iCandy: Peach Jogger Long term test

Pushchair Review

Long term reviewer: Jo Studholme (AKA Pushchair Trader Jo)

As many of you are aware, I have currently got the iCandy Peach Jogger on long term test. I get excited about all things pushchair-related (a little sad some would say), and still a new pushchair arriving in the office fills Helen (editor of Pushchair Trader) and I with excitement. I like the added bonus when they are added to our long term test garage. I pulled rank and bagged the Peach Jogger to come to me for its first real test. Getting a pushchair before it has been released to the general public adds to the excitement.

However, on all too many occasions, the pushchair reaches home, is unpacked and presented to our 2 year old with ‘here are your new wheels’ and he is far from exited (he must be one of the most spoilt toddlers in the UK with regards to pushchairs, although we are aware that this phase in his life is quickly coming to an end!) The Peach Jogger however, was met with more enthusiasm than usual. It must have been the shiny chrome finish and the single chunky wheel at the front, as he announced it was not a pushchair but his ‘motorbike’.

As with all of my long term test pushchairs, it has been used day-in-day-out. One of our first outings was for the Bliss Buggy Push back in July. I am not a professional runner and to be honest the Peach jogger is a ‘jogger-style’ pushchair as opposed to a jogging pushchair! It has a short wheel base and so apart from a short dash to a bus or to collect an older sibling from school, I will not be taking up running with the Peach jogger!  It wasn’t awful – there are just better pushchairs on the market if you really intend to run! It was here in Kensington Gardens that we truly tested the raincover.  I have to admit that Harry hates raincovers – he always has done and most probably always will do, but he is not alone! The Peach has an ample sized hood, so under different circumstances I would have opted to just use the hood and  would have let his feet get a little damp. However, the rain was SOOOOO hard that a raincover was about as close to essential as I have ever come. We had no option than to be out in the torrential downpour as we were launching the race with Amy Guy. I popped on the raincover with a protesting 2 year old under it. The team from iCandy were there so I was conscious that they were wondering whether it would be possible to design the next one with some inbuilt sound-proofing!.. Harry tugged and kicked at the cover but it withstood his strength, remained intact and kept him dry (but not quiet!). He had ample room under the cover and it kept both him and the materials of the pushchair dry.  This was surely one of the most rigorous tests I have done so far of a raincover and I am pleased to announce that the Peach Jogger raincover passed with flying colours!!

So – what else has the Peach Jogger been up to over the last few months? I have used it very regularly both parent-facing and world-facing. I prefer parent-facing but Harry now prefers world-facing so we tend to use a variety depending where we are and what we are doing.  We went as a family to London for the day and took all the paraphernalia you needed for a day in the ‘Big Smoke’. The ample basket even left space for a little retail therapy. I am very impressed with the basket on the Jogger – it is very large and easily accessible at all times. It is amongst the best baskets I have used recently. As with all our trips to London, we used a variety of methods of transport including the underground. The adjustable handle meant that we could alter the height making carrying it up and downstairs as easy as it ever could be.

The Peach jogger turns on a sixpence so manoeuvring in and out of a busy tube was relatively easy. We visited lots of the sites including the Tate Modern where this pushchair suddenly seemed at home. A new, pre-release pushchair from a British company who pride themselves on their British roots and an incredible building showcasing what the world of design has to offer. The turbine room is amazing. Harry (with some help), lowered the handle down and took great pleasure in wheeling the jogger around.  The Peach jogger was certainly a head-turner. It’s chrome piping echoed in the large pipes at the end of the hall.

As well as trips to the big smoke, I took the iCandy Peach jogger to the Lake District. Again, it’s versatility as a good all rounder pushchair was emphasised as well as its ability to be a packhorse (this time for a picnic for 5!). Across parkland it was great. As with all 3-wheelers you have to be careful going up a very steep hill that the front wheel doesn’t vere to the left or right. To be perfectly honest, we didn’t climb a mountain – maybe next time?! I have already mentioned this, but I love the small turning circle which meant that I could get through gates without an issue.

I rarely take a pushchair to the beach for a couple of reasons. Harry is now able to walk a fair distance plus most pushchairs are terrible on the sand. Having chunky tyres, I decided that I would test it on a recent trip to Lancashire where there was an air show that we watched from the beach. Harry was asleep so I took the Jogger with me.  I am pleased to report that it coped very well on the flat sand – we haven’t taken it in any sand dunes yet though! The iCandy Peach Jogger seemed very at home watching the Red Arrows overhead – two big British brands together.

We have also visited numerous parks – as you do with two young boys. The iCandy Peach Jogger has really been put through its paces. It’s a pushchair which Mr PT also likes pushing – its design is definitely a real draw for him, as is the adjustable handle and the whole ‘chunky and robust’ feel this pushchair has.

As you may expect, I am aware of lots of reports about the iCandy seat size. All I can say on this is that Harry fitted comfortably. When you buy the Peach Jogger, there is a seat insert zipped into the seat. This is designed for a younger child to make the seat more snug and comfortable. You can then remove it as your child grows. The seat is what I would describe as a ‘hugging seat’ and I like these. On wide seat units children can slide from left to right especially if you turn quickly.

To end my report, I need to emphasize just how easy the Peach Jogger is to fold and unfold.  You may have read our initial review which commented on its merits but of course using it regularly really puts this aspect to the test. I have to put the pushchair in the car in order to leave the house – it is nigh impossible just to ‘go for a quick walk’ from home. The handle moved easily up and down with one hand, you press the handle button in and lower the handle to the ground, then simply pick up the carry strap. You can then carry the chassis easily over your shoulder – I like this as it leaves me with free hands – one for the seat unit and one for my toddler’s hand. The wheels are simple to remove. As a rule I tend not to remove wheels as there is ample space in the boot of my car. However, after a rather muddy trip to the Lake District I decided to take them off to save some cleaning later!

I love the styling of the Peach Jogger – the chrome I think for many is a love-or-hate part of it. The materials are luxurious to touch. I had been concerned as to whether they would mark, but despite being put to the test by a 2 year old – so far any marks have been removed by simply using a damp cloth with plain water. The large wheels in black to me give it a more robust and almost masculine quality – Mr PT is happy to push this (and he’s fussier than me!). All in all, I am very pleased with the Peach Jogger, it has definitely become one of my preferred sets of wheel and is currently sat in the boot of my car, ready for its next outing tomorrow – coffee and cake is in order I think and a little retail therapy (but don’t tell Mr PT of course!)