The Thule Spring stroller is designed for families seeking a compact and functional option for everyday use. At a price point of $400, the Thule Spring is positioned as an accessible, lightweight alternative to higher-end strollers. It is marketed as an ideal choice for parents with limited space or those who need a stroller that’s easy to transport and store. The stroller’s key selling points include its smooth ride, the comfort of its padded seat, and its quick, one-handed fold. However, its performance off-road and its relatively small wheels have caused some concerns, especially when it comes to maneuverability and handling on rough terrain.
The Thule Spring is a 3-wheel stroller, which aims to combine the benefits of agility and stability. It’s particularly suitable for parents living in urban environments, where space and storage are limited. However, the flexing frame and smaller wheels detract from its overall performance, especially for those who plan to use it on uneven surfaces. Let’s dive into the specific features of the Thule Spring, weigh the pros and cons, and see whether this stroller delivers on its promises for everyday use.
Ease of Use
The Thule Spring stroller is straightforward to use, with intuitive features designed for everyday convenience. One of the standout features is the folding mechanism. The stroller can be folded with one hand, which is a key selling point for parents looking for simplicity and quick storage solutions. The folding process is initiated by lifting a stiff flap under the seat, which allows you to slide and lift the handle. There are levers on both sides to accommodate both right- and left-handed parents, which makes it highly versatile. This makes it particularly convenient when you need to fold and store the stroller while juggling other tasks or children.
Additionally, the stroller weighs in at 23.13 lbs, making it one of the lighter options in its category. This lightweight design is a major benefit for parents who may struggle with heavier strollers or who need to transport the stroller in and out of a car regularly. Despite being lightweight, it’s built to handle everyday activities such as running errands, taking walks, and even heading to the park.
The Thule Spring features a relatively simple assembly process, which only takes between 5-10 minutes. Parents can snap the wheels and canopy onto the stroller frame without much hassle. However, the stroller’s flexibility and lower-quality frame materials do detract from the overall ease of use, especially when pushing the stroller over rough terrain. Still, for daily, flat-surface use, the Thule Spring is a hassle-free option.
Maneuverability
When it comes to maneuverability, the Thule Spring faces some challenges. Although it has a 3-wheel design, which is generally preferred for its ability to easily turn and navigate tight spaces, the Spring’s smaller wheels and flexible frame result in less-than-optimal performance. One of the main drawbacks of this stroller is its inability to provide smooth, one-handed steering. Unlike other strollers with adjustable handles and stiffer frames, the Thule Spring’s design makes it difficult to steer with just one hand, especially when navigating over bumps or through doorways.
The frame’s flex is a significant issue, as it causes the stroller to wobble when pushing, particularly on rougher surfaces like grass or gravel. The smaller diameter wheels make it harder to maneuver off-road or across uneven terrain. While it’s suitable for smooth, paved paths, it struggles when you need it to move on less-than-ideal surfaces. For parents who frequently walk on sidewalks or in parks, this can be a significant inconvenience.
Additionally, the front wheel sometimes doesn’t lock into position correctly when pushing the stroller, which can make steering feel even less predictable. This issue contributes to a less-than-ideal experience, especially when parents need the stroller to be reliable in different environments.
Storage
The Thule Spring offers decent storage for everyday outings, although it has its limitations. The stroller’s main storage bin is large enough to accommodate a large diaper bag, which is a plus for parents who need to bring essentials like snacks, toys, and extra clothes. The basket is easily accessible from the back, making it convenient for parents to retrieve items without having to bend over or struggle. However, the storage capacity is limited to an 11-pound weight limit, which may be restrictive for parents who want to store heavier items like groceries or shopping bags.
In addition to the main storage basket, there’s a mesh pocket on the back of the seat that can hold small items, such as a bottle or a toy, though it only holds up to 3 lbs. This additional storage is useful, but it’s not large enough to serve as a primary option for bulkier items. For those who require more storage space, this may not be sufficient, as it does not offer the depth or capacity of more premium strollers.
Overall, the storage functionality of the Thule Spring is adequate for light errands and outings, but it might not meet the needs of parents who need extra space for larger or heavier items.
Quality
In terms of overall quality, the Thule Spring falls short compared to some of the more premium models available in the market. While the fabric used in the stroller is a durable, ripstop style material, it lacks the refined build quality of higher-end models. The fabric is easy to clean, and the canopy is taut and sleek, providing solid protection from the sun. However, when comparing the build quality to premium strollers, the Spring’s frame shows more flexibility than desired. The flex in the frame is most noticeable when pushing the stroller, particularly on uneven surfaces. This flexibility in the frame causes some instability and detracts from the stroller’s overall durability and performance.
