Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I purchased this stroller a week ago after spending quite a long period of time researching a budget-friendly stroller that I could run well with. I have an In-Step Safari jogging stroller which I'd received -used- from a friend about two years ago. Let me just say that I loved the In-Step stroller and it held up so very well for all the miles and terrain I ran through with it; however, the tires recently wore completely out!! SO much so that the inner tube was protruding through the outer tire! Seeing how it lasted me so long though, it was only a matter of time before the tires gave out. Well, after looking online for replaceable tires for that jogger and realizing it'd be more cost-effective just to purchase a completely new stroller (the one I had was probably 5 or so years old), I began looking online and comparing to see what would be my best option. I first noticed that the new In-Step Ssafari strollers had plastic - not spoke like the older version - wheels, and I continually read how that was a hinderance to jogging strollers. So, I ran across this Graco, and seeing as how they have never made a jogger before, I guess I should've taken that as a warning sign not to get it. HOWEVER, so many people rated this stroller well compared to many other joggers in it's price range and many said that they chose it over a BOB... Well I don't know who would ever choose this stroller to run in PERIOD. I guess that if you JOGGED a few miles here and there it would be a good option, but to RUN with your child in this stroller frequently is NOT fun! I am honetly telling you would be disappointed! First of all, this stroller is very heavy! I read many reviews complaining about it's weight, but I didn't notice how it would truly effect running with it! Because it is so heavy, I had a tough time keeping it steered well even with the wheel locked straight (which obviously you have to do in order to run with it). The problem with this was that my wrists and arms actually were irriated from having to use the strength to steer the darn thing! Also, when I would take sharp turns with my In-Step stroller it would turn effortlessly. This Graco was horrible!!! Not only would it take a longer turn to actually TURN, lol, but the wheels opposit the side that I turned would literally lift off the ground. I worry that the dang thing could've toppled over with my daughter in it!!! ALSO - the UNIVERSAL phone holders are NOT universal! My smartphone did not fit! And that wouldn't have even bothered me, but I had nowhere else to store anything up top if I didn't keep the cupholder on the jogger while running. Another problem with the cupholder was the storage bin; if you are using the stroller just to walk around or go somewehre like the store it would be handy, but if you are running down the street and you hit any kind of bump it clanks so loud because it doesn't have a hook to stay closed. So annoying. The front wheel also makes a loud clank when you hit bumps (not even big bumps). I think a lot of this has to do with the lack of a shock system on this stroller, which my In Step had. Finally, the last negative thing I have to say, the morning that I went to return it, I found that one of the wheels had lost all of it's air!! I hadn't even had the thing but a WEEK! Guess it was a sign that I needed to get rid of it! lol. I really was excited because I read so many great reviews on this - and it IS a well-made stroller - but it is NOT good for someone who is trying to run well with their kids. For walking and shopping tripes, it is indeed nice because it has good storage and comfort. I kept it for a week to try to see if it was just me trying to get used to the differences, but I ended up just getting more angry the more I ran with it. About the only thing I absolutely loved about it was the comfortabilty for my daughter while we ran. She loved all the cushion and the full coverage of the canopy. Other than that, I wish I would have paid a little more money for the Schwinn Turismo in the beginning - because it is basically the In-Step Safari I have but with better features. Those strollers are a reasonable price and they are phenomenal for durability, smooth rides, etc. I wanted something new for a little less and.. I ended up retuning it! You live and you learn I guess. Anyway, I never make it a point to spend time writing reviews, but I think it is important that people who are looking for a truly GOOD jogging stroller to RUN in be able to find one that they will actually be satisfied with while they are running. There is nothing more annoying than going out on a run with a stroller that doesn't make your run enjoyable but rather stressful... I hope this review helps someone. I don't mean to be all negative, I just was so completely upset that this stroller was such a disappointment. In my eyes, if Graco wants to appeal to runners, they have many adjustments to make.