Thule Spring is a compact and functional stroller for everyday use, ideal for families looking for an everyday solution. Retailing for $400, the Thule Spring is marketed as an in-budget, lightweight option compared to more high-end strollers. It is advertised as a perfect option for parents lacking space or those who need a stroller that’s easy to transport and store. Its big selling points are its smooth ride, the comfort level of its padded seat and its quick, one-handed fold. Does not do as well off-road as heavier-duty companions, and those small wheels could make them struggle some with less-formed trails.
The Thule Spring is a bit of a hybrid stroller, a 3-wheeler that’s supposed to leverage the best of both worlds when it comes to agility and stability. And it’s particularly useful for parents who live in the city, since many city dwellers have more limited space and storage. That its flexing frame and smaller wheels reduce its performance is a minus if you plan to use it on uneven surfaces. Let’s explore the features of the Thule Spring in more detail, the pros and cons, and see if this stroller lives up to expectations for daily use.
Ease of Use
The Thule Spring stroller is easy to use with intuitive functions aimed at everyday convenience. One of the coolest things is its folding mechanism. [ READ MORE: The best strollers of all time ] — The stroller folds up with one hand which is one of a parent’s No. 1 selling points when they’re searching for simplicity and quick storage options. To fold it, you first lift one stiff flap under the seat to slide and lift the handle. It’s also highly versatile, with levers on both sides to cater to right- or left-handed parents. This is particularly convenient when you have your hands full with other tasks or kids, as you can easily fold the stroller and store it without needing to put down whatever it is that you holding.
Also, the stroller at 23.13 lbs is one of the lighter in its category. This lightweight design is a huge bonus for parents who might find heavier strollers cumbersome or who will need to repeatedly load the stroller in and out of a car. It’s lightweight but tough enough for everyday tasks — think running errands, strolling around, going to the park.
The Thule Spring is fairly easy to set up — plan on 5-10 minutes. Parents can easily snap the wheels and canopy onto the stroller frame. That said, the flexibility and lower-quality frame materials of the stroller do lessen the overall ease of use, particularly when pushing the stroller across various terrain. Still, for everyday, flat-surface use, the Thule Spring is a no-fuss solution.
Maneuverability
Now, on to maneuvering the Thule Spring; it has its challenges. While a 3-wheel configuration is usually favored for turning and tight quarters maneuverability, the Spring’s compact wheels and flexible frame simply deliver less than stellar results. A primary downside of this stroller is its lack of slick, one-handed steering. Unlike the other strollers I tested with adjustable handles and stiffer frames, the Thule Spring’s design made it hard to guide with just one hand (such as when maneuvering over bumps or through doorways).
One big problem is that the frame flex, causes the stroller to wobble a bit when you’re pushing it — and that means it can get a little tippy, especially if it’s pushed across rougher surfaces like the grass or gravel. The smaller diameter wheels are not as easy to maneuver off-road or over uneven ground. It’s fine on smooth, paved paths — it just won’t get you through when you need it to traverse less-than-ideal places. For sidewalk- or park-walking parents, this can be quite the inconvenience.
Sometimes, too, the front wheel doesn’t lock into position properly while pushing the stroller, which can make the steering seem even less steady. This creates a subpar experience at a time when parents want the stroller to function across diverse environments.
Storage
The Thule Spring provides reasonable storage for a day out, although this is somewhat limited. Its main storage bin can hold a large diaper bag, which is great for parents needing to carry along essentials like snacks, toys and extra clothes. The design also means that parents can easily lift the bag out without crouching and avoid some of the other options that hang out from the back. Well, storage only holds 11 pounds, leaving parents in a lurch for heavier loads like groceries or shopping.
Besides the main storage basket, there’s a mesh pocket on the back of the seat that’s able to hold a few small items, like a bottle or a toy, but only allows 3 lbs. That’s helpful storage, but it isn’t big enough to be a go-to for bulkier items. It doesn’t have the depth or capacity of more premium strollers, so it likely won’t be enough if you need more storage space.
To sum, the storage aspect of the Thule Spring is decent for light errands and outings but may not be ideal for parents who require sufficient space for larger or heavier objects.
Quality
When it comes to quality, the Thule Spring lacks some of the more premium models in the market. The fabric of the stroller is our durable, ripstop style material, but it lacks the refined build quality of some of the higher end models. The fabric is simple to wipe down, and the canopy is stretched tight and streamlined, offering decent coverage from the sun. But they spring’s frame flexes more than we’d like when compared to premium strollers. The frame flex is especially apparent when pushing the stroller on uneven terrain. This moving element of the frame can introduce some instability, and detracts from the over performance and durability of the stroller.
