While the design may be a bit divisive – as my husband put it, the chassis looks a bit like a supermarket trolley basket – I quite liked the simplicity. I was looking for a lightweight pram/pushchair without any unnecessary bells and whistles and it looked like the Thule Shine would fit the bill perfectly.
How easy was it to build?
Building the Thule Shine was a doddle and I hardly needed to use the instructions. This was a relief because I found the instruction manual pretty difficult to follow – a series of confusing images with the word ‘click’ next to them. I found it easier to ignore them.
The chassis opens up in one swift movement and practically springs into place without much intervention. The wheels and canopy are both packed separately and click neatly into their respective sockets, as do the infant seat and the bassinet. Overall, I was really impressed with how quickly I could assemble the pram. It took me less than 10 minutes.
How does the Thule Shine compare to other pushchairs from the same brand?
The Shine is the brand's most recently launched pushchair, designed for parents with an active outdoor and urban lifestyle. Unlike sister models like the Thule Glide 2 and Thule Urban Glide 2, the Thule Shine is not designed for running. Instead, the pushchair incorporates features that cater for everyday city living, such as a one-hand compact fold and self-standing capabilities.
How easy is it to add/remove the carrycot from the pushchair?
I found it really easy to add and remove the carrycot from the pushchair. The memory buttons mean you only have to click 1 side out to release the carrycot, so you can use 2 hands to lift it if preferred.
How easy is it to fold down the Thule Shine?
I expected the fold-down process to be as quick and intuitive as the assembly, but it took me quite a while to work out which buttons to press as the instructions weren’t very clear. To fold down the pushchair, you need to push down two buttons located on the handlebar in the correct order, rather than at the same time. Once I worked this out, folding down took no time at all.
How large is the buggy when folded?
The Thule Shine was bulkier than expected as it folds down into a slightly awkward triangular shape due to the wheels. That said, it is still significantly smaller than other pushchairs and we found it easy to store out of the way in our fairly narrow hallway. It easily fit in the boot of my Ford Focus with space on either side too. The pushchair also features a self-stand function. This feels relatively stable and makes it much easier to store. It came in useful on a long train journey to visit Granny too.
Is the Thule Shine easy to push?
We were really impressed with how easy it was to push the Thule Shine and put it down to the all-wheel suspension. The pushchair glided quietly over some of our neighbourhood’s bumpiest pavements, as well as muddy park trails and gravel surfaces. It felt robust and sturdy enough to mount deep kerbs without lifting, though it is light enough to do so. The Thule Shine was easy to manoeuvre between cramped tables at the pub and dodge busy commuters on the pavements thanks to its slim frame too.
How well does the pram work on public transport?
We tested the pram out on the underground and a long train journey. I was a little apprehensive about getting it on and off the tube without dropping a wheel (or baby!) in ‘the gap’ but I needn’t have worried. Like mounting the kerb, the pushchair felt sturdy and robust enough to mount the step onto the tube without lifting the whole chassis.
On the train, we decided to fold away the chassis and hold the baby instead. It was a quiet train, so we were able to store away the bassinet overhead.
Were you impressed with the chassis on the Thule Shine?
The chassis is strong and durable, with a matt black finish that doesn’t scratch easily. The design is basic – some might say ugly – but I was happy to forfeit good looks for the huge 10kg cargo basket.
How does the handle work?
The handlebar can be adjusted to four different heights with the push of a button. As a 5ft 2in woman with a 6ft husband, we found this particularly useful. The handle is made from a rubber-like material, so feels comfortable and easy to grip. There’s also a wrist strap for added security. The only downside is that it feels flimsy when you push it up and down.
Did you test the Thule Shine’s seat unit?
I didn’t test the seat unit as it is only suitable for babies over 6 months, though the padded seat looks extremely comfortable. I like that the seat is both parent and world-facing, and imagine my baby will appreciate the various reclining angles once he is old enough to use it too.
