I've looked at a lot of double strollers and to be honest with you I've never really considered getting a side by side stroller. I have to admit it, I'm a typical 'guy'. When I look at side-by-side twin / double strollers I think 'it can't be stable, I bet that it'll tip over if I sneeze'. I am also thinking 'why would anyone want to buy a side by side stroller instead of a tandem stroller? That's right, this typical guy is thinking, 'what about the center of gravity? What about the turning radius? What about the weight distribution and the wheel base?'
Okay, okay, a couple of mom's 'enlightened' me and set my thinking straight. I learned that my side-by-side twin stroller assumptions were invalid. The mom's rightfully pointed out... "What about the children? Are they getting the best ride possible?" and "What about the parents? Are they getting the most out of their baby products?"
Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller
One of the moms that I spoke with had a stroller from Maclaren. I'm quite familiar with Maclaren... they are lightweight and super compact, they have innovative designs and they are built really, really well. But this day I was being educated, to put it mildly, about the benefits of the Twin Triumph.
Benefits
As it turns out, there are some definite advantages to owning a side-by-side twin stroller. The Triumph delivers the following benefits:
Side-by-side strollers end the 'tandem' argument regarding the front seat that has the exclusive view. With the Twin Triumph, both children get a view.
The Twin Triumph offers both children seats that recline independently. One child can sit up while the other child is napping.
And since the children are side-by-side, they are within their mom's or dad's arm's reach - when timely TLC is required.
With the Triumph, the simple task of opening a door when the stroller is between you and the door is, well, simple. "Try doing that with a tandem stroller" the mother added.
Your children can keep each other company when strolling
The two under-seat storage baskets are definitely better than one storage basket.
Who's using the Twin Triumph?
Moms and dads, with multiple children who need a lightweight dependable product.
Moms and dads who are on the go daily
Mom's and dads who are traveling and need portability.
Moms and dads who are tired of the 'the front seat is mine!' arguments
What's working well?
The Triumph is made from lightweight aluminum and like the single seat version of Maclaren, it's easy to maneuver and transport.
The quality of the materials that Maclaren uses is stylish and durable - your Twin Triumph will look good for years.
Maclaren come standard with ergonomic padded handles. These handles make strolling comfortable for parents regardless of their height.
Most umbrella strollers, single or double can't recline... this is where the Twin Triumph distinguishes itself from the other strollers. Twin Triumph's seats independently recline from fully reclined to fully upright. This umbrella stroller has multiple reclining positions.
You can easily fold your Twin Triumph into a compact form factor for transport or for storage.
What's not working well?
The canopies can be larger
Parents and children really need their cup holders, trays and / or storage pouches. The Twin Triumph is lacking in these departments.
Why should you buy this product?
You should buy the Triumph because it's maneuverable, compact and because it's durable
The Twin Triumph is built with a strong, lightweight, frame
It's easy to fold, transport and store
Why you should 'not' buy the product?
The Triumph Twin is not compatible with infant car seat carriers
The Triumph Twin does not have either cup holders or parent / child trays
It's difficult to store / retrieve baby gear with Triumph Twin's storage basket
Other products to consider
Joovy Big Caboose - is a sit and stand double stroller. It accommodates 2 sitting and 1 'sit or stand' children. Joovy builds high quality and innovative strollers that are ideal for parents who have 2 or 3 year old children.
The Peg Perego Duette SW - is a full-featured, high-quality, double stroller. This stroller has everything you could ever hope for in a stroller - it even has a functional steering wheel!
Graco Quattro Tour Duo - is a double stroller that works with 2 infant car seats. The seats can be positioned to face forwards or backwards. And everyone gets a view... the rear seat is positioned higher than the front seat.
Recommendation
Maclaren's Triumph Twin is excellent because it's lightweight and manageable. It's ideal for daily use and for traveling. Maclaren's side-by-side design is a winner. The Stroller Shop recommends the Twin Triumph for parents who need twice the stroller at half the weight.