Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

Wanting a durable, safe, intuitive and versatile carrier, I avoided all the low cost department store garbage. I wanted something I’d enjoy using again and again in multiple applications. My dedicated searching led me to the following three models: Burley d’lite, Trek GoBug and Chariot Cougar.I quickly ruled out the Burley model as it was bulky, didn’t convert well from a trailer, and simply fell short in terms of workmanship compared to the competition. The Cougar and the GoBug both were excellent in many fields but since I couldn’t make up my mind in the store, I ended up buying them both for a real comparison. The GoBug turned out to be a phenomenal trailer with bucket seats and ample room. As a jogger, it surpassed the Cougar in comfort as it provided an adjustable handle where the Cougar is fixed. The only major drawback on the GoBug is its size. Although roomier for the occupants, the overall size is quite bulkier than the Cougar. Also, the trailer hitch mechanism was more complicated than the cougar and seemed to “bob” during pedaling.For my needs and interests, the Cougar became the winner. The adjustable suspension, slim profile, and versatility were superior. Not only are there endless attachments (sold separately) for this carrier, but they even store right on the unit itself (stroller, jogger, bike).Cougar Pros:-Suspension-Low profile-Rain cover attached to unit-Ample attachments-Stroller option-Ability to move single passenger into center of carrier-Simple effective bike hitch mechanismCougar Cons:-Pricey, especially when adding attachments-Non Adjustable jogger handle-No top window. (I like checking on my child to see if she is asleep, comfortable, etc.)-Tighter quarters for 2 passengersGoBug Pros:-Ultra padded bucket seating-Adjustable jogger handle-Ample storage-Amble passenger head/leg room-Top window (jogger’s view of passenger)-Side wheel guards (keeps obstacles from hitting the wheels thus overturning the unit)GoBug Cons:-Bulky size, especially as a jogger-Seats, fixed position-Rain cover not attached-pedal bob-NO stroller option, only bike and jogger attachmentsEither carrier will attract a lot of attention when traveling down the street, as they are both stellar trailers. Both will do any job well and comfortably. I ultimately decided on the Cougar because I like the versatility it provides over the competition. Ultimately, I love to see a new product that combines the strengths of both the GoBug and the Cougar but until that comes out, I’ll stick with my Cougar. [...]

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

In my opinion this is the best child carrier one can buy. I'm on my second one and recommend the double. I primarily use it for cycling and love the quick disconnect for bike attachments. It connects to the rear hub/skewers so it won,t damage the bike. I have taken my kids on numerous rides. If I can make an improvement is to allow for helmet clearance in the headrest--otherise, the helmets get pushed forward constantly when kids sit back.

The best judge of any carrier are the kids who ride in it. Mine love it so much, they sometimes just sit inside it to play.

Like I said, get the double. The single while smaller and lighter, tips over easily while biking through tight turns. If you have multiple bikes, just buy more of the hitch attachments. That way, the trailer can be connected to any bike you have in less then 30 seconds.

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

In addition to all of the other "traditional reviews," I would like to offer the following 5 reasons to purchase the Chariot Cougar 2:1. My wife and I have reconnected over the long walks that Chariot affords us.2. At times we feel "childless" because we can just strap them in, put the wind-flap down, and listen to NO whining! It's awesome!3. We love to have a glass of wine at dinner (or 3)--strap the young ones in (4 months & 3 yrs) and go for a 2-4 mile walk--with no worries about wind, comfort, or safety--literally we feel like two "adults" for nearly an hour- two hours straight!4. If you are reluctant to pay the [$]--don't be. We purchased the stroller, jogger and bike accessories--and couldnt be happier.5. We take this everywhere: grocery store, out-to-dinner, jogging, and walking. So easy--so freaking easy. Please buy this. I researched for months and months. We were reluctant to purchase the Chariot because of the price--but seriously--this has literally brought my wife and myself close. We are both educated and considered ourselves to be close before we got this, but MAN, this thing really allows us time to talk without interruption. It just affords us time to be with each other as our kids are in the Chariot doing there own thing in safety!Bottom line: If you love your kids, love your spouse, but would like your kids to leave you and your spouse alone while still being safe---this is the trailer for you!!

