The Mountain Buggy Duet review is one of the best side-by-side style double stroller ever made! It is fantastic for daily use in the city and also for off-road strolling.
My sister who is expecting twins recently bought it and I really love it. I do not know how she settled on it, but I love everything about it from how it looks to how it moves.
In this comprehensive mountain buggy duet review of the double stroller, I am going to share with you everything you need to know about the stroller. I am going to tell you what makes it unique, how it performs, how comfortable it is, and so on and so forth. And to make the review as balanced as possible, I am also going to share with you its flaws.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
The Mountain Buggy Duet Review
If you are on the market for a side-by-side double stroller that you can use to cruise your neighborhood or to go on day trips with, end your search now. This is exactly the stroller you are looking for!
I am saying this because I have seen it and used it. It is one of the safest, most comfortable, and easiest to use strollers I have ever encountered or written about. And this is high praise considering the fact that I have used, tried, and reviewed about one hundred different types of strollers.
I also believe the stroller is pretty durable. Because this is like the third or fourth month since it was bought and despite being exposed to some rough treatment, the stroller still works like a charm.
The best thing about the stroller, I think, is the fact that it can grow with your babies. You can use it to carry them from birth to late toddlerhood. To use it from birth you will need either two bassinets or two compatible car seats. (More information later in the review.)
Normally, double strollers are difficult to maneuver because they are bulky and wide. But not this one. It is relatively narrow, almost like a standard stroller despite having wide and comfy seats. Its narrow design and its wheels make it agile and easy to maneuver.
Moreover, its big wheels make it very easy to push. I have used it to take my nieces out for a stroll and it did not even feel like work. It felt like a very wonderful experience whether I was pushing it over sidewalks or over unbeaten paths.
The one thing that I do not like about the stroller is the price. I kind of feel it is a bit high. However, considering its quality, its design, its features, and how brilliantly it works as a double stroller, I feel like its price is totally justified.
Below is my mountain buggy duet review. It is my hope that the information below will help you to know if it is the double stroller you are looking for.
- SAME WIDTH AS A SINGLE STROLLER - at just 25" the Mountain Buggy Duet is the same width as a single stroller and fits through all standard doorways
- NEWBORN READY - with dual, independent lie-flat seats, use of one or two car seats or the Mountain Buggy carry cot plus
- CONTROL HAND BRAKE - for walking, jogging and going up and down hills in any weather
- ONE HAND FAST FOLD - simple and efficient one-hand, standing fold that is incredibly compact
- TAKES TWO INFANT CAR SEATS SIMULTANEOUSLY - attach two mountain buggy protect infant car seats (sold separately) or other leading brands with the purchase of adapters
Mountain Buggy Duet review – The features
To commence this review, I would like to start by discussing Duet’s most crucial features.
Size
This stroller is known to be slim and narrow despite being a side-by-side double stroller. And if you do not believe me, the stroller measures 25.6 inches wide. In other words, it is just as wide as standard strollers.
The fact that this stroller is just as narrow as standard single strollers means it can easily get through elevators, doorways, and other tight spaces. In contrast, most double strollers will not easily get through tight spaces.
The width of the Duet stroller versus that of a sample standard stroller.
Folding
This Mountain Buggy Duet double stroller is one of the easiest double strollers to fold. In fact, it is so easy to fold that you can fold it with 1 hand. Although easy, it is not something you will master in a day. Nevertheless, when you fold the stroller two or three times, you should be able to fold it in your sleep.
When folded properly two things will happen. First, the stroller will automatically lock itself. You will hear a click when this happens. Second, you will be able to self-stand the stroller.
The fact that you can self-stand the stroller makes it easy to store. It also keeps it clean as its fabrics won’t be in contact with the ground.
The folded Mountain Buggy Duet.
The stroller’s fold size is 35 inches by 25.6 inches by 12.5 inches. For a double stroller, this fold size is quite compact. It is even more compact than the fold size of the older model.
The Duet’s compact fold size makes it easier to accommodate in a small car trunk or closet.
Wheels
The Duet has four relatively big air-filled wheels that absorb shocks and make it smoother to ride. The wheels are all 10 inches in diameter. With such pneumatic wheels, the stroller can easily handle all types of terrain including rough terrain.
As I mentioned earlier, my sister owns this very stroller. For this reason, I have either pushed it or seen her pushing it over sand, grass, gravel, unbeaten roads, and so on. It goes smoothly over such terrain and doesn’t even shake much.
One piece of advice I will give you for when riding over rough terrain is to lock the front wheels. Because locking the front wheels increases the stroller’s stability and makes it easier to push and maneuver over bumpy or rough grounds.
And when in situations where you need the stroller to negotiate tight turns frequently, you should unlock the front wheels to let them swivel. This will increase the stroller’s agility and enable you to make those tight turns.
