For those without a car - here is your car. (Mountain Buggy All Terrain)

Member Name: darkman2005

Product:	Mountain Buggy All Terrain
Date:	09/01/05 (1822 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Durable, Stylish, Comfortable

Disadvantages: Sometimes cumbersome, Expensive

We must have clocked up thousands of miles using both a single and double Mountain Buggy. Living in London you'd think the Mountain Buggy would be an impractical choice, but on the contrary, it's built for it. Beware tourists who stray in our path down Camden High Street on a Saturday - you'll lose the skin off your shins!

The Mountain Buggy is built for walking and without a vehicle of our own; the Mountain Buggy lugs tonnes of shopping. We debated for many hours the swivel wheel or not. Go for the fixed wheel as you get a proper wire basket underneath which holds several pints of milk and a month's supply of baked beans.

Considering the build quality, the Mountain Buggy is quite light. The folding mechanism is ingenious and can go from folded to upright in the literal second. The fabric is indestructible. We have taken them around the world on numerous flights and whilst we worry about how bent out of shape our bags might turn out, we never have the same fear for the MB (and no the luggage cover is not necessary). When the pusher inevitably gets filthy, the whole thing can be taken outside and hosed down. It always comes up like new.

The kids always look comfortable in the MB - indeed on a winter's day we'd gladly swap places. If your kids are likely to be spending long hours in a pusher then the MB cannot be beaten for comfort. The sling goes down quite flat so sleep is always guaranteed. The plastic window is a great feature for keeping an eye on the little ones without breaking stride.

The MB has an array of different accessories. Obviously you'll need the rain cover, but most of the rest you can live without. The sun cover is nice if you're in the habit of leaving the country. We bought the swivel wheel attachment but it's never been out of the packet. If you are a born Mall Rat, then get the proper swivel wheel pusher. The carry cot is a very nice unit but it is a luxury - only being suitable up to 4 months or so.

On the down side, the MB is not that compact when folded and will take up valuable storage space. We've used small saloon cars that couldn't swallow the MB. The stud strap mechanism that keeps the pusher folded is inadequate on both of the versions we own. Over 3 years we must have had 8 punctures. If your pusher is your only set of wheels, take a spare inner tube on your travels - if that sounds like a pain try pushing this buggy with a grumpy child and a flat!

In conclusion if your lifestyle is one of house-car-shops the mountain buggy would be cumbersome and impractical. If you spend most of your day driving a pusher, the this is your Rolls Royce. If you have your heart set on one keep your eye on Loot and Ebay. Even a well-used MB will serve you well at half the price. New units can be purchased in OZ/NZ for nearly half price also. If you have friends or relatives going that way, beg or bribe them to bring one back.

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