In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Thule Spring Review

A compact, full-size with impressive features for comfort and ease of use, but it is somewhat harder to push, especially one hand
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thule spring full size stroller review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $400 List
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Manufacturer:   Thule
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 29, 2021
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 17
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 7.9
  • Maneuverability - 30% 6.6
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 7.5
  • Quality - 10% 8.0

The Skinny

The Thule Spring is a full-size stroller with a crazy small fold that makes it easy to store almost anywhere. We like how quick and easy it is to fold, and it is fairly lightweight for a full-size product. The Spring is high quality and has easy-to-use features that make it a great napping machine for little ones after a day's adventure. The only potential downside to the Spring is it is somewhat harder to push and turn, and a poorly placed handlebar adjustment button prevents good one-handed pushing. However, it is still better than the other plastic-wheeled options, and we suspect most parents won't notice unless they spend a lot of time off-road. Overall, the Spring is a wonderful offering from Thule, and we think most families will love it, which is why it holds a place on our list of the best strollers.
REASONS TO BUY
High-quality
Compact fold
Lighter weight
Comfy
REASONS TO AVOID
Somewhat harder to push
Editor's Note: This gear review was updated on December 21, 2021, to include new sections designed to help you evaluate your options.

Compare to Similar Products

 
thule spring full size stroller review
This Product
Thule Spring
Awards Editors' Choice Award    Best Value Award 
Price $400 List
$399.95 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$420 List
$287.69 at Amazon
$250 List$150 List
$103.99 at Amazon
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Pros High-quality, compact fold, lighter weight, comfyLots of car seat compatibility, fairly lightweight, handbrakeEasier to push and turn, nice protection from the elements, compact with easy foldBudget-friendly, light and easy to carry/stowEasy to navigate tight places, inexpensive
Cons Somewhat harder to pushLimited storage access, prop-up footrestSmaller storage, harder buckle, small front wheelNot the best mover, lower qualityLimited storage, lower quality materials
Bottom Line A compact, full-size with impressive features for comfort and ease of use, but it is somewhat harder to push, especially one handAverage option that doesn't truly outshine the regular City MiniNicer Britax that is easy to maneuver but small bin limits what you can carryBasic stroller that is budget-friendly, lightweight and small for occasional strollingAn easy-to-maneuver and budget friendly option, but has limited functionality
Rating Categories Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Free Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Ease Of Use (45%)
7.9
6.6
6.3
6.6
5.1
Maneuverability (30%)
6.6
9.0
7.6
6.6
8.2
Weight/Folded Size (15%)
7.5
7.0
8.0
9.0
5.5
Quality (10%)
8.0
6.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
Specs Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Free Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Weight 22.7 lbs 21.6 lbs 22.4 lbs 18.9 lbs 23.7 lbs
Folded Dimensions 17"W x 15"H x 30"L 25.6"W x 11.2"H x 33"L 24"W x 10.3"H x 27"L 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 64 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 65 lbs/44" Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 65 lbs/45"
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 50 lbs/42"
Included Car Seat Compatibility None Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2 Britax All Britax Seats Britax All Britax Seats Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend car seat
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit2
Cybex
Cloud Q, Aton M, Aron 2
Maxi-Cosi
Mico 30
Nuna
Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R
Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 2, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q
Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 Elite, Snugride 35 Platinum, Snugride Click Connect 35 LX
Maxi Cosi Mico AP, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico 30
Nuna Pipa
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
Uppababy Mesa
Clek Living
Britax All Britax Seats Britax All Britax Seats None
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend Car Seat
Recline Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Large Large Medium Large Large
Sun Shade Size Large Large Large Large Small
One-handed Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 39"/43" 38.5"/45.7" 32"/44.5" 40" 41"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Included Accessories Sun Shade City GO infant car seat adapter. None None None
Setup Time 1-5 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec

Our Analysis and Test Results

Thule (Too-La) was launched in Sweden by Erik Thulin in 1942. They started by making gear for fishermen. They transitioned to outdoor gear as time went on. Their main goal was to help adventurers transport their outdoor supplies with greater ease. For more than 70 years, Thule has been developing products for the outdoors with a lineup of gear from top-ranking baby backpack carriers and best bike trailers for kids to roof racks and other strollers from our strollers review.