Another piece of advice I will give you about this stroller and its wheels is to always carry a pump. You don’t know when you will need it.
- SAME WIDTH AS A SINGLE STROLLER - at just 25" the Mountain Buggy Duet is the same width as a single stroller and fits through all standard doorways
- NEWBORN READY - with dual, independent lie-flat seats, use of one or two car seats or the Mountain Buggy carry cot plus
- CONTROL HAND BRAKE - for walking, jogging and going up and down hills in any weather
- ONE HAND FAST FOLD - simple and efficient one-hand, standing fold that is incredibly compact
- TAKES TWO INFANT CAR SEATS SIMULTANEOUSLY - attach two mountain buggy protect infant car seats (sold separately) or other leading brands with the purchase of adapters
Maneuverability
I was pleasantly surprised when I first took my twin niece and nephew for a ride in this stroller. This is because I did not expect it to be easy to push and steer since most double strollers are not easy to push and steer.
It moves just like a lightweight stroller. I did not have to put too much effort to get it moving even from a standstill position. And I could even get it moving over flat terrain with 1 hand. Its easy maneuverability and agility made me want to stroll with my niece and nephew for hours on that day.
Moreover, based on what my sister has told me about it, the stroller is also easy to maneuver over unpaved roads.
Seating options
The Duet is pretty flexible in the sense that it has several seating options/ arrangements. You can use it to carry your twins from the very first day and they can grow with it. The seating options include infant car seats for newborns, carrycots for newborns, cocoons for newborns, and toddler seats for toddlers. It is important to note that only the toddler seats come with the stroller. Any of the other seating options have to be bought separately if desired.
Infant car seats for newborns
Infant car seats on the Duet v3.
The Duet is designed in such a way that it can easily be converted into a travel system. This is because it is compatible with a variety of infant car seats including the Peg Perego, the Chicco KeyFit, the Graco Classic, and the Maxi Cosi car seats. However, to actually attach a car seat or two on the stroller, you need to buy the appropriate car seat adapter.
The image above shows two infant cars seats attached on the stroller frame. Not many double strollers allow the attachment of two car seats at the same time. So the fact that this one does is a huge plus.
Carrycots for newborns
The Mountain Buggy Duet review is designed in such a way that it can accommodate two carrycots at the same time to carry newborns. Carrycots are perfect for parents with newborn twins as they offer the flat and cozy position for sleeping. In my opinion, carrycots are the best ‘seating’ option for newborns. They are especially suitable for long strolls. They are, however, a bit cumbersome when transferring the babies from the vehicle to the house.
Cocoons for newborns
Cocoons are just like carrycots. They provide a flat position for sleeping and are, therefore, safe for carrying newborns. They provide the support newborns need to protect their spine and ensure normal physical growth and development.
One difference between the cocoons and the carrycots is that the cocoons are cheaper than the carrycots. So if you have a tight budget, you should go for the Mountain Buggy Cocoons instead of carrycots.
Mixed seating options for toddler and newborn
Mixed seating options on the Duet v3.
In case you want to carry a toddler and a newborn on this new Mountain Buggy Duet review, you can mix the seating options on the stroller. You can attach a toddler seat for the toddler and a carrycot or a car seat for the newborn.
Many people would be worried that mixing seating options would affect the stability of any double stroller. However, there is no need to worry about the stability of this stroller when you attach a toddler seat and a newborn ‘seating’ option. This is because due to the close position of both seating options and its perfect weight distribution, this stroller will not lose its stability.
I have carried a 2-month-old infant and a 2.5-year-old toddler a number of times on the Mountain Buggy Duet. I did not feel as if the stroller had become any harder to push or to steer.
Toddler seats for toddlers
Two toddler seats on the Duet v3.
The Mountain Buggy Duet review comes with two toddler seats placed side-by-side. The seats are perfect for toddlers for a couple of reasons.
First, they can both be reclined independently. They are perfect for napping during strolls when reclined. They are also perfect for younger babies when reclined. For older babies, the seat can be set straight to make them comfortable.
The fact that the seats recline independently is useful as the babies may want to do opposite things at the same time. For instance, one may want to nap while the other may want to watch the surroundings.
To recline either seat, you need to use the strap on the back of it.
The two reclining seats on the Mountain Buggy double stroller.
Second, both toddler seats have got long backrests and high maximum weight capacities. The backrests measure 25.1 inches long. This makes them more comfortable and provides enough room for your babies to grow with the stroller.
The maximum weight capacity of each seat is also 39.6 pounds. So there is definitely room for weight growth too.
You can, therefore, confidently expect to use this stroller for like three or four years.
Third, both seats are wide and comfy. This is despite the stroller being quite slim for a double stroller. How wide are the seats? They are wide enough to put your sons or daughters in them with their winter coats on.
