Micralite Fastfold Stroller: A Charming Ride!

The Micralite Fastfold Stroller first caught my eye when we were in Spain last summer. I met a magenta-haired British mum with an 8 month old daughter. I actually stopped her because I was so intrigued. It is a little..um..different looking. When I tried out the Micralite recently, I was just expecting a no- frills lightweight stroller – something that would be easy to get in and out of my trunk. But I discovered that this is an awesome full-featured stroller!!

While at 15 pounds, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it is lighter than my other strollers AND has the ride and comfort of a more deluxe stroller. The huge, close-set back air tires give a blissful ride and the suspension rocked!  The front wheels were actually wider than the back ones, which was a nice change. The Micralite was so light to push and steer. I could do it one handed, even on grass! The friends we were with went crazy over it and asked to push it around. I also was happy that Ben had enough body and head room – he could be in this stroller for a few more years.

For a city gal like myself, I know that I have to be careful what stores I can fit into with my stroller. Because this stroller has a smaller footprint, I decided to see if I could fit in certain places. We were in my favorite health food store that unfortunately has narrow aisles. A case of applesauce was on the floor, blocking my way. I just tipped the front wheels up and we cleared it easily!

The large back wheels actually went up and down nicely on steps (when you go from behind – kind of how you would use one of those large NYC shopping carts). I think I might even get adventurous and try the subway with it (usually we just take the LIRR because I don’t want to deal with the subway stairs). It folds up quickly (hence the fastfold part of the name!). You can even store it standing up (a very big plus for me).

There are some negatives. The hood does not give enough shade. For a fair skinned people, like son and I, that is a big issue for me. I was surprised though that my son actually let me use the UV sun shade (comes separately and comes in a cute little black bag) so the problem was solved. I highly recommend getting this sunshade!! Also, the stroller’s safety harness was really difficult to adjust.

Taller parents, Euro-baby didn’t forget about you. Want to make the handlebar taller? Take the Allen Wrench that is in the stroller basket and adjust the bolts.

If the sidewalks are broken up, the smaller front wheels may get caught, so you have to be careful. The Micralite is also very, VERY tippy (so you have to be careful about hanging your diaper bag or anything on it). The shopping basket is really tiny – however I could get a CarryYou stroller accessory, such as the Milan Deluxe or the Torino, to give it a cup holder and a little more storage or even one of their great saddlebags. Weighing down the shopping basket, with a filled sippy cup or two may also help.

I highly recommend the Micralite Fastfold as a good all-around stroller. This stroller will work from the park to the mall. You are definitely going to get noticed – it is cool looking – but more importantly, you and your child are going to love the ride!  The lack of a good sunshade and storage basket did bother me (but not enough to kill my love for the Micralite). The Rainshield is included, but you’ll have to purchase the UV shade separately ($39.99 ). Both items  come in cute black circular bags with handles to go onto the handlebar). There is an bassinet option for newborns or a car seat adaptor that is available so the Micralite can be used from birth to up to 42 pounds.

To buy the Fastfold, click here.