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Thule Shine City Stroller vs. Thule Spring | Stroller Comparison
In the world of strollers, Thule has established itself as a trusted name known for quality, innovation, and a commitment to active, on-the-go lifestyles. Two of their stand out strollers, the Thule Shine City Stroller and the Thule Spring, cater to parents who want a mid-size stroller that’s easy to use and won’t break the bank.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, city dweller, or someone in between, choosing the right stroller is a crucial decision. In this comparison, we'll delve into the key features, functionalities, and design elements of the Thule Shine and Thule Spring strollers. They are quite different, but do have some similarities too!
Let’s take a look and see what one fits your lifestyle best!
Thule Shine
The Thule Shine City Stroller lets parents take on the rush of city life with their child from day one. The stroller’s lightweight, compact, and easy-to-handle design is perfect for navigating urban spaces yet is uncompromising in its premium features. It includes a padded and reversible reclining seat that’s newborn ready, a large ventilated and extendable canopy, and a built-in adjustable leg rest for safe and comfortable cruising with your little one.
The Thule Shine stroller maximizes both comfort and convenience for parents. The stroller can be pushed and packed up with just one hand, allowing you to hold baby at the same time as folding and unfolding. You can even use the Thule Shine City Stroller from birth with a compatible car seat, bassinet, or Thule's Newborn Nest insert!
Thule Spring
With its lightweight frame and compact, one-handed fold, the Thule Spring offers the ultimate in convenience while exploring the city. The Spring offers a footprint that's 30% smaller than traditional three-wheeled strollers and stands when folded, making it easy to maneuver and store the stroller in tight spaces.
Features like an adjustable handlebar, multi-position recline and step-in footrest make the Spring easy and comfortable to use for both parent and child!
Shine vs. Spring Price
The Thule Shine comes with the stroller frame, seat and canopy, removable bumper bar, and rain cover.
To see the current pricing of the Thule Shine, click here.
The Thule Spring comes with just the stroller as the seat and canopy are not removable.
To see the current pricing of the Thule Spring, click here.
Shine vs. Spring Specifications
There are some big differences between the Thule Shine and Thule Spring. For example, the Shine is a four wheel stroller whereas the Spring is a three wheel stroller. Three wheelers often maneuver easier around sharp corners and on rougher terrain, but four wheelers are more stable. Another notable difference is the Shine has a removable seat with an adjustable leg rest whereas the Spring does not. The Shine and Spring are similar in size and weight, however, the Spring holds a child up to 64 pounds versus 48.5 pounds for the Shine.
Let’s take a look at all the specs below!
Open Dimensions
- Shine: 35.4"L × 20.5"W × 38"H
- Spring: 35.2-40.7"L x 23.4"W x 38.6-42.7"H
Folded Dimensions
- Shine: 27"L × 20.5"W × 13.8"H
- Spring: 17.7"L x 12.6"W x 30"H
Product Weight
- Shine: 21.6 pounds
- Spring: 21 pounds
Weight Limit
- Shine: 48.5 pounds
- Spring: 64 pounds
Seat Back Height
- Shine: 22”
- Spring: 20”
Seat to Canopy Height
- Shine: 22”
- Spring: 22"
Seat Depth
- Shine: 8”
- Spring: 10"
Leg Rest Length
- Shine: 7.5”
- Spring: 11"
Wheel Size
- Shine: 7” front; 7” rear
- Spring: 8.5” front; 8.5” rear
Basket Weight Capacity
- Shine: 22 pounds
- Spring: 11 pounds
Shine vs. Spring Configurations and Bassinet
Bassinets aren't required for using the stroller with a newborn, but they are recommended for a few reasons.
A bassinet allows a baby to lie completely flat, rather than in a slightly upright position in the car seat, which allows for open airways and a better-supported head and neck. Bassinets are also more ventilated than car seats, which tend to make babies sweaty with their protective foam.
Both strollers are compatible with Thule’s Newborn Nest accessory. The Newborn Nest easily installs in the seat to create a cozy lay-flat surface with an included soft head rest pillow for extra support. When folding your stroller, simply leave the baby nest installed on the seat – perfect if you are on the go!.
The Thule Shine is newborn compatible with no additional purchase as it lies completely flat. However, it also has a bassinet option available for purchase. It clicks easily into the Shine frame and weighs only 7 pounds. The bassinet includes a ventilated mattress, bassinet apron with easy zipper removal, small storage pocket inside bassinet, and a machine washable mattress cover.
The Thule Spring does not offer a bassinet option for your newborn, but does have car seat adapters (as does the Shine) available for purchase.
Shine vs. Spring How to Fold
Thule Shine
The Thule Shine is simple to fold! First pull the lever on the back of the seat and push it all the way forward - it folds into itself. Then put the handlebar all the way down. Then push the smaller button on the handlebar while pushing the other button down on the handlebar. Then lower the handlebar to the ground and the Shine stands when folded!
Thule Spring
Folding the Thule Spring couldn’t be easier! First push back the canopy. Then to fold, pull the seat cushion flap up. You will see a handle with two blue squares. Press the left side blue square in and then lift the handle up. The stroller will fold down, and stand when folded.
Shine vs. Spring Colors
For current colors of the Thule Shine, click here.
For current colors of the Thule Spring, click here.
Car seats compatible with Shine and Spring
Neither stroller works out of the box with a car seat. You will need to purchase car seat adapters if you want to connect a compatible car seat.
Car Seats Compatible with Thule Shine:
Car Seats Compatible with Thule Spring
Shine vs. Spring Pros and Cons
So which stroller is better: the Thule Shine or the Thule Spring? They’re both lighter and more compact than many other single strollers, however, they offer different features. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Thule Shine
Benefits
- Newborn compatible stroller as it lies flat
- Reversible, reclining stroller seat can face world or face parents
- Very lightweight for a stroller that has a reversible seat
- Has an adjustable leg rest
- Included belly bar provides a place for baby to hold onto while strolling
- Leatherette accents on handle and belly bar
- Offers a bassinet as an additional purchase
- Basket has a higher weight limit
Drawbacks
- Multi-step fold
- Smaller wheels - may not handle uneven terrain as well
- Slightly smaller seat and lower weight limit than the Spring by 15.5 pounds
Thule Spring
Benefits
- Holds a child up to 64 pounds versus only 48.5 on the Shine
- More affordable option
- Fold has less steps than the Shine
- Step-in footrest to help older children climb in on their own
Drawbacks
- No bassinet offered
- Seat is not removable - baby cannot face you once in the stroller seat
- Leg rest is not adjustable
- Basket weight limit is half of the Shine’s limit (11 pounds versus 22 pounds)
Questions?
Strolleria is a family-owned and operated retailer dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the Thule Shine City Stroller vs. Thule Spring debate, feel free to contact us at 480-442-9433 or customercare@strolleria.com.
