Kelty Kids jogging stroller

All set to go

The weather is finally getting warmer here, and I’m getting restless and ready to be outside more. Anne and Ben lent us their Kelty Kids jogging stroller, and the other day I decided to make sure it was ready for a run with Edie. Of course, all three tires were flat. I used it a few times last fall, and all three tires had goatheads in them (if you don’t know about goatheads or puncturevine, be very thankful – you can see a picture here).

After applying five patches and still having the rear tires go flat, I decided I needed to get some reinforced tubes, like what I have on my bike. The local bike shop is only a few blocks away, so I walked over and talked to the owner for a bit. I figured I’d get reinforced tubes, tube liners, and fill the tubes with goop, but he suggested getting flat-free tires, which I didn’t even know they made for bikes! The idea of never having to worry about flats on the stroller, combined with the fact that it was only going to be about $5 more a tire, was all I needed.

The tires were probably the toughest tires to put on the rims that I have ever dealt with, but that’s a good thing, because it means they won’t wobble at all. The guy at the bike shop said that solid tires aren’t the best for bikes, because there’s a danger that the tire will pop off the rim if you take a corner really fast. Fortunately, I don’t run quite that fast.

I was concerned that it would make for a bumpier ride, but they have about as much give as a properly inflated tire, so I don’t think it’s much different.

All in all, I’d have to say these are one of the best purchases I’ve made in a while, for the peace of mind if nothing else.