Having just booked our summer holidays we didn't want to take our son, Christopher (who will be 10 months old when we travel) abroad with the travel system we are using just now as it is very bulky and heavy, which is not practical for our visit to Florida.
It was still important to us ... Read review
Advantages: Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre & collapse Disadvantages: see op
Having just booked our summer holidays we didn't want to take our son, Christopher (who will be 10 months old when we travel) abroad with the travel system we are using just now as it is very bulky and heavy, which is not practical for our visit to Florida.
It was still important to us that we had a high quality, safe and convenient stroller for Christopher, we wanted a buggy which would last us a few years of functional use, as we ... ...along with ease of use and convenience for ourselves were all important factors and after some investigations and advice from other parents, we looked at the Maclaren range of prams.
MACLAREN - THE COMPANY
The Maclaren story began in 1965 when Owen Maclaren, a former test pilot and aeronautical designer, designed and patented his prototype Baby Buggy. He had been involved in the design of the Spitfire fighter plane undercarriage ... more
Having just booked our summer holidays we didn't want to take our son, Christopher (who will be 10 months old when we travel) abroad with the travel system we are using just now as it is very bulky and heavy, which is not practical for our visit to Florida.
It was still important to us that we had a high quality, safe and convenient stroller for Christopher, we wanted a buggy which would last us a few years of functional use, as we may well decide to have more kiddies, safety and comfort along with ease of use and convenience for ourselves were all important factors and after some investigations and advice from other parents, we looked at the Maclaren range of prams.
MACLAREN - THE COMPANY
The Maclaren story began in 1965 when Owen Maclaren, a former test pilot and aeronautical designer, designed and patented his prototype Baby Buggy. He had been involved in the design of the Spitfire fighter plane undercarriage before World War II and therefore had immense knowledge of lightweight, rigid, load-bearing structures capable of folding neatly. He was spurred on by a visit from his daughter, her airline director husband, and his first grandchild who was born in the United States. The trip to England meant coping with an unwieldy pram. After finding himself wheeling his grandchild around in a clumsy, heavy conventional pushchair, he had the inspiration to improve the humble vehicle. But Owen did more. He invented a new generation of baby transport. Using modern lightweight materials like tubular aluminium, Maclaren developed a structure, which could comfortably carry even a fairly large child and then fold into a space only a little bigger than that occupied by a rolled-up umbrella. The first Maclaren Buggy was created in the converted stables of his restored medieval farmhouse, Arnold House, in the village of Barby, Northamptonshire weighed just six pounds. A British patent application was filed on 20 July 1965, and a cognate application on 10 August 1965. A British Patent was granted. In 1978 Queen Elizabeth II's New Year Honour's List awarded a MBE to Owen Maclaren. He died in April 1978 at the age of 71. His legacy, the Maclaren "Buggies" (umbrella strollers) are sold all over the world in over 50 countries and in places as far-flung as New Guinea, the Bahamas, Chile and the Middle East, with the USA, Australia and Europe being the major export markets.
THE STROLLER
Although Christopher has only been using the pushchair for the past month, I am reliably informed the Maclaren Techno XT stroller is appropriate from birth and can be used until your child reaches a weight of 40lb/18kg, hopefully by this time your child will be walking.
It has a soft cosseting seat which much to my relief, is easily removed for cleaning purposes and shoulder pads assures your baby is comfortable, although when you attach a cosytoes to the pushchair, the straps become very tight.
It has a 4 position fully reclining seat for sitting, napping, or snacks on the go. As with all Maclaren buggies, it has a 5-point safety harness, which ensures Christopher remains safely in the seat. It also features an extendable leg rest with durable fabric gives added support to his little legs.
Additionally, the seat is angled down at the back and not parallel to the ground, so his weight is naturally in the back weighing him down, which makes it difficult for him to pull himself forward or lean out, a relief I am sure for most parents.