The wheels are foam-filled rubber, and although not horrible, are on the smaller side. Although these wheels are superior to plastic (and therefore feel more grippy on flat surfaces), they do not cruise as well with larger, rubber tires that you can find on higher-end strollers. The smaller wheels make it harder to maneuver the stroller off-road, as they struggle on rougher terrain. Unfortunately over time the performance of the foam-filled rubber wheels can diminish due to wear and tear.
The frame itself is light but doesn’t feel as strong as some brands. When pushing the stroller, the flexing can cause a noticeable instability — especially if the child inside is moving around. This is particularly noticeable when going from smooth surfaces to more rugged ones. But if most of your use is on sidewalks and well-worn trails, this isn’t an issue likely to matter very much. That said, overall build quality remains decent for the price.
Kid’s Comfort
The Thule Spring is above average comfort-wise for kids, especially when it comes to where they sit. The seat has more cushioning than many other strollers at this price, so it’s a little more comfy for longer treks. The seat reclines to a deep angle, perfect for napping babies. You can manually recline the reclining system with one hand, and the reclining mechanism provides a multitude of positions for parents to have a proper seating position.
The deep recline is complemented with a ventilation panel that opens up — or closes — that’s especially nice on warm days. This feature aids air circulation and keeps the child comfortable. On the downside, though, the leg rest is not adjustable. Meaning taller kids may have their legs dangling off the sides, which can get uncomfortable on long rides. Since the seat is not adjustable in this area, it may not work best for growing children, particularly those who are nearing the maximum weight capacity of the stroller.
The Thule Spring also has another highlight: a canopy. It provides excellent sun protection with a 50+ UPF rating, so it’s a great choice for sunny days. The canopy has a big peek-a-boo window too, so parents can check on their child without needing to stop and move around the stroller. This is very useful for parents who would like to monitor their little one while you are still on the run.
Maneuverability and Handling
The Thule Spring is a three-wheel stroller, which are typically easier to maneuver than four-wheel ones. بیدکنید، علیرغم پیکربندی 3 چرخ، Thule Spring کمال اطمینان را ندارد. The front wheels that are smaller along with a flex frame make a huge impact on the performance of the stroller, particularly if you are maneuvering in tight places or cruising on uneven ground. Though the front wheel does spin, it usually doesn’t click into place as it should, which makes precise steering a challenge.
The flex in the frame makes it more difficult to steer the stroller as you roll over obstacles, and we noticed this most when heading off-road. Although the smaller wheels are not meant for bumpy trails, the stroller is therefore difficult to push on the grass, dirt, or gravel. For parents that will mostly incorporate the stroller into park play dates or outdoor clipper tour adventures, the Spring won’t deliver the performance.
On smooth, paved surfaces, though, the Thule Spring gets the job done. The little wheels make for easy pushing on sidewalks, and the lightweight design allows parents easy maneuverability with no effort. The height-adjustable handlebar is also a nice touch, especially for parents of varying heights, but doesn’t completely make up for the problems with the frame’s flex and small wheels.
Transporting and Storing
The Thule Spring’s lightweight design and compact folding mechanism are two of its key selling features. With a weight of only 23.13 lbs, you will be hard-pressed to find a lighter full-size stroller on the market. For storage space, the stroller will take up a little trunk space for the furls in the closet. The folded size is compact and the attributed folding process is relatively easy, meaning the whole thing gets a thumbs up from parents who need their stroller to fit in limited storage or transport space.
The Thule Spring folds flat, but it’s not the most compact choice. When folded this baby has a 7,650 cubic in age, not bad in relationship to other full-size strollers. Not the tiniest of folds, sure, but just small enough to suit most megastroller families with no place to put things except in a small car trunk or an apartment. The carry handle, which is built into the folding mechanism, helps make it easier to lift and carry the stroller when it is folded.
The stroller is relatively compact, but it is not a travel system for frequent travel. Its larger size when folded and smaller wheels make it less adaptable for families who require a stroller that can be easily carried through airports or on public transit. But for everyday use and storage, the Thule Spring is a decent compromise between size and convenience.
Brakes and Safety
The Thule Spring has a single-action foot brake near the rear axle on the right wheel. It is easy to engage and release this brake system to make it useful for parents who need to make their stroller immediately stop. The pedal is bright red to ensure visibility, and is large enough for most feet to easily push down on without accidentally kicking the wheels. Because this design doesn’t require a more traditional braking system, it’s easier for parents to secure the stroller when they’re stopped.
But there is a big drawback with the brake system, the brake pedal is located close to the wheel. Although this design helps keep the brake pedal within reach, parents with bigger feet may find it difficult not to rub on the wheel while attempting to press the pedal down. This isn’t a huge deal, but something to keep in mind if you or other caregivers use the stroller and have larger feet.