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

We bought this mid summer last year, after our brand new other major brand trailer developed a significant tear. This is so much easier to set up and fold and stow in the back of our car.

The brake, however is really awkward to reach, especially if you have stowed anything in the back storage area. The brake could also use a plastic or rounded cover of some sort. I have gouged my shins on it a few times when getting it in and out of the house.

With the wheels attached it is too wide to roll out a standard front door without being folded and carried sideways (an important feature to consider if you are thinking of using this as your primary double stroller) That being said - the wheels come off super easy.

We have two hitches. My husband trailers our 45lb three year old on our longer trips - 15-20 miles - and I trailer him on the shorter 6 miles around the park. We are pretty casual bikers, both with basic hybrid bikes. We also bought the stroller attachment so we could have a double stroller to take on walks with friends.

Oh, and our son loves it. He is a pretty active kid and tall for his age and does not mind being in it for 1-2 hours at a time with only a short break in the middle.

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

Rides so smooth and easy. Turns wonderfully when jogging. I've used it in the snow (with the jogging tire for height) and the plastic down for warmth, I've used it in the rain and heat. I love it. Putting on and off the jog tire is a little bit of a pain. Doesn't fit in smoothly. Never has. Always needs to shimmy on and off.
Wish it folded even more flat, to keep it as small as possible.

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

I recently upgraded from a sporting goods store model (Instep). Mainly because my 1 year old was having issues when napping while being towed. Both the 1 and 3 year old love the new trailer. We use it on paved trail to get the kids out with us for a couple hour trip back to nature.

I really like the seating and seatbelt harnesses in the way they fit and are removable either direction (unhook at shoulder or at the seat base). The suspension works well (it requires adjusting but you do that to your bicycle, so no big deal). I like the reverse ball hitch verses a pinned connection on the trailer that was replaced. The flexibility of the options are good. On board storage of the jogger or stroller attachments on the trailer is a good idea, even though the jogger front wheel storage looks like an afterthought (I just throw it in the trunk). Overall, this is a major upgrade. The kids love it.

The parking brake is difficult to find and release when the trunk is down and full (this may be due to it being new and me not memorizing the location). The rear reflector does not match the quality of the rest of the unit. Be prepared for spending some cash if you are going for the different options.

You will become a NASCAR pit crew member if you have a smaller vehicle. My CRV requires removal of the wheels, handlebar and towing or jogging option. This is easily done and is very simple to do. It takes the same time to unload the bicycle from the top mount Yakima as it does to assemble the trailer.

It is worth the price, if you are going to use it (obviously you are or you wouldn't be shopping at REI).

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

We have used the Chariot Cougar 2 for over a year now and absolutely love it!

I rated this trailer at a perfect 5 even though listing a con as being bulky. All trailers are going to be bulky but wanted to identify when this becomes a factor. The size of your vehicle or maybe the space in which you store it really are the only reasons to consider it bulky. It was purchased when we lived in a small apartment before we bought a house and it seemed to always be in the way. We kept it in our laundry room, well worth the sacrifice though.

We recently took a 3 day trip to Disneyland but we weren't able to fit the trailer AND our luggage in the trunk of our small sedan. I regret not being able to bring it because when the girls get tired they nap so much more comfortable in the trailer together or by themselves than in an umbrella stroller. Solution--luggage rack on the trunk or top of vehicle. This trailer is so easy to use and our kids love it that it's totally worth throwing it on top of the car just to bring it!

We use it as a stroller; turns on a dime and has plenty of storage room in the rear cargo area (not just a small pocket, this is a storage area) for a backpack, purse, sweater, snacks, or whatever. It folds up and locks so you don't hit your knees on it when walking--well thought out!

Jogging stroller; so easy to manuever when running, it doesn't take much pressure at all to lift the front tire off the ground enough to turn. The large tires help it roll effortlessly as you jog, you wouldn't know that you're pushing up to 100 lbs in front of you.