Instead, we trialled the bassinet (purchased separately, £189.99). I was impressed by how luxurious it feels, with its cushioned sides, soft grey lining and supportive mattress. I liked that the mattress cover is machine washable too. There’s also a handy little storage pocket inside the bassinet for a mobile phone or pacifier.
However, my 7-week-old stretched out to roughly 3/4 of the bassinet and I’m not convinced he will still fit inside it in 6 months. It’s a shame the infant seat doesn’t fold flat for newborns as I’m not sure what will happen once he grows out of the bassinet.
Was the hood large enough?
The hood is large, but we really liked the wide field of view it gave our baby. You can roll it down quite far, which came in useful on particularly sunny days, as well as the occasional rainy shower. There is a peephole window for ventilation too.
How do the wheels on the Thule Shine handle difficult surfaces?
We were particularly impressed with the wheels. They only measure 7 inches, but the front and rear suspension makes a huge difference when navigating bumpy and uneven surfaces. We liked that you can lock the front wheels too. The reflective trim is a nice touch that will come in useful when the evenings get darker.
How good are the brakes?
The brake holds well, but we found it difficult to put it on and off when using the bassinet as you can’t see the brake under the seat. That means you need to stop and peek underneath to put the brake on. Unfortunately, the basket gets in the way of taking the brake off too, so you either need to use your toe to push down on it at an awkward angle or kick it.
How do you rate the Thule Shine’s basket?
I loved the generous basket, which has a whopping 10kg capacity. I managed to load it with a rucksack, changing bag and food shopping without any difficulties. Unlike many pushchair models, it’s easy to access your things when the carrycot is in place too.
What’s the reputation of the brand?
Thule has long been popular with active families. From bike racks to jogging pushchairs, it offers a range of products that make outdoor adventuring easier for families.
What’s in the box?
- Instruction manual
- Padded and reversible reclining seat
- Extendable canopy
- Chassis
- Rain cover
What additional accessories can you buy?
- Thule Newborn Nest (essential for newborn) (£109.99)
- Thule Shine Bassinet (essential for newborn) (£189.99)
- Thule Air Purifier Canopy (£429.99)
- Thule Shine Car Seat Adapters (£49.99)
- Thule Shine all-weather cover (£59.99)
- Thule Stroller Travel Bag (£69.99)
- Thule Stroller Footmuff (£139.99)
- Thule Stroller Seat Liner (£49.99)
- Thule Stroller Cup Holder (£24.99)
- Thule Stroller Snack Tray (£44.99)
- Thule Rider Board (£99.99)
- Thule Changing Backpack (£129.99)
- Thule Stroller Organiser (£49.99)
- Thule Changing Bag (£89.99)
Can the pushchair be used with a car seat to create a travel system?
Yes, the pushchair can be used with a car seat to create a travel system, though you will need to purchase the Thule Shine Car Seat Adapters separately. This is compatible with several popular car seat models, including Maxi-Cosi, BeSafe, Cybex and Nuna, and costs £49.99.
Now that you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the Thule Shine?
It would have been useful to know that the bassinet is on the snug side and the newborn nest may have been more suitable for larger babies.
Who is the pushchair most useful for?
The Thule Shine is a good choice for parents looking for a lightweight pushchair that can hold its own bumpy, uneven surfaces and navigate narrow urban spaces in the city.
Is the pushchair worth the money?
At £649 the pushchair is competitively priced and offers good value when compared to other brands. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that you will need to purchase the bassinet or newborn nest if you plan to use the pushchair from birth.
How does it compare to similar pushchairs?
Where can I buy the Thule Shine?
It is available from Pramworld, Baby & Co and Thule
The Thule Shine is a great option for parents looking for a lightweight and robust pushchair that can be used all over the city. While it isn’t as compact as competitors like the Babyzen YOYO2, the pushchair does fold down to a relatively slim package that will comfortably fit in most car boots and cupboards. The all-wheel suspension makes for a smooth and comfortable ride too. It isn’t perfect and it certainly isn’t the best-looking pushchair on the market, but it is robust and reliable. We recommend this pushchair for active parents who live in the city and need to navigate a variety of terrains and awkward spaces.
