Cybex Jogging Stroller Review 2022

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• The Cybex Avi is a uniquely designed stroller designed specifically for runners.
• It runs smoothly over pavement and features rear suspension, air-filled tires, and an easily adjustable handle.
• Though it’s expensive at $579, its design and ease of use make it a great choice for the active family.

No matter how experienced you may be as a runner, using a stroller can be a big adjustment. There’s a reason some strollers are made specifically for jogging, offering features like handlebar straps, locking wheels, and handbrakes. These are major features and are what often separate the average sleek city stroller from one made entirely for runners.

Take the luxury stroller company, Cybex, and its new Avi running stroller, for instance. The brand launched with the help of a running coach and offers strollers that are lightweight, easy to push, and that run smoothly over concrete. In other words, Cybex strollers like the Avi are built for and by runners.

As a runner myself, I decided to put the Avi to the test. With so many other running strollers on the market, I wanted to see if it’s truly able to stand apart from the pack as something built from the ground up specifically for a runner, and if it’s worth its $579 price tag.

Design and specs

The stroller is made for babies as young as six months old and up to 55 lbs. It has rear suspension and air-filled tires, and the handle on the back is easily adjustable for runners of different heights. There’s also an included strap for extra control, in case you somehow let go.

The stroller weighs 23.4 lbs, which is less than the popular running stroller models from Thule or Bob Gear. It measures 35 inches in length, 23 inches wide, and 10 inches tall when folded which makes it easy to carry on your own and small enough to store in a closet or tucked away in a garage.

Accessories can be purchased to further meet your running needs, too. These include a bug shield, a rain cover, adapters to attach a carseat, and a cup/cell phone holder. You can also purchase the brand’s Footmuff or snøgga sleeping bags to keep the baby warm, and a summer seat to keep them cool.

What it’s like to use

This was the first stroller I’ve ever put together myself, and it took me roughly 10 minutes before I had to reach for the instructions — once I got to the wheels, I used the manual for the remainder. After I assembled it, I found it easy to both collapse and unfold the stroller as each was done without much effort.

It fits in the back of my mid-sized SUV without being too cumbersome, so I imagine it could also go into the trunk of a sedan with no problem. As mentioned, it’s one of the lightest strollers on the market, compared to Bob Gear’s jogging stroller which is 28.5 lbs, and Thule’s, which weighs 25 lbs.

The Avi is designed strictly for smaller children, and there’s not much wiggle room. I wanted to see if my average-sized three-year-old could get in and out and, unsurprisingly, it was a struggle. This isn’t a knock necessarily but something to keep in mind for families who might be looking for something a little more versatile or long-lasting.

The Avi can also be easily shared between parents since the handle on the back easily adjusts to whatever height preference you need. It’s seamless to the point that multiple people can even take turns pushing it while on a run.

The drawbacks

Many of the drawbacks come down to personal preference. Do you prefer a larger basket underneath to carry a whole diaper bag, or do you need a bigger stroller to accommodate a larger baby? Or maybe you want to run with your child past the age of two; you may find that this isn’t the right stroller for you.

It also doesn’t come with the kind of products you’d expect from a premium stroller like cupholders or a bug shield (these have to be purchased separately). With a price tag of $579, which is quite expensive for a running stroller, I’d expect Cybex to include more of these add-ons right out of the box.

Why use a running stroller? 

Since someone new to running with a baby may wonder why they need a separate (potentially pricey) stroller, I sought out an expert who could explain it best. According to Stride co-founder, Latisha Switzer, jogging strollers are designed to allow you enough room in front of your foot as it’s striding, whereas regular strollers have a foot stand that’s in the way.

Switzer added that when you run on your own, your arms swing back and forth. Your running stroller should also allow your arms to freely move in this natural motion.

Should you buy it?

The Cybex is a good buy for a city or suburban family and is best used in parks or on paved streets. Since it’s light and easier to maneuver, it can also work for anyone who enjoys running races like 5ks or 10ks.

Current Cybex users may want to stick with the trusty luxury brand, especially since some accessories can be interchangeable. Parents who vary in height will enjoy the ease of adjusting the handle without even needing to stop running.

What are your alternatives?

The running community has long embraced the Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller from Bob Gear, which is comparable in features, holds a child up to 75 lbs, and is slightly cheaper in price. It is, however, quite a bit heavier.

Another popular alternative is Thule’s Urban Glide 2. However, this model is more expensive than the Cybex Avi and many users complain about the quality of its fabric. It’s also a much narrower stroller and is even smaller than the Cybex (plus, it only holds up to a 49-pound child).

The bottom line

Cybex’s Avi stroller is a great option for the running family, albeit with slight limitations. It works well for the city dweller who lives near plenty of paved paths, be it through a city neighborhood or park.

It’s also incredibly lightweight and highly portable, allowing it to travel well if need be. It’s not without its drawbacks, though. The $579 price tag situates it into the more expensive end of the running stroller spectrum and it’s only capable of fitting a child for roughly two years.