Bugaboo Cameleon Reviews and Specifications
Cameleon 2007 | ![]() |
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| Reader reviews (8) | |
| Reader photos (21) | |
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- Detailed Bugaboo Cameleon Review
| Manufacturers description |
| The Bugaboo Cameleon is for parents who don't like to compromise and who want everything. The latest innovations, the latest materials, the brightest colours. A special pushcair that reflects his or her personality through colour combinations. The soft, protective and breathable fleece is comfortable in warm and cold weather conditions. The Bugaboo Cameleon is extrememly comfortable thanks to the adjustable handlebar and swivel wheels with adjustable suspension.
The Bugaboo Cameleon is devliered as a complete pushchair: chassis with wheels, seat/carrycot frame with carry handle, base seat fabric, base carrycot fabric, set tailored fleece fabric (consists of sun canopy fabric, seat inlay and apron), matteress, underseat bag, sun canopy wires and clamps, rain cover, mosquito net and maintenance kit. |
| Suitability | ||
| This pram is suitable | From birth | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 11 kg | 24.2 lbs |
| Seat | ||
| Seat capacity | Unknown | |
| Can direction of seat be reversed? | Yes | |
| Wheels | ||
| Number of Wheels that Swivel | 2 | |
| Handle | ||
| Handle height adjustable? | Yes | |
| Handle reversible? | Yes | |
| Toddler seat | ||
| Toddler Seat Option? | Not available | |
| Bassinet | ||
| Bassinet | Included | |
Reader Reviews
Worth the trouble!!
Reviewed by: jbears_mum from Perth, Australia, Feb 11, 2008General Review
This is my third pram, in just under 1 year. I wanted this pram initially, but was put off by the high cost, and I wasn't sure that the price justified what was on offer. Since purchasing it though I have been very happy! I noticed straight away the ease with which it pushes (I would describe it as a glide when on smooth surface like at shops). It is also extremely simple to change the seat direction without taking baby out. My previous pram (a fakeaboo) was hard work to attach to the frame, and that was without the baby in it. The chameleon also has such a large sun canopy, so baby is always protected from the sun. I have not found the need to use any additional shade device. The basket is big, but it can be a bit of a hassle to open and close the pull-togs when you want to quickly through something in or get something out quickly.The DVD that comes with the pram doesn't explain very well how to fold and open the chameleon, and I initially found it quite difficult. After 2 days struggling I popped into the local baby store and had it demonstrated to me, and it turned out to be very simple. Once folded, it is also very compact.
I love the fact that there is such a huge range of colours and that all the fabric can be taken off and washed, and as I intend to use this pram for 2 more babies, I also like the fact that you are able to purchase new fabrics if you want a change, or the old ones start loroking tired. I have the fleece toppings and my baby loves to lie and snuggle up on the comfy fabric. Overall - a fabulous pram that offers lots of versatility!
Pros
- large sun canopy- smooth glide-like pushing
- suitable from birth
- compact fold
- washable fabric
- interchangable fabric
- 2 year warranty
- reversible handle
- reversible seat
Cons
- basket togs can make access time consuming- high price
- long wait time for delivery
BUGABOO CAMELEON
Reviewed by: Jessawessa from Adelaide, Aug 04, 2007General Review
I have had my Bugaboo for about a month now and it is my 7th pram! (I have 3 children) I finally bought after much deliberation and LOVE every single bit of it! It is well worth every single cent.. :0)Pros
My 19mo daughter slept in it for 2 hours every day we were on holidays, she looked extremely comfy and woke refreshed and happy. That says it all...! She has never done that in any of the other prams we owned.It is very lightweight and a breeze to manouvre.
Simple to pack up into car or travel bag, once like any pram you learn how to fold them! After lifting a 17kg Valco this is heaven!
The fabric is very easy to keep clean, I just use wide sticky tape and the fluff disappears. It is impossible to not allow little ones to eat on the go!
The toppings are bright and easily interchangable.
The suspension is a dream and I have not had any trouble with it veering or getting stuck in cracks. I must admit for the price I wouldn't want to use it as a bush pram!
I cannot reccomend the Cameleon highly enough to any new parent.
Cons
Can be difficult to purchase accessories for the Bugaboo.Great - but not all it's cracked up to be
Reviewed by: Louise from Australia, Jan 08, 2007General Review
Setting Up: it is a little different to other prams I've played with so it took a bit of getting used to for assembly. Once I figured it out, it was fantastic. It really is very easy to use and flexible as well. Switching between bassinet and chair, forward and backward facing seat, forward and backward facing handlebar, height of handlebar, locking wheels, changing suspension, changing fabric accessories, it's all very easy.It comes into 2 parts when collapsing, but this is actually handy as you have 2 light items to lift into your car instead of 1 heavier one.
City use: Easily the best pram I have ever pushed over smooth surfaces. It is just so nice to push along pavement or in shopping centres. It is also narrow enough to go through shop aisles and turns on a dime. It doesn't cope so well on uneven surfaces, getting stuck in grass and grates. It once got stuck in a small divet of grass, and I almost tipped the whole thing over forward. On smooth surfaces though it is more stable than a 3 wheeler.
Rough Terrain: I cannot overemphasise how disappointed I am with this. The main reason we forked out so much money for this pram was because of the reviews and specifications of how good it is supposed to be off-road. Either we have tougher off-road terrain in Australia, or it's a load of bumpk. I didn't even make it to the forrest walk-trail that we normally take, because it wasn't up to the task on a simple gravel road. In "rough-terrain" setup, it veers to the left and is incredibly hard to steer. I mean INCREDIBLY hard to steer. In this setup you also can't tilt the pram to lift the wheels up steps or over obstacles. We tried using the city setup, but every little rock catches on the small wheels in this set up, making it difficult to push and steer. In either setup it wasn't stable enough to be used safely off-road. We didn't have this problem with a 3-wheeler bacini, or free-jogger or 4-wheeler mothercraft pram.
