BOB Wayfinder vs Thule Urban Glide 2
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The BOB Wayfinder (successor to the Alterrain) and Thule Urban Glide 2 are both premium jogging strollers approved for running. They share 12-inch rear air-filled tires and certified-for-jogging status, but they take different approaches to the run. The BOB prioritizes heavy-duty suspension and off-road capability. The Thule prioritizes a handbrake, lighter weight, and a more compact fold.
Here’s how they compare, spec by spec.
Specs Snapshot
| Feature | BOB Wayfinder | Thule Urban Glide 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Check current price → | Check current price → |
| Weight | ~30 lbs | ~25.3 lbs |
| Rear wheel size | 12″ air-filled | 12″ air-filled |
| Front wheel size | 12″ air-filled | 8.5″ air-filled |
| Suspension | Adjustable SmoothShox (9 settings) | Adjustable rear suspension |
| Handbrake | No | Yes (twist-grip) |
| Wrist strap | Yes | Yes |
| Seat capacity | 75 lbs | 75 lbs |
| Fold | Quick two-step | Compact one-piece |
| Jogging approved | Yes | Yes |
| Car seat compatible | Yes (with adapters) | Yes (with adapters) |
| Canopy | UPF 50+ with peek-a-boo window | UPF 50+ with peek-a-boo window |
*See All Specs Compared for sourced details.
The Handbrake: The Single Most Important Difference
The Thule Urban Glide 2 has a twist-grip handbrake on the handlebar. The BOB Wayfinder does not have a handbrake.
This distinction matters most for runners who live in hilly areas. A handbrake gives you controlled, gradual deceleration on downhills without relying solely on your grip strength or the parking brake. For flat-terrain runners, it matters less. But for anyone running routes with even moderate hills, the handbrake is a significant safety and convenience feature.
Both strollers include wrist straps as a safety tether, which is standard for jogging strollers and should always be used while running.
Suspension: Different Philosophies
Both strollers have adjustable suspension, but the BOB takes a more aggressive approach.
The BOB Wayfinder uses SmoothShox suspension with 9 adjustment settings. This system is tunable for child weight and terrain type: turning a dial stiffens or softens the ride. Parents describe the BOB’s suspension as “tank-like” on rough trails; it absorbs rocks, roots, and broken pavement in a way that few other strollers can match.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 has adjustable rear suspension. It provides a smooth ride on paved paths and moderate terrain, but parents note it does not absorb aggressive off-road conditions as thoroughly as the BOB. For primarily on-road or paved-trail runners, the Thule’s suspension is more than adequate. For trail runners pushing through gravel, dirt, and roots, the BOB has an edge.
| Suspension Spec | BOB Wayfinder | Thule Urban Glide 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | SmoothShox (adjustable) | Rear adjustable |
| Settings | 9 levels | Multiple positions |
| Weight-based tuning | Yes | Yes |
| Off-road capability | Aggressive (trails, gravel, dirt) | Moderate (paved paths, light gravel) |
Wheels
The BOB Wayfinder has three 12-inch air-filled tires, all the same size, front and rear. This uniform wheel size is unusual among jogging strollers and contributes to the BOB’s off-road stability.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 has 12-inch rear wheels paired with an 8.5-inch front wheel. The smaller front wheel makes it more maneuverable in tight spaces and urban environments, but provides slightly less ground clearance over obstacles.
Both use air-filled tires, which means both are susceptible to flats. Carry a portable pump on longer runs.
Weight and Portability
The Thule Urban Glide 2 weighs approximately 25.3 lbs. The BOB Wayfinder weighs approximately 30 lbs. That 4.7-pound difference is noticeable when lifting the stroller in and out of a car trunk, carrying it up stairs, or running with it over longer distances.
The Thule also has a more compact fold. It folds as a single piece and lies relatively flat, making it easier to fit in smaller car trunks. The BOB’s two-step fold produces a larger folded package that takes up more trunk space.
| Portability Spec | BOB Wayfinder | Thule Urban Glide 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~30 lbs | ~25.3 lbs |
| Fold type | Quick two-step | Compact one-piece |
| Folded profile | Larger, bulkier | Flatter, more compact |
| One-hand fold | No | Yes (with practice) |
Seat and Comfort
Both strollers support children up to 75 lbs and feature padded, multi-position recline seats with 5-point harnesses. Both have UPF 50+ canopies with peek-a-boo windows.
The BOB Wayfinder has a slightly wider seat, which parents of larger toddlers appreciate. The Thule has a padded seat that parents describe as comfortable for longer outings.
Car Seat Compatibility
Both strollers accept infant car seats with brand-specific adapters sold separately. The BOB is compatible with Britax, Chicco, Graco, and Cybex infant seats. The Thule works with Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, and Nuna via Thule’s universal car seat adapter.
Neither stroller includes a car seat adapter in the box.
Storage
The BOB Wayfinder has a larger under-seat basket that parents consistently praise for fitting diaper bags, water bottles, and gear. The Thule’s basket is smaller and more enclosed, which some parents find harder to access while running. However, the Thule includes a parent console with a covered storage compartment and cup holder.
