It’s bigger than I thought it would be, and wider than many ‘normal’ doors, but once up it’s lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. Getting it up and down is a two-hand mission as it’s a bit unwieldy, and it needs an almighty heave to get it into the boot.
This stylish off-roader is definitely not designed for a shopping spree –the thought of taking it on and off a bus or into a coffee shop brings me out in a cold sweat. Just think outdoors - hills, valleys, beaches - anything rural goes, anything urban is probably a no.
Also, you can turn the Quinny Speedi into a travel system by buying the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix infant car seat and Quinny Dreami Pram Body. That said, the Quinny Speedi is stated as being suitable from birth even without these attachments.
What we love
We live down a rough track with a hill on one side so a 3-wheeler is a lifesaver. The suspension on the Quinny Speedi is great – the wheels seem to absorb the lumps and bumps making for a surprisingly comfy ride for Ari. You really couldn’t ask for more from an off-roader.
As I’ve swapped my over-size handbag fetish for an over-size pram basket fetish, I’m definitely a fan of the expandable basket, which is fairly robust and is roomier than it looks.
The cushioned bumper bar is a nice touch, especially given the terrain the buggy can cope with, and the harness looks comfortable. The adjustable footrest is great, too, and it’s nice to be able to have it flat when Ari’s asleep.
What to watch out for
The backrest reclines creating a cosy sleeping space, although I did notice that when Ari was asleep she was heading off to one side. The backrest itself doesn’t come forward enough – the most upright position is a 35-degree recline - and this is probably the most disappointing feature in an otherwise superb product.
The backrest issue is a big shame since most babies (Ari especially!), are very nosy and want to be able to lean forward. I’ve had a look at a few other reviews and I’ve noticed that I’m not alone – and I really hope that the clever people at Quinny will rectify this problem soon. In the meantime my trick is to fold up one of Ari’s cardigans to create a little back pad that pushes her forward.
Another feature that causes me to furrow my brow is the so-called ‘sun canopy’ that doesn’t come very far forward. Sadly glaring sun is the least of our worries here in wet Wales but even so, I would prefer a more substantial ‘hood’, to offer protection from all climes. As well as being far too small, the hood doesn’t properly click into place and it sometimes jiggles backwards and forwards.
It’s not a big thing, but I have to mention that the so-called ‘quick release detachable wheels’ need to be pinned on with a fair force. I managed to jam my finger in the first time I put them on and I’ve made a mental note to ask my dear husband to put them on next time.
Overall, it would be nice if the clever technology that makes the Quinny Speedi a fabulous off-roader could have been applied to other key features such as the back rest and the hood.
Who is Quinny Speedi SX best for?
Stylish outdoors mums in rural areas.
A stylish 3-wheel off-roader that really can go anywhere outdoors, the Quinny Speedi SX is a great option for any mum who likes to ramble down country lanes and head down the beach. It’s also for mums who want to combine jogging or rollerblading with pram pushing.
First reviewed 12/08/2009. Updated 21/02/2012.