The one awesome thing using this pram off-road is the general suspension and "give" built into the pram. Even though I hated pushing it, my son had a really comfortable ride. Every jerk and knock became a nice rocking in his chair.
Other thoughts: The fabric of the tailored accessories picks up dust and animal hair and is difficult to keep clean. Also, it doesn't cater to tall kids so well. Our son couldn't comfortably use the sunshade because his legs are too long at 2y10mth. He's also cramped under the hood/sun canopy.
One safety issue to keep in mind is that there is a risk of catching your child's fingers when you switch the handlebar from a forward to backward position (or vise versa).
Pros
beautiful looking.easy to change settings and accessories.
fantastic to use on smooth surfaces.
lightweight.
adjustable handlebar is great for taller parents.
has some great accessories for smaller kids.
Cons
not suitable for off-road.not so great on uneven surfaces.
hard to keep clean, particularly with animal dander.
chair and accessories not comfortable for taller kids.
risk catching child's fingers when switching handlebar positions.
it's expensive.
Tried the rest now settled for the best!
Reviewed by: Liv Newton from Teesside, U.K, Jun 16, 2006General Review
It took me a long time for me to justify the money, but by selling of my accumalation of other pushchairs off on ebay I made enough money back to buy one anyway.I chose the grey base with black fleece but I also bought extra pinks ones as I couldn't resist them for my daughter!
It arrived and was extremely easy to put together and it doesn't take anytime to change from bassinet to seat unit. I didn't have use of the bassinet as my daughter was too old but I wish I had bought it earlier for her as the bassinet looked extremely cosy and fleece lined and would easily accomodate a baby up to a year if needed it was huge. With it being material it stores away when not in use so not taking up alot of room, so you can store it under a bed when they have outgrown it. The seat unit is well padded and extremely comforatble and has 3 positions an upright one for a nosy baby/toddler and reclined position perfect for naps and a full lie down one for an all out sleep.
It come complete with a maintenance kit with lubricant and cloth, raincover, insect net and a matteress, and most importantly DVD Instructions! It is all you need to set you up and ready to go. I would recommend the footmuff as this really pads it out for a small baby around 6 months as the seat is quite big and they'd look lost! The basket is a nice big size
and due to the draw string nature you can fit a fair amount of shopping in it. I bought some frog bag clips which I also use for extra shopping, they are useable on the cameleon I have found.
It does need to be taken aprt in 2 bits to be folded and the chassis doesn't lock into position until you click on the seat unit or bassinet or car adapters (for maxi cosi to form a travel system).
It clicks in and out without any effort so it isn't a problem. I don't know of any other 3in1 though that you don't need to do this though.
Now with this system it is in aleague of it's own with it's suspension. Off road, over grass, the beach & snow this can handle it with ease and comfort for your baby/child. It is a dream to push I don't know a pushchair yet you can push over grass with 1 finger with a 21 month old in and shopping and a changing bag! It is so easy and can turn on a sixpence.
It looks great and I have had many comments about how fantasic looking it is and glances some envious ones too though :-(
All in all it is worth the eyewatering price tag as I wanted one and spent money on other systems which didn't meet my high expectations but this one has and I'll be using it again. It is quality built to last and will see you through at least 2 children so breaking down the price isn't so bad.
Over all I thoroughly recommend this system.
Pros
Easy to Use.Dream to push, superb suspension.
Ultimate Comfort.
Fantastic funky changeable looks.
Can handle Any Terrain.
No need for moses basket, as bassinet can be used instead using a moses basket stand.
Baby can face you til they are 4!
Cons
Price Tag?! but it is worth it still.The best stroller!
Reviewed by: Sindy from Sidney, Jun 09, 2006General Review
The price was too high. That is what my husband said when we saw it the first time. But in the end he said OK to buy it and we have loved it from day 1. Such a great stroller. I really love the big basinette and the suncanopy is great and provides good shade. We have travelled with it several times to Europe and it is great to travel with and really gives me the features that I want as a mom.My first born had a Mountain Buggy and I really prefer Bugaboo.
Pros
Light weightEasy to use
Large seat
reversible handle bar
Cons
The fleece fabric loves our cat hair lolFANTASTIC!!!!!
Reviewed by: Laura from US, Jun 09, 2006General Review
I really love this stroller. I had several strollers in the past for my two baoys but this one is just perfect. Fun colours and easy to use.Pros
Fantastic basinette perfect for newborns.Looks great
Easy to use
Seat can be used bot forward facing and facing the parent
Great colors that are easy to take off and wash.
Cons
Small under seat basketLOVE IT
Reviewed by: Tammy from Perth, Jan 16, 2006General Review
The best pram i have ever owned. Fantastic handling, looks great and bub loves it aka always falls asleep in it!!!Pros
*superb handling*big shopping basket
*reverse handle
*excellent sun canopy
*very comfortable ride for bub
Cons
*not easy to steer with large wheels at the frontNot Worth the Money
Reviewed by: Jane from Sydney, Jan 15, 2006General Review
I have been using my Cameleon for over a month now. I must say I am very disappointed in it. For the money you pay you get a top looking pram, but suited to city living only.Pros
Bassinette is fantasticGreat looking pram
Reversible is handy
Cons
Cannot really access carry bag underneath when bassinette used as only about 10cm gap to fit things in.Does not steer straight on footpaths. Not suited to power walking as very bumpy on tarmac of roads.
Have to pull into 2 parts to put in car.
Very expensive for a pram with negative features.
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