Performance Comparison



thule spring full size stroller review - the spring is one of the easiest in the group to use with intuitive...
The Spring is one of the easiest in the group to use with intuitive features.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


Compared to the competition, the Spring is one of the easier options to use, with intuitive features that function as they should.


thule spring full size stroller review - the folding handle on the spring is easy to locate and use no matter...
The folding handle on the Spring is easy to locate and use no matter which hand you prefer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


The Spring's fold is a one-handed operation that includes lifting the seat flap, sliding a lever, and lifting a handle. The lever can slide in either direction, making it suitable for left or right-handed people.


The stroller self-stands and has an automatic lock and carry handle. It takes two hands to unfold.

thule spring full size stroller review - the spring's brake pedal is press to set and release making it...
The Spring's brake pedal is press to set and release making it sandal foot-friendly. There is little to no play in the brake when set.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Spring has a left side pedal on the rear axle of the stroller. This lever is easy to set and release and is sandal foot-friendly.


thule spring full size stroller review - the storage bin on the spring is open and very easy to access.
The storage bin on the Spring is open and very easy to access.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The storage bin on the Spring is fairly large and has open access from almost any side.


We were able to fit an extra-large diaper bag inside with ease. However, it only has a maximum allowable weight of 11 lbs. While this is the average for the group, some of the competition has weight limits up to 30 lbs, making this limit seems potentially inadequate.

thule spring full size stroller review - there is a mesh pocket for smaller items located on the back of the...
There is a mesh pocket for smaller items located on the back of the Spring's seat back.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Spring also has a mesh pocket on the back of the seat. This pocket won't hold much but could be useful for a smartphone or wallet you need quick access to, or even to stash your baby's pacifier.

thule spring full size stroller review - the spring's canopy looks nice is a good size for covering almost...
The Spring's canopy looks nice is a good size for covering almost any passenger.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The Spring's sunshade is big and has a nice taunt look even when closed, which is uncommon in most strollers. It has a zippered mesh panel you can use as a peek-a-boo window for spying on little ones and added ventilation, and it offers UPF 50+ protection.


When open, the panel helps the canopy extend past the knees of most passengers and get it low enough to block all sun.

thule spring full size stroller review - the thule harness is a little convoluted but still easy to use...
The Thule harness is a little convoluted but still easy to use compared to the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Thule harness is easy to use, even if it is a little convoluted.


The harness requires separating all 4 straps into the buckle. The button is firm but not stiff and easily depresses. The straps are well-padded, and it is one of the only options with padding all the way around the waist strap for added comfort.

thule spring full size stroller review - the seat of the spring lies almost flat for comfortable napping...
The seat of the Spring lies almost flat for comfortable napping after a long adventure.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


The Spring seatback reclines with a plastic toggle that unites two side straps. It is a fairly traditional adjustment method, but this one works well and only requires one hand to drop and two hands to raise.


It lays almost flat for cozy napping. The leg rest is well padded, but it is not adjustable, and the footrest is narrow.

thule spring full size stroller review - we tested out spring with the chicco keyfit 30 and found they work...
We tested out Spring with the Chicco Keyfit 30 and found they work well together without any problems.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Car Seat Compatibility


The Spring is compatible with a few brands of infant car seats, including the Chicco KeyFit 30, Chicco Fit2, the Cybex Cloud Q, Cybex Aton M, Cybex Aton 2. Maxi-Cosi Mico 30, Nuna Pipa, and the Pipa Lite and Lite R. We tested our Spring with the Chicco Keyfit 30.

The adapter comes with clear instructions for assembly and attachment. You have to remove the canopy on the Spring, but it is fairly easy to accomplish. It has a click-in attachment method that slides in perfectly without a hiccup, and it feels stable once installed.

