Now part of the same company that owns Phil & Teds and Mokopuna, it continues to produce funky and innovative nursery products, the latest being the Duet double buggy.
The updated version of the older Duet, this new two-seated, side-by-side pushchair is different from all the rest as it is as slim as a single buggy!
At 63cm the Duet boasts that it can fit through most tight spaces. And it is probably the Duet’s slender frame that has seen it scoop some great awards, winning the 2014 Mother & Baby Twin Gold, 2014 Prima Baby Twin Silver and 2014 Pushchair Trader Double Pushchair Gold.
As a mother-of-four little ones, I was pretty excited to try the new Duet, which has only just been launched at RRP of £579. As not only is it lightweight and easy to steer it is seriously good looking!
What’s in the box?
- Chassis
- Wheels
- Seat units
- Basket
- Hood pack
Any additional extras?
- Duet carrycot/bassinet - £119.00
- Duet car seat adaptors - £29.00
- Joey Tote bag - £49.00
- Duet raincover - £40.00
- Bottle holder - £11.00
- Duet sun cover - £54.00
How is assembling the Duet?
Regrettably the Duet is not the easiest buggy to assemble and took around 45 minutes to put together.
It is not a case of guesswork, you do need to really concentrate and follow the instruction booklet, which can, at times, be a bit confusing.
Eventually I put it together – with a lot of huffing and puffing – and it was ready to hit the road.
How is it when out and about?
I took the Duet out for a stroll with my four and three-year-old plus newborn baby Celestia.
The first thing I noticed is that the Mountain Buggy Duet’s four ten-inch, air filled tyres provide excellent suspension (I wouldn’t expect anything less from a pram that was built to handle the mountains of New Zealand!)
You won’t have any problems changing direction or lifting the Duet onto the pavement or kerb, as not only is it light, it’s easy to steer and can change direction at the drop of a hat.
The movements are very fluid and it’s definitely not a struggle to use unlike countless other buggies I’ve pushed. The lightweight aluminum chassis coupled with the tyres makes for a super light double buggy option.
The foot-operated brake is easy to use and not remotely stiff to flick on and off. And I loved the adjustable handlebar with its flexi grip.
Is it a true all-terrain buggy?
Yes, it definitely is! The Duet handled a range of different surfaces extremely well including a cobbled street and grass. The buggy even took gravel in its stride!
I noticed when reading a few online reviews that some parents complained of punctures but I suppose this goes with the territory when it comes to air filled tyres.
Personally, as I live in the countryside, I need air filled tyres as opposed to plastic ones.
Its not only the roughs terrain that the Duet is suited to, the front lockable swivel wheels would be a dream in a town or city – especially for those in a rush.
You can really pick up a quick pace with the Duet! I wish it had been available when I lived in London for my two daughters who are only 21 months apart.
How are the seat units?
My three and four-year-old could both fit in the buggy together although their combined weight of nearly six stone made for heavy work!
Despite the seat’s narrow width both girls fit into the toddler seat very comfortably and my younger daughter was able to have a much-needed nap on one of our countryside walks.
However, my four-year-old daughter is slight unlike my two-year-old son. I think he may just about fit into the slim line toddler seat when he reaches four.
What do you think of the newborn bassinet?
The bassinet for the baby, though very smart and sturdy, is incredibly narrow.
This does mean that once our newborn daughter had her snowsuit on that she was left with very little room in the bassinet. She looked a bit boxed in!
I also found the carrycot’s apron a bit fiddly and I couldn’t get it to stay on which was disappointing in the cold weather.
Do the seats recline?
Yes, it has four seat recline positions. But it is worth bearing in mind that the toddler seats are positioned at an angle – hence your toddler can’t sit up completely straight in the Duet.
Personally this wouldn’t be a problem for me but if your toddler likes to sit upright it may be irritating for them.
Is the Duet a compact fold buggy?
No, it is not. It’s worth checking the folded dimensions to see if it will fit in your car boot, as you may need a larger car to transport the Duet.
But, on the plus side, the Duet is quick and easy to fold – you simply pull a leaver under the seat unit and collapse it in one easy motion.
What do you think of the basket and other extras?
The storage bag underneath the buggy appeared sturdy and unlikely to break (it can hold up to 5kg).
I love the fact that the 600D polyester hood fabric is water repellant and the peek-a-boo flaps on the sun canopies are a nice touch.
The stroller comes with a drinks holder and will take a bottle of water, but as it is a pouch, so it won’t hold your cup of hot Pumpkin Spice Latte.
MadeForMums verdict?
As a mother of four who has tried out many double buggies, this is the best of the bunch by a mile.
It is easy to steer, narrow and comfortable.
The only downside to speak of is a very narrow carrycot for baby and difficult assembly.
But I think the positives outweigh the negatives for the end result: this double buggy is the best in the business!