The wheels, while better than basic plastic wheels, are foam-filled rubber and are on the smaller side. While these wheels are better than plastic and provide a more grippy feel on flat surfaces, they still don’t perform as well as larger, rubber tires found on higher-end strollers. The smaller wheels struggle on rougher terrain, making the stroller harder to navigate off-road. Over time, the foam-filled rubber wheels may also show signs of wear and tear, which could further diminish their performance.
The frame itself, although lightweight, lacks the sturdiness that some other brands offer. The flexing can result in a slight instability when pushing the stroller, especially if the child is moving around. This is especially noticeable when transitioning from smooth surfaces to more uneven ones. However, if you primarily use the stroller on sidewalks and smooth paths, this may not be a significant concern. Despite these issues, the overall build quality is still decent for the price.
Kid’s Comfort
The Thule Spring does offer above-average comfort for children, particularly in terms of the seating arrangement. The seat has more padding than many other strollers in this price range, which provides added comfort for longer rides. The seat can be reclined to a deep position, which is ideal for naps or sleeping babies. The reclining system is easy to adjust with one hand, and the reclining mechanism offers multiple positions, giving parents the flexibility to choose the most comfortable position for their child.
The deep recline is complemented by a ventilation panel that can be opened or closed, which is particularly useful on hot days. This feature helps improve airflow and ensures that the child remains comfortable. However, one downside is that the leg rest is not adjustable. This means that taller children may find their legs hanging off the sides, which could be uncomfortable on long rides. The seat’s lack of adjustability in this area may not be ideal for growing children, especially as they approach the upper weight limit of the stroller.
The canopy on the Thule Spring is another highlight. It offers good sun protection with a 50+ UPF rating, making it a great option for sunny days. The canopy also has a large peek-a-boo window, so parents can check on their child without having to stop and move around the stroller. This is a convenient feature, especially for parents who want to keep an eye on their little one while continuing their walk.
Maneuverability and Handling
The Thule Spring features a three-wheel design, which is generally known for being easier to maneuver compared to four-wheel models. However, despite its 3-wheel configuration, the Thule Spring falls short in terms of maneuverability. The smaller front wheels and the flexing frame significantly affect the stroller’s performance, especially when navigating tight spaces or rough terrain. While the front wheel can rotate, it often doesn’t lock into position correctly, making it difficult to steer with precision.
The frame’s flex makes it harder to control the stroller when navigating over obstacles, and it’s particularly noticeable when moving off-road. The smaller wheels are not designed for rugged paths, and this makes the stroller challenging to push over grass, dirt, or gravel. For parents who plan on using the stroller mostly for park visits or outdoor adventures, the Spring may not provide the performance they need.
However, when used on smooth, paved surfaces, the Thule Spring performs adequately. The small wheels make it easy to push on sidewalks, and the lightweight design helps parents maneuver the stroller with minimal effort. The adjustable handlebar is also a nice feature, particularly for parents of different heights, but it doesn’t fully compensate for the issues with the frame’s flex and the small wheels.
Transporting and Storing
One of the main selling points of the Thule Spring is its compact folding mechanism and lightweight design. The stroller weighs just 23.13 lbs, making it one of the lighter full-size strollers available. When folded, the stroller is relatively small and easy to store, taking up minimal space in the trunk or closet. The folding process is straightforward and doesn’t require much effort, which is an important factor for parents who need a stroller that is easy to store and transport.
The Thule Spring folds flat, but it is still not the smallest option available. It measures 7,650 cubic inches when folded, which is relatively small compared to other full-size strollers. While this may not be the smallest fold, it is still compact enough for most families who need to store the stroller in smaller spaces, such as an apartment or a small car trunk. The carry handle, integrated into the folding mechanism, makes it easier to lift and carry the stroller when it’s folded.
Despite being relatively compact, the stroller is not designed for frequent travel. Its larger folded size and smaller wheels make it less suitable for families who need a stroller that can be easily carried through airports or taken on public transportation. However, for daily use and storage, the Thule Spring offers a decent balance between size and convenience.
Brakes and Safety
The Thule Spring features a single-action foot brake that is located near the rear axle on the right wheel. This brake system is easy to engage and release, making it user-friendly for parents who need to stop the stroller quickly. The bright red pedal ensures visibility and is large enough for most feet to easily press down on without kicking the wheels. This design eliminates the need for a more complex braking system, making it simpler for parents to lock the stroller into place when stopped.