Ease of Setup


The Spring's setup takes about 1-5 minutes with a fairly average manual. The manual only has pictures, but the stroller was so easy to put together that written instructions feel unnecessary. The wheels snap on, and the canopy snaps to the frame; that is all there is to it.


thule spring full size stroller review - the 3 wheel design of the spring helps it take tight turns but the...
The 3 wheel design of the Spring helps it take tight turns but the extra flex in the frame makes it feel sloppier than it should be.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


Strangely, the Spring is one of the few options that are easier to push off the beaten path than on it. But, overall, it is easier to push than much of the plastic wheel competition, even if it can't compete with the rubber tires products.


Pushing on flat surfaces is harder than we would have thought. It is harder to push one-handed because there is an adjustment button in the center of the handlebar. It has a lot of flex in the frame, which translates to a slower response time, but the three wheels offer tight turns. Off-road, it is somewhat better, but the flex in the frame makes it feel sloppier than it needs to be.

thule spring full size stroller review - the handlebar on the spring has a center button for adjusting the...
The handlebar on the Spring has a center button for adjusting the height via a slide adjustment method.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The handlebar on the Spring is adjustable and slides in and out for extra height. The design is good and puts taller pushers further from the rear axle than handlebars that rotate for adjustment. However, the center adjustment button makes pushing one-handed awkward or impossible.

thule spring full size stroller review - the spring self-stands and is easy to carry. it has a compact fold...
The Spring self-stands and is easy to carry. it has a compact fold compared to the competition, more on par with an umbrella stroller than a full-size option.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Spring is relatively lightweight for a full-size stroller and has a compact fold. While not on par with lightweight or umbrella strollers, it is still impressive if your goal is light and easy to stow or carry.


This stroller is 22.7 lbs and measures 7,650 cubic inches when folded. The fact that it stands on its own also makes it easier to use as a travel stroller for public transportation.

thule spring full size stroller review - the spring is high-end and looks it with a sleek overall design that...
The Spring is high-end and looks it with a sleek overall design that has a polished and finished overall look.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Spring's quality is on par with other Thule products and stands out compared to much of the competition.


The fabric fits the frame nicely and is wrinkle-free without errant threads or snags. The canopy looks good and has a taut fit. The frame has hidden rivets and connection points as well as limited visible seams. The material is tightly woven and feels synthetic, durable, and easy to wipe clean. All of the zippers glide smoothly, and the mesh feels stiff and durable. The plastic wheels have a sticky rubber coating that helps improve overall traction. The wheels are large and roll smoothly without resistance. The overall fit and finish are sleek and polished with a simple and thoughtful design.

Accessories


Thule offers various accessories that might come in handy. Some of our favorites include:


Should You Buy the Thule Spring?


You'll love the Thule Spring if you appreciate a sleek, lightweight daily stroller that is high-quality and convenient to use. Between its smooth pushing and three-wheel design that makes tight turns, this stroller is great for moving around city streets, and it's enjoyable to push on long walks. It has a quick, one-handed fold that creates a very small package compared to the competition, so if you see yourself frequently folding and loading a stroller for outings and trips, there's a great chance you won't mind the task with the Spring. If you're mainly voyaging the paved paths, we think this durable stroller is tough to beat.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


The Thule Spring is not designed for jogging, so if you want thebest jogging stroller, the Thule Urban Glide 2 is the better option. It can double-duty as a jogger and everyday stroller, making it a one-and-done purchase for those who fancy both functions. The Urban Glide is bulkier when folded and perhaps a no-go for parents searching for lightweight or compact, but, if you plan on parking the Urban Glide in your garage, this drawback shouldn't interfere much. With that said, if you want to save some money, the Baby Jogger City Mini 2 is worth considering. Despite its "Jogger" name, we don't think this option is suitable for jogging, so don't be fooled. But, this basic stroller is cheaper and good for daily walks.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz
 

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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