baby.
Toddler seat is removable...dont have to commit to a doubble stroller.
Fits through all doorways and most stores...great for the mall and beyond!
Cons
Large...might pose problems if you have a smaller car.Straps in the main stroller are very short...my son outgrew them quickly.
Leg room is limited for the child in the back (once they get bigger)
Turning can get tough from a static position...the weight from the front child can make it difficult to "get going" in tight spaces (elevator)
as good as the store u buy from
Reviewed by: shane wallace from hunter, May 25, 2007General Review
after reading other reveiws on the site (shane !!!) I would like to point out to all that the runabout series is one of the better 3 wheelers on the market and as a retailer of and repairer of baby goods I should point uot that in my store customers are trained in the proper use of any equipment that they choose to purchase and we also spend a lot of time teaching people that have been disgruntled with their purchase from elsewhere and in 99% of cases when shown the correct way to use the pram are over the moon with how easy and stable it is ,as with anything that you buy you have to learn the proper way to operate it or it could cause you dramas if you are looking for any product for your child buy from a retailer that will instruct you on proper and safe use or don't buy at allPros
after 11 years of selling this product I still feel it is one of the better products of its type on the market and it is also one of the most copied (childcare lovencare babylove to name a few)Cons
as with any baby product it must be used correctlyBuy from a retailer that will take the time to teach you
Great pram for 2 kids
Reviewed by: Frances from NSW, Apr 23, 2007General Review
I was wary about getting a 3 wheeler with toddler seat as I had read some reviews about danger. However the twin and tandems are big and heavy and would mean I would need a new car. So we went ahead.It was a great idea. The pram is stable and has never toppled. YOu do need to be careful getting the toddler in and out but I have never felt that the pram was going to topple. The pneumatic wheels mean that the ride is smoother when we go for walks to the park and makes it easier to push. Just remember to keep them pumped up!
The adjustable strap for the seat height means that you can have the baby at any angle rather than the set heights that other prams had. The problems that Shane mentions are not issues for us at all. It sounds like he got a lemon which can always happen when you manufacture a large number of anything.
We test drove it in the store multiple times with the toddler in the seat and a bag of groceries to mimic the baby. we compared the balance and steering and general feel of all the prams before deciding. I would highly recommend that you do that so that you can make an informed choice.
Pros
Easy to push with the 2 kidsFits into my boot (I have a hatch)
Good turning circle
stable with the 2 kids in it
Very comfortable ride.
Has a zipped compartment so can put wallet/keys away.
Cons
Not a lot of room under the toddler seat.Toddler unable to sleep in seat.
Bit fiddly to set up compared to my single action peg perego.
Best buy for Bub!
Reviewed by: K Chizz from country vic, Mar 15, 2007General Review
Love it simple to use great to push has all the bells and whistles... can't rave enoughPros
big wheels easy to push simple folding love the sun shade and fly net which zips inCons
none...DONT BUY THIS MERDE
Reviewed by: Shane from Ballarat, Victoria, Mar 01, 2007General Review
durability - Well this is the upgraded pusher we we basically forced into paying an extra $150 for. The front pivot is much improved and hasn't given any problems (see other review).1.The first time I folded this pram down, it smashed one of the bonnet/sun shade plastic clips. "We have never had this happen before". The person at the place I bought it from didn't even need to look to see what I was talking about... "Never seen it before" ..... BE WARY OF TRUSTING ANYONE that sells these prams, they blatantly lie. This is a design flaw, don't be surprised if you regularly smash this fragile plastic clip.
2. The foam handgrips split and fell off. "Never had that happen before" was their answer. This pusher has had extremely little use as my wife is usually at home with two small children. It simply lives in the boot of the car.
3. The plastic spring loaded clip that holds the angle of the back in place .... Has stopped working, I can't see why. It is now permanently in the most laidback position. I returned it (yet again)... "Never seen this before, we'll send it off for repair. The belt will just be unthreaded". .... Hmmm..... If the belt was just unthreaded I would simply thread it back into place. I compared it to the brand new pusher on there showroom floor, and everything was in the right place. If they'd never seen it before, he would surely need to first look at it in depth before sending it off.
collapsability - Quite large, and heavy for my wife with the wheels still attached. Very fiddly if wheels are removed.
lightweight - See comment above... Heavy with wheels attached.
storage space - Much deaper and far more usable storage basket underneath as compared to the previous model. You can't get into it though if you have the seat laid back (which ours permanantly is at the moment... see problem 3).
value for money - Very poor. The amount of $$$ we have spent on this peice of merde is ridiculous. We now have the bassinette attachment that doesn't fit, a child seat that's dangerous to use DO NOT LET GO OF IT IF THERE"S A CHILD IN THERE>>>>> IT WILL TOPPLE OVER.
suitable from birth - Yes.
available accessories - Well the bassinette attachment from the previous model doesn't fit, however we purchased the toddler seat for the front. The babies feet do not fit under this seat, making it extremely uncomfortable for the baby with the seat fitted. It is also EXTREMELY TIPSY with our small 12kg girl in the seat (that's *designed* for up to a 20kg toddler). If you have already purchased one of these badly designed, poor quality bits of garbage. NEVER LET GO OF IT IF THERE IS A CHILD IN THE TODDLER SEAT. It WILL topple over. The shade and waterproof covers work quite well.
Pros
It rolls along easily.... Um.... Looks impressive.Cons
See the review... basically DO NOT BUY THIS OVERPRICED GARBAGE !!!!Great pram, if you are strong with a big car :-)
Reviewed by: Nikki Thoo from Australia, Feb 14, 2007General Review
I purchased this stoller because I wanted a three wheeler for walking and being tall the adjustable handles were attractive and it looks great.Pros
The handle can be adjusted quite high, great for tall people when everything seems to be made for short people, it is easy to stear and is very attractive.Cons
I found that when my baby was a newborn, he never looked comfortable in this pram, so we purchased the bassinet attachment which was an extra cost. This pram is quite heavy and bulky, have trouble getting it in my hatchback. I also found that the layback adjustment was a bit awkward, it was zips on either side, shich meant I had to have my baby out of the pram while I reclined it.Fabulous for newborn twins and toddler
Reviewed by: clare lumsden from cayman islands, Jan 21, 2007General Review
I have 4 month old twins and a toddler who is just over 2. My male toddler is an escape artist par extraordinaire and there was no point in looking at buggy boards and the like - he has to be tied down! The toddler seat that accessorises the Valco sits up high, faces forward and makes my stroppy little boy very happy indeed. The twins travel in wonderful comfort and the stroller maneuvers like a dream. I love walking with it and the babies/ toddler are as happy as larry.Pros
Comfort and stability. This thing is stufdy!Runs beautifully on the large wheels.
Attracts loads of compliments wherever we go.
Cons
Would prefer solid wheels to inflatable.Weight - at 35 pounds it is heavy. Then add the toddler seat and toddler ....!
Folded dimensions - the stroller is not for lugging in and out of cars - I doubt it would get in the (admittedly very small) boot on my Honda Odyssey.
don't use it as a double stroller
Reviewed by: Melissa from Canada, Nov 24, 2006General Review
as a single child stroller it's smooth and great all round.Pros
Great as a single stroller. Smooth, easy to brake down, compact enough to get into small stores.Cons
Top heavy and will tip when used as a double on slite decline. Not enough room for childs feet when boster seat is in place. Boster seats leg holls are to small and makes it very hard to get child out without removing shoes.