The Jané Rider is a new buggy for 2010. It’s got an urban look, is compact and handles well. It can be used in either rear (parent) or forward facing mode. The Rider is travel system compatible – you can pair it with four different Jané travel options: the Jané Matrix Lite car seat (which would, for example, give you the Jané Rider Matrix Light Travel System); the Jané Strata car seat; the Jané Transporter carrycot; or the Jané Micro carrycot.
What we love
When I got the Jané Rider out of its box, the first thing I realised was just how easy it is to unfold one-handed. There are several buggies on the market that claim to have this single-handed fold feature, but unless you have the strength of an Olympian, it's not something the average mum or dad can ever do.
Instead of a footbrake, the Rider has a simple lever mechanism to the side of the handle. I think this is a straightforward idea and easier to operate than a footbrake.
The Jané Rider was incredibly comfy for my baby, Nathaniel. Nathaniel usually doesn't like getting ready for an outing in a buggy, but with the Rider, he actually fell asleep before we left the house!
Once in action, the Jané Rider gives quite a smooth ride generally, and handles bumps in the pavement very well.
The urban looks of the Jané Rider saw us get second glances from other mums. One parent actually stopped me to find out where she could purchase it!
On a busy bus, the Jané Rider folds easily. A nifty feature is the retractable wheels. These mean the buggy’s folded size is reduced by 30% compared with other pushchairs. Also, to fold the Rider, you don’t have to remove the seat.
What to watch out for
The instructions for assembly can be a little frustrating because the diagrams are at the front, but the accompanying text is at the back.
The modern, funky looking suspension spring doesn't really add anything, though I don’t think I was pushing the Rider fast enough through the corners to require it!
Getting up kerbs wasn’t the easiest. The Rider has a C-shape chassis, which means there’s nowhere to put your foot for leverage. Not having a suspension bar was a tad annoying for me, however this curved construction means you won’t kick a bar as you walk.
I found the shopping basket too small to be of real use. But I’m not sure there’s any way it could be made larger, because of the C-shape chassis. To access the basket, I had to go around to the front of the buggy, too, which I don’t think is ideal.
The seat doesn’t recline to a lie-flat position and there’s no support around the sides, which means to use this buggy from birth, you’ll probably want one of the four Jané travel options to create a pram-like mode for your newborn. Under the British standards, this buggy is suitable from birth, but under the European standards, it's said to be suitable from 6 months.
Who is the Jané Rider buggy best for?
Mums who walk a lot after a simple-to-fold buggy with safe travel system options.
The Jané Rider is a stylish, functional design that includes nearly all the easy-to-use features you’d want in a buggy. It’s easy to fold, can cope on public transport, and offers a smooth ride. A larger shopping basket would be welcome though!
