Am I Expecting Too Much from an Umbrella Stroller?

Check out the Inglesina Trip. We stopped using our travel system altogether once we bought this fantastic umbrella stroller with our first child. It's pricey, but it reclines, has a small basket underneath, and has a decent canopy. It came with a rain cover & cup holder, too. I think we paid around $179 at The Right Start in 2006 when we bought it. At the time, I looked at lots of umbrella strollers. We chose this one because of it's height (easier for my husband to push it around---many umbrellas are really short) and it's construction. It holds up to the weight of an older toddler and is still easy to push around. The cheaper umbrellas don't work well as the child gets heavier! It is very comfortable to push around. It also folds up and has a strap which makes it really easy to carry. I can also say that the sales people at The Right Start were so helpful when we made this purchase! They are very knowledgable about the products they carry (and even the ones the don't carry). It would be worth a visit.

I have the Twist. It's a good stroller (I also bought mine from costco.com-watch the shipping though, it was a lot). I really didn't use mine much (might be willing to sell it to you-email me). You might be able to get a Maclaren for a similar price, check the Triumph. The Twist comes with a lot of accessories which is nice. In the end, I just don't really like umbrella strollers that much. I bought a Baby Jogger City Mini and that's my car and travel stroller. I love it way more than any Maclaren or the Twist.

I have the twist and use it a lot. It's my car stroller. I have a Quinny to take long walks in but the twist is great for in and out and travel. We bought it to take with us to FL and it worked out great.
Most important my son loves it and is comfortable in it. It has a pocket in the hood which is great to hold cellphone or keys.

Good luck with your search.
I also bought mine from costco and I don't remember the shipping being very much at all. In fact I could swear they didn't charge me shipping only tax.

High end umbrellas generally go for $120-$180. I have an Inglesina Swift and it's great. I also researched the MacLarans, but decided against them. I cant be happier. BTW I did have another Zooper stroller before (Boogie) and I think the company makes good products, but i havent tried the salsa

I was obsessed with finding the perfect stroller and I think I almost found it. I wanted something just a touch above an umbrella stroller for recline ability and a good canopy, but I wanted it to be light and easy to open with one hand and steer with one hand. It's the Baby Jogger City Mini. I LOVE it and it was well worth the $220. It is comparable in quality to some of the big names that are $600-$900. The only down side is the undercarriage storage is small, and my daughter doesn't sit upright, but slightly reclined which is sometimes annoying for her. You can buy a snack tray attachment or a belly bar or even an attachment for an infant carrier seat. I haven't needed that yet so it is still a great deal in my mind for $220. Good luck!

I love my mcclaren which I got on craigslist for $50. The canopy works great. It has storage, is lightweight and easy to fold and unfold and is very easy to steer. I see why so many rave about this brand.

Te Uppababy G-Luxe sounds like what you're looking for.