What Parents Are Saying
About the BOB Wayfinder
Top positives (based on approximately 1,800+ reviews across Amazon, REI, and running forums as of March 2026): Parents and runners describe the BOB as “a tank in the right way.” The SmoothShox suspension is consistently praised for absorbing rough terrain. runners report taking it on gravel trails, dirt paths, and uneven grass without their child bouncing. The build quality is described as extremely durable, with parents reporting years of daily use without mechanical issues. The large basket is frequently cited as practical for long outings.
What reviewers note: Weight is the dominant complaint. At approximately 30 lbs, parents report it is difficult to lift into SUV trunks and carry up stairs. The bulky fold takes up significant trunk space, and some parents report it does not fit in sedan trunks alongside other cargo. Accessories (rain cover, snack tray, car seat adapter) are all sold separately and described as expensive. The lack of a handbrake is cited by hill runners as a meaningful gap.
About the Thule Urban Glide 2
Top positives (based on approximately 1,200+ reviews across Amazon, REI, and running forums as of March 2026): The handbrake is the most praised feature; parents running in hilly neighborhoods or on sloped paths describe it as “essential” and “a safety game-changer.” The lighter weight (approximately 25.3 lbs) is appreciated for loading and unloading. The compact fold fits in smaller car trunks. Parents describe the maneuverability as excellent on paved paths and running tracks.
What reviewers note: The under-seat basket is the most common criticism; parents describe it as too small and difficult to access while the seat is reclined. The front wheel (8.5″) is smaller than the rear wheels, and some parents report it catches on larger obstacles that the BOB’s 12-inch front wheel would roll over. The suspension is described as adequate but not as plush as the BOB on very rough terrain. Some parents report the tires need more frequent inflation than expected.
Choosing Between Them
The BOB Wayfinder may be a better fit if you:
- Run on trails, gravel, dirt paths, or rough terrain regularly
- Prioritize heavy-duty, tunable suspension (9 SmoothShox settings)
- Want uniform 12-inch wheels front and rear for maximum obstacle clearance
- Need a large under-seat basket for gear on long runs or outings
- Run primarily on flat terrain where a handbrake is less critical
The Thule Urban Glide 2 may be a better fit if you:
- Run in hilly areas and need a handbrake for controlled deceleration
- Want a lighter stroller (~25 lbs vs. ~30 lbs) for easier loading
- Need a compact fold that fits in a smaller car trunk
- Run primarily on paved paths, tracks, and sidewalks
- Prefer a more maneuverable stroller for navigating tight urban spaces
All Specs Compared
| Specification | BOB Wayfinder | Thule Urban Glide 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Check current price → | Check current price → |
| Weight | ~30 lbs | ~25.3 lbs |
| Seat capacity | 75 lbs | 75 lbs |
| Minimum age (jogging) | 8 months | 6 months (walking), jogging per pediatrician |
| Recline | Multi-position, near-flat | Multi-position, near-flat |
| Canopy | UPF 50+, peek-a-boo window | UPF 50+, peek-a-boo window |
| Front wheel | 12″ air-filled (lockable swivel) | 8.5″ air-filled (lockable swivel) |
| Rear wheels | 12″ air-filled | 12″ air-filled |
| Suspension | SmoothShox, 9 settings | Adjustable rear |
| Handbrake | No | Yes (twist-grip) |
| Wrist strap | Yes | Yes |
| Fold type | Quick two-step | Compact one-piece |
| Parking brake | Foot-operated | Foot-operated |
| Harness | 5-point, no-rethread | 5-point, padded |
| Basket | Large under-seat | Smaller under-seat, parent console included |
| Car seat adapters | Sold separately (Britax, Chicco, Graco, Cybex) | Sold separately (Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna) |
| Jogging approved | Yes | Yes |
Specifications sourced from manufacturer websites (BOB Gear, Thule) and authorized retailers (Amazon, REI) as of March 2026. Check retailer sites for current pricing and availability. BabyNerd has not independently tested these products.
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Quick Answers
Can I run with both of these strollers?
Yes. Both the BOB Wayfinder and Thule Urban Glide 2 are approved for jogging. Both include wrist straps, lockable front wheels, and 5-point harnesses. Always lock the front wheel before running and use the wrist strap.
Does the BOB Wayfinder have a handbrake?
No. The BOB Wayfinder does not have a handbrake. It has a foot-operated parking brake only. The Thule Urban Glide 2 has a twist-grip handbrake on the handlebar for controlled deceleration while running.
Which is lighter?
The Thule Urban Glide 2 at approximately 25.3 lbs is about 4.7 lbs lighter than the BOB Wayfinder at approximately 30 lbs.
Can I use these with an infant car seat?
Yes, both accept infant car seats via brand-specific adapters sold separately. Neither stroller includes adapters in the box. Check manufacturer compatibility lists for your specific car seat model.
Which stroller is better for off-road trails?
The BOB Wayfinder. Its uniform 12-inch wheels (front and rear), 9-setting SmoothShox suspension, and heavier build make it more capable on rough terrain, gravel, and dirt trails. The Thule handles light gravel and paved paths well but has a smaller front wheel and less aggressive suspension.
Is the BOB Alterrain still available?
The BOB Alterrain has been succeeded by the BOB Wayfinder. The Wayfinder retains the Alterrain’s core design philosophy (SmoothShox suspension, large air-filled tires) with updated features. Some retailers may still carry Alterrain inventory, but the Wayfinder is the current model as of March 2026.