However, one potential issue with the brake system is that the brake pedal is placed very close to the wheel. While this design keeps the brake pedal within reach, it could pose a challenge for parents with larger feet, as they might accidentally rub against the wheel while trying to press down on the pedal. This is a minor inconvenience, but one that is worth noting if you have larger feet or if the stroller is used by multiple caregivers with varying foot sizes.
The overall safety features of the Thule Spring are solid but not exceptional. It has a five-point harness system that helps keep your child securely in the seat. The harness is padded, providing extra comfort for the child, and the buckle is easy to secure. However, the harness system isn’t as refined or adjustable as some of the other higher-end models. It is simple to use but could benefit from more adjustability to accommodate growing children as they become more active.
Car Seat Compatibility
One of the standout features of the Thule Spring is its compatibility with a wide range of infant car seats. Parents can use adapters to attach popular car seat brands such as Nuna, Clek, Evenflo, Maxi-Cosi, UPPAbaby, and Cybex. This versatility makes the Thule Spring a convenient option for parents who want to transition their child from the car to the stroller without disturbing them.
The inclusion of car seat adapters is a positive feature, as it offers added convenience for parents who are frequently on the go. However, it’s important to note that these adapters are sold separately, which can increase the overall cost of the stroller. While it is still a more affordable option compared to many high-end strollers, parents will need to factor in the additional cost of the adapters when making their purchase.
Storage Space
The Thule Spring offers moderate storage space, with a basket located beneath the seat. While the storage bin is large enough to accommodate a large diaper bag, it has a weight limit of just 11 lbs. This is sufficient for most daily outings, but if you plan on doing large grocery trips or carrying heavier items, the storage may not be large enough to meet your needs.
In addition to the main storage basket, there is a mesh pocket located on the back of the seat that can hold an additional 3 lbs. While this pocket is not large, it’s a convenient place to store small items like keys or a phone. However, it’s not as spacious as the storage baskets found in some higher-end models, which offer more room for additional items like jackets, groceries, or toys.
Conclusion
The Thule Spring is a lightweight, compact stroller that excels in ease of use, portability, and comfort for your child. Its small wheels and flexible frame, however, detract from its performance on rough terrain and make maneuverability less than ideal. For families who live in urban areas with smooth surfaces or for those who need a stroller primarily for short outings, the Spring could be a great fit. Its quick fold and compact size make it easy to transport and store, and the padded seat with a deep recline provides good comfort for the child.
However, for parents who need a stroller that can handle a variety of terrains or provide a smoother push, the Thule Spring may not be the best option. Its smaller wheels and flexing frame make it less suitable for off-road use, and the maneuverability could be better. Additionally, the stroller’s storage capacity is limited, and the car seat adapters are sold separately, which can add to the overall cost.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight stroller for daily use in urban environments or for quick trips, the Thule Spring is worth considering. However, if you need a stroller that can handle a wider range of terrains or offer more durability, you might want to explore other options.
Final Verdict
The Thule Spring offers a compelling choice for families looking for a compact, affordable stroller that is easy to fold and transport. Its lightweight design and ability to fold down into a small size make it a convenient option for parents with limited storage space or those who frequently use public transportation. The padded seat and deep recline provide comfort for children, and the stroller is compatible with various infant car seats, making it a versatile option for newborns and young children.
However, as with any stroller, the Thule Spring has its drawbacks. The smaller wheels and flexing frame detract from its overall performance, especially on rough or uneven terrain. The maneuverability is limited, and pushing the stroller with one hand can be challenging. Additionally, the stroller’s storage space is relatively small, and the car seat adapters are sold separately, which could increase the overall cost.
In conclusion, the Thule Spring is best suited for parents who need a stroller for daily use in smooth, urban environments and who prioritize a compact, easy-to-store design. While it has some limitations, it provides excellent value for the price, particularly for those who do not require advanced features like superior off-road capability or expansive storage. If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills stroller for everyday use, the Thule Spring could be a great choice.
Alternatives to Consider
If you need a stroller that can handle more varied terrain or offers a smoother ride, you might want to consider the Britax B-Free or the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2. These strollers offer better maneuverability, more robust storage options, and improved performance on different surfaces. The Cybex Balios S Lux is another excellent alternative for those willing to invest a bit more for a stroller with premium features and superior build quality.
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand is also worth considering for families with growing children. It offers the ability to expand the seating options and comes at a similar price point, providing more versatility for larger families. Additionally, the Mockingbird Stroller offers a similar compact design with better overall quality, though it may cost a bit more 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.
