REASONS TO BUY
Easy to run with
Responsive turning
High quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Won't self-stand when folded
Difficult to lift and carry
BOB Revolution Flex 2.0 Review
Rugged jogger that is easy to run with and good for every day outings
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Jogging Strollers
The Skinny
The BOB Revolution Flex 2.0 earned a high rank in our jogging stroller review. With impressive run-ability and solid results in maneuverability and quality, the 2.0 is a great running stroller that adeptly navigates crowded spaces and rough terrain. While the BOB has lower ease of use and weight and folded size scores than some of the competition, it offers smooth run-ability and a more rugged look. These qualities make it a great choice for those that value proven durability over a compact package. We recommend this stroller for families who love being outside and going off the beaten path.
Our Analysis and Test Results
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.
Performance Comparison
The BOB Revolution Flex is very easy to run with adjustable suspension, tracking, handlebar, and locking front swivel wheel. These features also helped it earn a high score for maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The adjustable tracking on the Revolution Flex is easy to operate and holds the stroller straight and true for a long time.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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 Revolution's adjustable handlebar provides a variety of options for parents of different heights. Unfortunately, the pivot design means that taller parents will be closer to the rear axle and more likely to kick it while strolling.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The Revolution Flex is easier to use than the previous version of this BOB stroller with a larger storage bin and easier to use recline adjustment feature.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Revolution isn't as easy to use as some of the competition.
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.
While the storage bin on the 2016 Revolution is large and fit our large diaper bag, we suspect most parents won't be able to tell that it is 15% larger than the previous version (according to BOB).
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The Revolution sunshade is one of the largest in the group and has a very easy to use peek-a-boo window. The shade can look a little frumpy when open, but the superior coverage makes this design flaw completely forgivable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The Revolution harness is easy to tighten by pulling on the red side rings and the shoulder straps slide up and down for quick height adjustments.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The sling style seat on the Revolution Flex is comfortable and adequately padded with an almost flat recline and more upright posture for better viewing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
- BOB 2016 Single Infant Car Seat Adapter for Chicco — This frame style Chicco adapter works with the budget-minded Chicco Keyfit 30.
- BOB 2016 Single Infant Car Seat Adapter for Peg Perego — This adapter is compatible with Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, which was one of our award winners.
- Other Adapters — BOB also has adapters for a variety of Britax and BOB infant seats, as well as an adapter for some Graco seats.
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.
The Revolution Flex rolls smoothly from place to place with tight turns and an impressive ability for quick navigation from a larger jogger.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The BOB Revolution has an adjustable suspension that is easy to use and improves the quality and comfort of the riding experience for passengers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This stroller offers a relatively comfortable ride with a sling-style seat, thermo-molded padding, pneumatic rubber tires, adjustable suspension, and padded shoulder straps.
Even though the 2016 Revolution is about 500 cubic inches smaller than the previous version when folded, it can still be difficult to fit it in smaller cars. Parents can remove the wheels to make it smaller, but they should probably still double check their trunk space before committing to this stroller. Luckily, Amazon has a very easy return policy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
While utilitarian in looks, it is hard to find any flaws with the materials or construction of the Revolution.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD & Carrie Vickers
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