Fourth, both seats have a washable cover. This is perfect because you can always expect kids to dirty strollers one way or the other. But the fact that the covers are washable makes them easy to clean.
Fifth, each stroller has got a big bumper bar. The bumper bars will provide your kids with something to hold on to when riding in the stroller. They are easy to open to release the kids.
Lastly, each toddler seat comes with an adjustable footrest for maximum comfort.
The Mountain Buggy Duet Single Stroller
This stroller is also perfect for parents who already have one child but are expecting another. This is because it can be used as a single stroller by attaching only one toddler seat and putting a side luggage storage next to it. Thus, when using it as a single stroller, you will have two storage areas, the side storage, and the under-the-seat storage bin.
But please note that the side luggage storage is bought separately. So you will have to spend extra on it if you want it.
Only a few other double strollers offer the single seating option. So the fact that the Duet is available in a Mono version is a big plus.
As it is evident from the section above, the Duet is a pretty versatile and flexible stroller for it offers a good number of seating options. Moms and dads who want versatility and flexibility will like it.
- SAME WIDTH AS A SINGLE STROLLER - at just 25" the Mountain Buggy Duet is the same width as a single stroller and fits through all standard doorways
- NEWBORN READY - with dual, independent lie-flat seats, use of one or two car seats or the Mountain Buggy carry cot plus
- CONTROL HAND BRAKE - for walking, jogging and going up and down hills in any weather
- ONE HAND FAST FOLD - simple and efficient one-hand, standing fold that is incredibly compact
- TAKES TWO INFANT CAR SEATS SIMULTANEOUSLY - attach two mountain buggy protect infant car seats (sold separately) or other leading brands with the purchase of adapters
Safety features
This stroller is not only comfy but also quite safe. This is because it comes with a variety of special features to keep your babies safe. The features include a parking brake, a control brake, a safety harness, a handlebar, and a canopy.
Parking brake
This stroller comes with a foot-operated brake. It works like a car handbrake as its purpose is to park/ immobilize the stroller. It is very useful for safety as it prevents the stroller from rolling away when you stop or sit down. The brake can be quickly engaged or released.
Hand-operated brake
In addition to the parking brake, the Duet comes with a hand-operated brake. The brake is for control purposes. It allows you to control the speed of the stroller and to brake it in case you are going too fast.
The 5-point safety harness
Each toddler seat on this stroller comes with a 5-point safety harness. The 5-point safety harness is perfect because it secures the baby’s shoulders, chest, and legs. It prevents them from falling off in case of sharp braking or sudden stopping.
And the best thing about it is that it is easy for parents to open but not for toddlers.
The safety harness on the Mountain Buggy.
Additionally, the harnesses are adjustable for size and height. This means you can make them more comfortable and secure for your kids as they grow up.
Handlebar
This new Mountain Buggy Duet comes with a special adjustable handlebar. You can adjust it to make it more comfortable for you to push regardless of how tall or short you are. The highest setting is 42 inches from the floor, while the lowest is 31 inches. So it is pretty suitable for all-height moms and dads.
However, it adjusts by rotating. This may be okay but it is not the best way of adjusting. The best way is telescopic as it pushes the stroller away for tall parents and creates space to prevent them from kicking into it.
The adjustable duet handlebar.
Canopy
Each toddler seat comes with a decent-sized canopy. Both canopies are adjustable and have a viewing window with a silent magnetic closure. Each canopy comes with a sun visor that offers UV protection. Although the canopies and their sun visors offer decent coverage, I wish they were a bit bigger to provide 100% coverage.
Storage
The Mountain Buggy Duet has got a big under-the-seat storage bin. It is big enough to accommodate a large-sized diaper bag. It is also big enough to carry enough essentials for a long day trip. Its maximum capacity is 11 pounds.
The pros and cons of the new Mountain Buggy Duet
Below are the pros and cons of the stroller based on my experience with it, my sister’s experience with it, and what I have read online.
Pros
- Quite easy to push and maneuver. You can have it moving with one hand despite being a double stroller.
- Quite slim and narrow for a double stroller. In fact, it is as narrow as some single strollers and easily gets through tight spaces.
- Comes with a variety of exciting seating options for newborns and for toddlers.
- Has two separately reclinable seats with washable covers, bumper bars, and safety harnesses.
- Four pneumatic wheels for stability and for smooth rides. The wheels are also suitable for bumpy terrain.
- An all-height adjustable handlebar.
- Can be folded easily and locks automatically and self-stands when folded properly.
Cons
- The canopies should have been made bigger.
- There are no additional features e.g. a cup holder or a parent pouch.
- Can be heavy for some parents.