Cycling; they love it, I love it! Again, the tires are so big that while cycling uphill can be a challenge, it rolls over gravel, small rocks and sand with ease. I always use at least the mesh cover when cycling for their protection. Any rocks or other debris that may come off my rear tire will be deflected off of the mesh fly. This trailer also comes with an adjustable "shock" system depending on your childs weight. This helps absorb bumps and the variety in terrain keeping the comfort level of our kids high.

Activities at dark? Visibility at night for safety was incorporated into the design with glow in the dark strips on both sides. There are plenty of places to hang flashing lights as well.

For infants, I recommend the infant harness which will keep your little one secured better than the standard harness until they can grow into it.

Overall--Designed extremely well, very durable and while expensive...definitely worth every penny!!!

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

We have owned our Chariot Cougar 2 for 5 months and overall have been pleased with its performance. We purchased the regular stroller wheels, the bike trailer adapter and the baby supporter.

The highlights of the Chariot are: the adjustable suspension for a smoother ride, the versatility; easily converts from stroller to bike trailer, ease of maneuverability on the road in open spaces, ease of wheel removal, side storage pockets inside cockpit are great for snack and sippee cup storage, ease of attaching trailer to bike, navigates superbly over rough terrain versus conventional strollers.

The drawbacks that we've encountered with the Chariot and add-ons are: the passenger area is rather cramped for two kids (ages 3 and 6 months), getting the straps adjusted on the baby supporter to keep our 6 month old from slumping over, the baby supporter makes our 6 month old very hot and it is a concern during the summer months, we have a 4-Runner and it takes up a lot of space in the rear, the chassis and add-ons are very pricey.

In conclusion, the Chariot Cougar 2 is the most superior child carrier of its class and we would highly recommend it to anyone even though it is not without its faults.

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

We bought the chariot when we were pregnant with our first child. We put him in it when he was 6 weeks old. He has never complained being in there. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to jog and bike with it. Skiing wasn't nearly as easy, but if you need to get out with your child, it's definitely doable. We are skate skiiers and I think it was meant more for classic skiing. There's a push and pull to it that changes your momentum that you simply just have to get used to. It's best to go on flat trails. It is a better workout, that's for sure. I have seen many other skiiers out with their chariots on the trails here in Anchorage and it doesn't seem to bother them, many love it. I recommend it to all my active friends, it's definitely worth the money. The chariot is big, bulky, and heavy like other carriers, but you can fit it in the trunk of a sedan and the heaviness doesn't seem to impair the ability to use or steer it. I just got a stroller sleeping bag type thing from 7a.m. enfant and it works wonderfully with the chariot and we have put our son in it when it was 20 below outside and he stayed perfectly warm, face, feet, hands and all. A very expensive, but worth it investment if you don't like the weather to keep you in.

Comments about Chariot Carriers Cougar 2 Stroller / Trailer Chassis - 2009:

I have used this as a jogger for 5 months now and have enjoyed my nightly 6 mile walks with it. Rain, snow, wind and sunshine, it has excelled in them all. The infant sling is an excellent addition (I started using it with my son at 3 weeks). My son just falls asleep as soon as he is put in. The Pacific NW is a great place to test its waterproofness, and it passes with flying colors. I'll be soaked, but the Cougar 2 Chariot keeps my cargo dry. No signs of corrosion either. It fits well in the backs of 1997 and 2010 Subaru Outbacks without folding down the seats. I put three lights on the top and side of the handle bar to stay safe at night. Two Planet Bike red strobe/flashers (one pointing forward and one pointing back) as well as a Planet Bike White light to see where we are going. I also bought a coiled Kayak Paddle leash to keep the jogger firmly attached to my wrist if I slip in the rain or snow. The only constructive criticism I'll make is that I had to reverse the top handlebar to make it comfortable to walk with (I'm 6-7" tall) and in doing so, it brought my size 13 sneakers too close to the jogger for me to walk comfortably with the back cargo compartment down (my feet hit the back of the bag). It's not a real problem to keep the bag retracted, but since I do take it grocery shopping, I have to tie the cargo bag in the up position or the groceries will weigh it down. A redesigned handle for tall people would be a welcome accessory! That said, this is a very well designed stroller that IS worth the money! Remember, it will last a lifetime, first as a stroller and then as a bike trailer. You are saving space and getting top quality at the same time.