Sunday, September 4, 2011

Old Stroller

In case you are still wondering, I DO NOT HAVE ANY CANOPY OR SEAT PARTS FOR THE DREAMER DESIGN.

So, my 2003 Kelty stroller is not getting any younger either. Today I replaced the handlebar padding with handlebar tape [designed for a bicycle]. It was pretty gross underneath the old tape. Because of the split handle style, I've had to replace one side before. On that side the elements and probably a lot of sweat have seeped through the overlaps of tape and caused the metal of the handlebar below to corrode significantly. I am hoping this weakness is not at risk for actually breaking.

This activity does remind me, yet again, that jogging strollers are very much like bicycles. Luckily there are neither chains nor gears to take care of, but the wheels, tires, hand brake and, in some strollers, suspension are all built the same way as those components on a bicycle. The hand brake relies on a cable and brake pads. The cable will stretch over time and the pads will wear down. Likewise, tires can get flats. Even the tread tends to wear down to the wire below after about 2000 miles. The next point of failure that I am worried about are the ball bearings in the wheels. I just have to squeeze 2 more years out of it...

2 comments:

Mrs. Scott said...

I have the double jogger dreamer design and over the summer the plastic parts that connect over the front tire both broke. If you have these parts, I would love them.
Thanks,
Katie

buffalojoe said...

I would love a recommendation for a double jogger... we have been shopping since our son was born and he's 3 months now. No plans to jog until he's a bit older, but will be using the one we buy as our only double (for shopping, etc. as well).

We're torn between a low-price option like InStep/Schwinn and finding a good deal on a higher-end used one for sale. I just missed a Bob Revolution for $150 on craigslist.

By the way, I believe you are the only source on the internet that explains what happened to Dreamer Design. I came across one for sale on eBay and searched extensively for pricing, company and stroller info. There are tons of out-dated accolades out there, but nothing explaining why it has otherwise vanished!