Maclaren say they use only the highest-grade aluminium in their buggies, making it as lightweight as possible (6 kilos approx. 14lbs) but still ensuring strength. They invented the 3-dimensional fold, meaning all their buggies fold forwards and inwards to be flatter and thinner than the more conventional 2-D fold, which just folds forward. I like the fact the buggy can be folded using one hand (even with a cosytoes on) and it comes with a carry strap, carry handle or can be hooked over my arm for easy travelling. The Techno XT when folded is small enough to fit into the boot of the smallest car (width when folded 10.8 inches, length 42.5 inches), even my Mum's little Daewoo.
One problem we discovered when "trying" the various makes of pushchairs in the shop was the height of the handles, my husband is 6 foot 1 inch and I am a mere 5 foot 3 inches. We found most umbrella-style buggies to have short handles, which would cause David back strain, making a walk with Christopher unpleasant which in turn would make my life unbearable with all the moaning about his sore back (lol). It was reassuring to discover the Maclaren Techno XT has ergonomically shaped, 3 position, adjustable moulded handles, for extra comfort and flexibility.
As with all their buggies, they have 8-wheels systems with double wheels on each leg of the buggy. Having 8 wheels does seem to provide a much smoother ride for Christopher, making it easier to push and manoeuvre for David and I.
Maclaren say their 6" alloy-style wheels are made from a very durable material to ensure a longer and more useful life, the front wheels swivel, allowing easier turning ability, making shopping in narrow aisle stores a delight; these wheels are lockable if required.
Coming with dual brakes for added safety, these are found on both rear wheels, and are operated by pushing a lever with your foot. Even though the brakes are easy to operate, please never leave your child unattended on even the slightest incline, for safety's sake.
It also comes with a large hood with UV protective sun visor and viewing window, so you can keep a watchful eye on your little cherub at all times; reflective panels; rain cover and storage basket as well as neat little pockets including a hidden pocket for your mobile phone - very handy for mummy or daddy.
Also available is a wide range of infant and child accessories. These include cosytoes (foot muffs), which provide warmth and can be co-ordinated with your pram. These accessories can be a bit pricey: we used the cosytoes from our travel system and it fitted the Techno XT perfectly.
As you can see from the pictures, this very modern and stylish stroller is available in a variety of colours including storm (silver/grey); chilli silver/red); indigo (dark blue/silver) and denim (denim blue/silver). The only design flaw is the net basket underneath is extremely small; it struggles to hold a large sized changing bag never mind shopping bags but this tends to be the case with most if not all pushchairs.
The Maclaren Techno XT has won 2 prestigious awards: the Mother & Baby 2001/2002 Silver award for best stroller and the Mother & Baby 2002/2003 Gold award for best stroller, these awards were voted for by parents.
NEGATIVE ISSUES
There are only a couple of complaints about this stroller. There is no hook or catch on the back of the pram; bags placed on the handlebars tend to slide down. Another drawback is that of tipping over i.e. if heavy items are placed on the pram handles, the lightweight frame tips backwards, which is not ideal, especially when you are struggling with shopping and having to deal with baby.
The Maclaren Techno XT stroller is expensive to purchase (approx. cost £160) but I feel I have found a real bargain, as I am confident it will last until Christopher starts walking. I have no hesitation in recommending this pram or any of the other strollers in the Maclaren to any parents out there.
Thank you for reading
PS: Please ignore the Age group rating below - the pram is suitable from birth (this option wasnt available)
Advantages: Light; Compact; Easy to fold; Suitable from birth; Good quality Disadvantages: Stability issues; Lack of storage; Not for uneven surfaces
**Background**
I have owned my Maclaren Techno Classic for nearly two years so I think I know it pretty well now. We are buddies! I bought this buggy as an alternative to my Graco travel system after doing much research. It is an single umbrella stroller with two separate handles, a small basket, passenger foot rest and a sun canopy. I have two children who have both used this buggy. My daughter is now 2 years old and my son is 6 months old.
**Specs**
... ...stroller, whilst still retaining some important features like a sun/rain canopy.
