Maclaren Triumph Stroller Review

Parents who want a lightweight umbrella stroller must wait until their babies are old enough to sit up on their own because this type of stroller does not recline. This usually means waiting a bare minimum of six months! How many parents can do that? Not many; parents need a lightweight stroller they can use with younger infants.

The good news is that the Maclaren Triumph solves this problem by having a 2-position recline feature so that babies as young as three months old can lie comfortably and safely with the included 5-point harness. It is one of the best umbrella strollers you can buy today.

What is the difference between the Triumph, the Volo and the Quest?

The reclining seat is the main feature difference between the Maclaren Triumph stroller and the similarly popular Volo, which has only one upright seat position. What about the Triumph and the Quest? The Maclaren Quest Sport is one notch up from the Triumph and has an adjustable leg rest, 4-position reclining seat and a peek-a-boo window. The Maclaren Triumph stroller weighs in at 11 pounds, versus the 8.6 pound Volo. The Quest weighs just over 12 pounds.

Maclaren Triumph Features:

• High-strength lightweight aluminum frame with carrying strap
• Multi-position reclining seat
• One-hand collapse and umbrella fold
• Storage basket under seat
• Ergonomic foam handles
• Water resistant removable sun canopy
• Lockable front swivel wheels
• Adjustable 5-point safety harness
• Foot operated linked parking brakes
• Removable washable seat
• JPMA Certified

Durability and performance

Parents rave about the durability of this stroller. The lightweight performance aluminum framing has a weight limit up to 55 pounds, which is remarkable considering the fact that other umbrella strollers this size can only accommodate a child between 30 and 40 pounds.

The smooth ride and maneuverability make this stroller a pleasure to take on long walks. Since the front wheels have the option to lock into place, your stroller will have more stability on bumpier surfaces and the 5-inch wheels certainly help as well. A New Jersey mom remarks how easy her Maclaren Triumph is to steer one-handed, and she took it on a nature walk through all kinds of ground conditions.

What is the fold like?

While the Triumph can be a little tricky to fold the first time, many moms say that after a few times doing it, folding became simple and quick. The one-hand fold can be done in about five seconds with a little bit of practice. One Massachusetts mother says that she can fold her Maclaren stroller one-handed when her baby needs to be held and she can unfold it just as easily.

The automatic lock on the side holds the folded frame in place and the built-in shoulder carry strap is very comfortable and provides you with easy transport.

Comfort & safety for your child

The obvious advantage to getting a Triumph over a Volo is that while you want a simple umbrella stroller, you would like the seat to recline for your child to rest comfortably. The seat has an adjustable strap recline system that provides multiple positions for your sleepy passenger. Because of this recline feature, babies as young as 3 months old can safely ride. If you feel you need some more padding, choose from 40 different Maclaren seat liners to change and customize your Triumph's look. They're a lot of fun!

The sun canopy is both water-resistant and removable. When you're out in lovely spring weather, it feels so good to get the mild sun on your skin. Or when you're at an exciting place sightseeing, perhaps removing the sun canopy to be able to just look straight up is a real pleasure.

Another safety feature I really like is the linked parking brakes. I like just having to step down one time to engage the brakes and have my stroller come to a complete stop.

The five point safety harness looks attractive with the woven two-color contrast in recent models. It is height adjustable for your growing child and you have to use two fingers and press the back and the front to release the buckle, which is good for little kids who are talented escape artists!

Why do moms and dads love this stroller?

Tall parents who own a Maclaren Triumph love the comfortable ergonomic foam handles because they don't have to stoop down, as they do with other strollers the same size and they don't kick the back of the stroller while walking. I found it quite comfortable when I pushed it and I'm 5'7" - just average height.

One reviewer makes the remark that she and her husband are both tall and they don't get the tiring back hunch when pushing this stroller for long periods of time.

The storage basket underneath is large enough to carry the extras you need to take with you on your outing. I find that for an umbrella stroller, it is not too small, but you cannot access your things if the seat is reclined. You might be able to get some small items through the sides, however.

A rain cover is included in case that outing has a few weather-related surprises! And if you're strolling in the sunshine, the canopy tilts to help shade your child at various angles.

How much should you pay for the Maclaren Triumph?

The suggested retail price for this product is around $180 and it depends on the color and if it's last year's model. Consistently Amazon has the best price for this stroller starting at $10 cheaper and as much as 25% below retail. If the order is processed by Amazon, you'll also get free shipping.

What others are saying

Maclaren Triumph gets consistently high 4-star ratings across different web retailers from owner-written reviews.

The Triumph receives the most positive feedback in customer reviews for its light weight and compact size once folded. The recline feature is a clear winner with this stroller and reviewers feel it is sufficient for napping babies, although they wish it could recline completely flat.

A review comments that the Triumph is so lightweight that it is comfortable for her to walk around with it on her shoulder.

Another remarked that she really wanted her lightweight stroller have a recline feature because it's very useful if she and her child are unexpectedly out later than intended.

It is a popular choice for traveling families going to theme parks where they have to get in and out of shuttles often, and also for families taking an airplane and don't want to gate-check their stroller. One mother remarked that her Triumph was very easy to get through the scanner at the airport.

Another family took the Triumph stroller to Disney World when their son was 4, and because it folds quickly and easily, they were able to take Disney transportation with no fuss. They said it was a lifesaver for their vacation.

Urban-dwelling parents taking public transportation will also find the Triumph a clear choice.
A Triumph owner remarks that he lives in the city and unexpected staircases and public transportation are no problem because he can fold it up and strap it over his shoulder.

Consumer Reports rated the Triumph at 68%, and received very good marks for maneuverability and ease of use. It rated "good" for safety. The Maclaren Techno XT received higher marks at 76 overall for the same brand in the umbrella stroller category.

Some parents have been making the comparison between the Triumph and another highly rated umbrella stroller, the UPPABaby G-Luxe. Features are slightly different but they have the same price point and both look outstanding.

Disadvantages

Maclaren strollers had hinge recall in 2009 due to pinching, or in some cases finger amputations. To address this extremely important issue, the company has installed protective hinge covers and the problem has since been resolved. Notice how the hinges are circular shaped now?

Some people found that the sun shade was insufficient unless the sun is directly overhead and a couple of complaints state that the recline feature does not go back far enough, making it uncomfortable for their little one to nap.

The storage basket underneath is too small for many moms, who have to either purchase an extra storage accessory or carry their bags.

Lots of parents like to take drinks with them, too and there are no parent cup holders, which most understand would conflict with the compact size of this stroller, but it's a drawback for them.

Where can I buy the Maclaren Triumph stroller?

My favorite place to purchase strollers is on Amazon as they have the best prices most of the time. You'll find that certain color schemes are sold by third-party sites and they offer different prices as well, and because of this competition, you'll have easy comparison shopping.

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Related Articles:

Umbrella strollers: This type of stroller is different than lightweight strollers, generally with fewer features, lighter weight and vertical fold with separate handles. You're also going to want to see the five best umbrella stroller reviews.

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