Mountain Buggy Duet Stroller Specs
| Type of stroller | Side by side double stroller |
| Weight of stroller | 32.4 pounds |
| Seat weight capacity | 40 pounds per toddler seat. |
| For who | For newborn twins, toddler twins, or siblings with a small age difference. |
| Size of the stroller | 25.6 by 31-42 by 44.8 inches |
| Fold size | 25.6 by 35 by 12.5 inches |
Mountain Buggy Duet reviews Colors
- SAME WIDTH AS A SINGLE STROLLER - at just 25" the Mountain Buggy Duet is the same width as a single stroller and fits through all standard doorways
- NEWBORN READY - with dual, independent lie-flat seats, use of one or two car seats or the Mountain Buggy carry cot plus
- CONTROL HAND BRAKE - for walking, jogging and going up and down hills in any weather
- ONE HAND FAST FOLD - simple and efficient one-hand, standing fold that is incredibly compact
- TAKES TWO INFANT CAR SEATS SIMULTANEOUSLY - attach two mountain buggy protect infant car seats (sold separately) or other leading brands with the purchase of adapters
The new Mountain Buggy Duet comes in five different color options: Silver, Black, Marine, Grid, and a special edition color option. The previous 2016 model had more color options than it.
The special Year of Rooster edition Duet.
The Differences between the 2016 and the 2017 Mountain Buggy Duets
Both Duets are brilliant side by side double strollers. However, the 2017 model is superior because it is an upgrade of the older version. It is also more expensive because it is an upgrade. Below is a table showing how both models compare.
| Mountain Buggy Duet 2016 | Mountain Buggy Duet 2017 |
| Has a parking brake only (foot-operated). | Has a parking brake (foot-operated) and a speed control handbrake. |
| 24.5 inches wide | 25.6 inches wide |
| Fold size: 24.5 by 38 by 17.5 inches | Compact fold size: 25.6 by 35 by 12.5 inches |
| Has a non-adjustable harness. | Has 5-point adjustable harness. |
| Has a non-adjustable footrest. | Has an adjustable footrest. |
| Available in seven color options. | Available in fewer (five) color options. |
| Cheaper double stroller. Check color options and price. | Pricey double stroller. Check color options and price. |
What other moms and dads think about the new Duet
It is my practice to always read the reviews left for a stroller before buying it or reviewing. Although I had had firsthand experience with the Duet courtesy of the fact that my sister bought it, I still went ahead and read the reviews. When reading the reviews, I noticed most of them were positive about the stroller. Moms and dads who have used the stroller say they love its sooth maneuverability, its speed control brake, its deep reclining seats, its removable seat covers, its soft fabrics, and its size and design.
There were also some parents in the reviews who do not like a few things about the double stroller. Some say it has a soft foam grip handlebar that is not very durable. I do not agree with this conclusion but I can see how the grip can actually tear if not handled carefully. Some parents also say that they do not like its air-filled tires. That they require to be inflated every now and then. This I understand and agree with.
What to consider before buying this stroller
The Duet weighs 32 pounds. It is not one of the lightest strollers around. So it is not the easiest to lift or to put into car trunks especially for women. However, the fact that it is heavy is not unique to it as most other double strollers are also quite heavy. I know of a number that are much heavier than it. The other thing you need to consider is that you will need to buy car seats, carrycots, or cocoons if you want to use this stroller from birth.
Why buy this stroller
- Because it is a slim and easy to maneuver double stroller.
- Because it has a variety of seating options for newborns and toddlers.
- Because it has got the wheels to handle all types of terrain.
Conclusion
If you want a premium quality double stroller, this stroller could be the perfect choice for you. This is because it is well-made with quality materials and has features that make it extremely safe and comfortable for babies.
You can use it to carry your twins from birth till toddlerhood. You can also use it to carry an infant and a toddler. You just need to find the perfect seating option for your babies to carry them comfortably.
The slim and compact design of the stroller plus its big air-filled wheels make it easy to maneuver. It is also a pretty stylish stroller that you will love to hit the road with!
I hope you liked my mountain buggy duet review, please leave a comment with any question or comment you may have!
- SAME WIDTH AS A SINGLE STROLLER - at just 25" the Mountain Buggy Duet is the same width as a single stroller and fits through all standard doorways
- NEWBORN READY - with dual, independent lie-flat seats, use of one or two car seats or the Mountain Buggy carry cot plus
- CONTROL HAND BRAKE - for walking, jogging and going up and down hills in any weather
- ONE HAND FAST FOLD - simple and efficient one-hand, standing fold that is incredibly compact
- TAKES TWO INFANT CAR SEATS SIMULTANEOUSLY - attach two mountain buggy protect infant car seats (sold separately) or other leading brands with the purchase of adapters
I’m Jessica Wills, most of my friends just call me Jess. I have 2 kids Astor who is 5, and Cody who is 3. I love writing and found a small passion in writing product reviews from a moms stand.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions, i’ll love to answer.
Last update on 2020-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API