Valco Ion and other Valco- new for 2010

I did say that my next blog post would be devoted to Valco, and therefore, I am going to take the time to try and do just that. I do hope I will be able to fill the space here with everything you want to know about the 2010 colors and new strollers available from Valco for the next model year

With the Ion, Valco has finally "made it" into that little nieche market of single and double full service strollers that fall into a lightweight category. With wheels and canopy and all the trimmin's, the Ion single weights in at 16 lbs and the Double weights the same as the city mini double, a mere 27lbs.

Of course, the Ion is soon-to-be car seat adaptable (Peg, Graco, Maxi and Chicco), and even has an innovative bassinet attachment for a newborn that turns the seat into a bassinet in an instant. Great option for twin newborns because you can buy two bassinet attachements and put them side by side (unheard of for a lightweight design). It is also a great option in single form, for someone who wants a bassinet without all the fuss of a hard cased bulky bassinet. The "egg" shape of the stroller is very modern and funky and the cool oval shaped handle bar greatly resembles the push bar on the Stokee, yet still maintains the ability to push with just one hand or a few fingers.

Of course, a single canopy isn't the most ideal. I do prefer separate sun canopies, especially for newborns with an older sibling, because parents may not need coverage over both children at the same time. However, the canopy has the new Valco EX feature, and is a truly full coverage canopy, great for sunny days in winter or summer. The shopping basket will not let you down either. It is big and spacious and most importantly, easy to access.

The fold is an easy two step process. What's great about the Ion as well is the larger 12" tires in the back and the single tires up front, make the overall profile of the stroller a bit taller than average. The back canopy includes two storage pouches, one of which is completely removable for extra ventilation and complete with a cell phone pocket. The accessory pack for the Ion includes the front bumper bar(s), and the raincover which make for a great value, seeing as most strollers these days come a-la-carte.

If you are looking for something different, something special in a side by side double, then the Ion could be an option for you. It is definitely worth checking out at the very least.

The Matrix, scheduled to be released this coming winter, is a slimmed down version of the single Tri-Mode. This will not be available in a double. The Matrix will weigh less, have a smaller different wheel and will be a bit more "zippy" than it's Tri-Mode counterpart. Also, the Quad scheduled to be released next Spring is a four wheel version of the Tri-Mode and is also a fully featured infant to toddler stroller. We are excited to learn more about these two strollers as they become available to us.

Again, more to come, as we update our lines for 2010.

Also, FYI we have just become an Orbit baby dealer. Strolling in Style now has 13 different stroller lines, with an option and price range to fit any families needs and budget. We are not an ordinary retail chain store. We do not steer. We are a family owned and operated boutique that strives to match every family with the perfect stroller to fit their needs and lifestyle. Call us for a consultation and we will prove to you that we are stroller experts.

Back and Soon to be Better than EVER

Wow! What a week. I can't believe it's been a few weeks since my last blog update. I am making a resolution to religiously update this blog at least once a week but we shall see how busy this month will be and how it will fly by me.


If you don't know already, we are undergoing two, yes count them, two expansions/renovations at Strolling In Style. One is our long awaited store expansion. We will be increasing our showroom space by another 1000 feet in the coming two weeks. We are busily working on the interior of the store to get it ready, so instead of blogging, I have been painting furiously! We are also renovating our website which is an ongoing process that will probably last until the year is out. As you know, between these two expansions, running a store full time, and a two year old who, as the lady at the supermarket yesterday remarked, "Wow, he's so cute, but my is he a handful!" life is greatly hectic right now.


I dream about strollers. I dream about writing this blog constantly. I have been so excited to finally find the time to update. Now where was I regarding the 2010 collection??

Ah, Bugaboo Red. Starting now and for 2010, Bugaboo will be donating 1% of all US sales to the RED campaign to support AIDS in Africa. How world concious! They are rolling out two special collection canopy sets, one for the Cameleon and one for the Bee. However these will only be available nationwide at Neiman Marcus. How sad! I would have loved to have these displayed in store. Of course, canopy sets can be ordered for $99 from them and you can get your rad Bugaboo Cameleon from Strolling In Style! Also, in 2010 Bugaboo news, soon the Bee will come in base only, and consumers will be able to choose their canopy color, just as with the Cameleon. However, the base will at this time, only be available in black. Production on the age-old and much loved Frog will continue thoroughout the 2010 year but will most likely be on it's way out after this which is sad because I love my Frog! But hopefully there will be new and better things to come from Bugaboo for 2011!



Now onto I'coo. The newly redesigned I'coo Targo has a new name as well. It will roll out for 2010 as the I'coo Pacific. I like the name. It makes me think (of course) of the great ocean and wide open spaces. The Pacific will have the I'coo Targo Chassis, plain and simple. They are making no changes at all to the stroller Chassis (frame) or wheels. So if you like the classic, classy look of the Targo, you are in luck. Also, if you love the original Targo seat and bassinet you are in luck because the company will still produce and sell both models of the stroller.



The change that the german company I'coo made for the 2010 Pacific, lies in the seat and bassinet. This is the best part so listen closely:



The bassinet on the Pacific converts to the seat and back. What does this mean? It means that no longer do you have a frame, a seat fabric and a bassinet fabric to deal with (as with the Bugaboo, which the Targo was most similar to). The stroller will come with a one stop shop kit that makes it incredibly easy to convert from bassinet to seat and back again without having to switch the fabric out ever or even take the darn thing off the chassis.



Sounds familiar, right? That's because the Peg Perego Skate touted this design when it first rolled out. However, consumers complained of the bulkiness and weight of this type of design, eventually causing Peg Perego to toss this idea out the window. SO what makes the Pacific think it can do this any better?



Actually I'coo made it more simple. It is really easy to accomplish the conversion. Simply recline the seat fully and disengage a series of clips on the back and footrest. The bassinet is more shallow then the Targo bassinet, and there is no chrome look to the frame, which equals less weight on the seat/bassinet as well. Although I am a self proclaimed stroller ace (sorry guys I work with these products daily) it took me less than three minutes to change to the bassinet and then to the seat. It shouldn't take the average mom more than two or three tries to get it right. I know ease when I see it! Also, the seat/bassinet is lightweight making folding the stroller in one piece and lifting it into the car not a breeze, but at least manageable at 23 lbs complete. Of course you can take the seat off and fold the stroller itself as well.



Great news as well, is that the canopy extends out more than the Targo canopy, which usually fell short for our South Florida Sun.



I myself love the Targo Chassis, but was never a huge fan of the bassinet/seat arrangement. The bassinet always felt heavy and bulky, and the seat seemed clunky to me as well. I am hugely excited to view and put my hands on the the actual product of the I'coo Pacific and not a prototype. If I'coo and GT baby can pull this off, it might just be a big hit for 2010 at a great price point for a good quality bassinet stroller kit.

I promised Valco this time, but of course you need something to look forward to, right??

Happy Strolling!