The Thule Spring’s overall safety features are good but not great. It comes with a five-point harness system that keeps your child snug in the seat. The harness is comfortable as it is padded and it is easy to secure the buckle. The harness system, however, isn’t as refined or adjustable as some of the other higher-end options. The design is easy to use, but could be more adjustable as children grow and become more active.
Car Seat Compatibility
Compatibility with infant car seats: If you’re like most new parents, you probably have an infant car seat. Adapters are available to attach popular car seat brands like Nuna, Clek, Evenflo, Maxi-Cosi, UPPAbaby and Cybex. Given the simple nature of this process, this makes the Thule Spring a practical choice for parents who wish to move their child from the car into the stroller without too much disruption.
It’s also great that it comes with car seat adapters for extra convenience for parents on the move. Note that these adapters are sold separately, however, which can add to the final price of the stroller. Although considerably less expensive than many high-end strollers, parents should budget for the cost of the adapters when purchasing this model.
Storage Space
The Thule Spring has modest storage space! There’s a basket under the seat. Although the storage bin can hold a large diaper bag, it only has a weight limit of 11 lbs. This is fine for most day-to-day outings, but if you are planning large grocery runs or need to carry heavier objects, the storage may not be large enough to accommodate your needs.
There is also a mesh pocket on the back of the seat that holds an extra 3 lbs in addition to the main storage basket. It’s not a large pocket, but it’s a handy place to put things like keys or a phone. That said, it’s not as roomy as storage baskets in some pricier models, which have room for more than a diaper bag, including jackets, groceries or toys.
Conclusion
Thule Spring is a light and compact stroller that stands out for its ease of use, portability and comfort for the user. Its small wheels and flexible frame, however, hurt its performance on rough terrain and give it less-than-ideal maneuverability. For families who live in urban areas with smooth surfaces or need a stroller mainly for short outings, the Spring might be a good fit. Its fast fold and compact size makes it easy to transport and store and the padded seat in a deep recline can be pretty comfy for the child.
For parents who need a stroller that can traverse all terrain or provide a smoother push, however, the Thule Spring may not be the way to go. Small wheels and a flexy frame make it less suited to off-road use, though, and the maneuverability is not great. Also, the stroller’s storage capacity isn’t large, and the car seat adapters must be purchased separately, potentially adding to the overall cost.
If you need a budget-friendly, lightweight stroller for urban everyday life or short trips, Thule Spring is a stroller to keep in mind. But if you want a stroller that can tackle more rugged terrain or simply last a bit longer, you may want to look for something else.
Final Verdict
The Thule Spring is a great option for families who need a compact, affordable stroller that is simple to fold and transport. Note that the fact that it is lightweight and can be folded down to a small package makes it suitable for parents with minimal storage space or those who take public transport frequently. The stroller can be fitted with one of several different infant car seats, and it offers a plush cushioned seat and a deep recline for little ones.
But, like any stroller, the Thule Spring isn’t without its faults. They have a decent wheel size and a frame that flexes a lot, which hinders its performance, especially on bumpy or uneven terrain. The maneuverability is poor, and it can be difficult to push the stroller with one hand. The stroller has a bit smaller storage space and the car seat adapters need to be purchased separately, which will take the overall price higher.
Not only is this stroller most conducive for parents who live in an urban area with few bumps in the pavement and plan to use it for everyday use but also want a compact and easy-to-store design. It has its drawbacks, but it offers impressive bang-for-your-buck, especially for those prioritizing practicality over high-end features like rugged off-road capability or massive amounts of storage. The Thule Spring could be a winner if you’re after an inexpensive, bare-bones stroller for daily use.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are looking for a stroller that is more multi-terrain or that gives a smoother ride, check out the Britax B-Free or the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. These strollers are easier to steer and have enhanced storage and better handling on various ground conditions. The Cybex Balios S Lux is another great option for those looking to spend a little more on a stroller with higher-end amenities and construction quality.
Also worth consideration for families with growing children is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand. You also get the option to add an extra row of seating, and it basically falls under the same price, giving more flexibility for bigger families. If you’re looking for an alternative, the Mockingbird Stroller has a comparable compact frame but is better overall quality — although it does come at a slightly higher price than the Thule Spring.
Where to Buy
The Thule Spring is available for purchase at a variety of retailers, including:
- Thule’s official website: www.thule.com
- Amazon: Thule Spring on Amazon
- Target: Thule Spring on Target
When purchasing from these stores, be sure to check for seasonal discounts or bundle deals that might include additional accessories such as rain covers, cup holders, or car seat adapters.