It folds down in an umbrella style to a size - 43" by 11". This makes it easy to transport in smaller cars or by public transport.
**Age range**
The stroller is suitable from birth as it features *almost* fully reclining seats. I emphasise the word 'almost' because there is still a very slight gradient (maybe 10-15 degree angle), although in my opinion this is not ...
Wackywaith 12.09.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of McLaren Techno Buggy
Advantages: Lightweight yet sturdy, good appearance, lots of shopping space, good breaks, large hood Disadvantages: It doesnt' come in PINK!
Maclaren Techno XT stroller – Storm
At the weekend I acquired a new set of wheels, no not a new Audi convertible or Chrysler Voyager, but a Maclaren Techno XT Stroller and I LOVE IT!
My husband thinks I’ve gone over the edge with spending as I currently have three other forms of infant transport in my possession. He really doesn’t understand just why I need another buggy, but I’ll tell you why I needed to buy it.
This is a stroller. I currently ... ...The pram is bulky but is ideal for the buggy board on school runs. The tandem I use when I child mind and this too has been an invaluable piece of kit whilst my three ankle biters grew. As for my Chico umbrella type buggy, its absolute rubbish. I will write a review later on that horrendous item.
I saw this stroller by chance on Saturday at my local Mothercare in Hayes. It was placed in the central display aisle for a reduced price. Normally this ...
debbie_marway 12.07.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of McLaren Techno Buggy
Advantages: Large seat, high handles, large wheels, comfortable, sunshade Disadvantages: Expensive, dull colours, recline mechanism isn't great
Well to be honest I had tried to resist the Maclaren for as long as I could, my son is now 2 and a half years old so I thought I had managed with the pushchairs that I have had but how wrong was I a holiday booking later and here I am with my shiny XT!
I was on the market for something with a decent sized seat for my quite large son (he's about the size of a 3YO), folds to a smallish size and has height adjustable handles as I am 5ft 3 and my partner ... ...This ticked all the boxes as much as I hated to admit it. I had to give in and got one and so far I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised!
Mine is the 06/07 model and I bought it from Ebay so can't comment on packaging or set up I'm afraid.
Well mine came in a big box just folded as you would to put it in the boot etc on first inspection it is bigger than most umbrella folds but not massive just chunkier and longer,to unfold it was really ...
stais86 26.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of McLaren Techno Buggy
Advantages: Light, manouverable Disadvantages: small basket
I have had my New Maclaren Techno for 4 weeks(Isabelle 23/12/05) Isabelle is my 4th child and I have been through a variety of buggies and pushchairs - so I carefully researched - including this site - to make sure this time I got the right one.
My criteria were, It must be... Easy to push - The maclaren is amazingly easy to push , its very light and very controllable
Be comforatble for both me at 5'5 and My husband at 6' to push- I took Hubby ... ..., and He wizzed round the store with it - It has handles that you can change the height of to accomodate different people - very handy!
Practical - obviously Isabelle is only little yet, so we haven't had to clean it yet - but it looks easy to clean and is practical - the seat is removable and washable.
Have a good raincover - All of my previous pushchairs and buggies have had those HORRENDOUS raincovers that get in the way, won't fold up, won't ...
VJPearson 18.01.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of McLaren Techno Buggy
I bought the Maclaren Techno XT buggy as a replacement for a cheaper model I had to return to store. I chose this particular model based on what I had heard of the brand name and also because it was light weight and appeared to be durable.
The pushchair will last a family for many years as it is quite roomy and will grow with a child..
As it has a 4 position adjustable seat it can be used for a child from birth. My son likes to sit up and although ... ...him to sit semi upright in this buggy and take in the world as he pleases.
It has suspension on both the front and the rear wheels that make it very easy to push as well as swivel/ lockable wheels. I don't use the lockable facility as this makes the pushchair difficult to turn. The only use I have found for the lockable wheels is for going over a cattle grid! The handles are also moveable on height levels so that the height can be asjusted depending ...
pooliebaby 25.05.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of McLaren Techno Buggy
