UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Jogging Stroller Comparison

UPPAbaby strollers are ubiquitous at the zoo, the playground and your neighborhood sidewalks—and now, you'll see them zip by on jogging paths and hiking trails, too.

In 2021, UPPAbaby launched the RIDGE, its first stroller built for running and all-terrain adventures.

As popular as UPPAbaby is, the RIDGE has tough competition in BOB, the company that's been specializing in jogging strollers for more than two decades.

The RIDGE shares much in common with BOB strollers—especially the Alterrain Pro, BOB's top-of-the-line model. But it also has features that set it apart, like a mountain bike-style disc brake system and foam-filled wheels that will never go flat.

In this post, we'll compare the UPPAbaby RIDGE with BOB's current line of jogging strollers: the Alterrain Pro, Alterrain, Revolution Flex and Rambler.

UPPAbaby RIDGE

After the success of strollers like the single-to-double VISTA, UPPAbaby entered the jogging stroller market with the RIDGE in 2021.

The RIDGE differs from most jogging strollers because its tires are not air-filled. The foam-filled rubber wheels made by car tire manufacturer Kenda are durable and shock-absorbing, but you won't need to inflate them on the go.

The RIDGE can be used for your baby's first walks by attaching a car seat like the UPPAbaby MESA or adding a bassinet (if you already own an UPPAbaby stroller, it's the same one that comes with the VISTA and is compatible with the CRUZ).

Watch the video below to see the RIDGE in action.

BOB Alterrain Pro, Alterrain, Revolution Flex and Rambler

BOB has been making jogging strollers since 1994, pioneering innovations like the swiveling front wheel along the way. The company is so well-known for its jogging strollers that you might even hear parents call any jogger "a BOB." 

The company's jogging stroller lineup includes four models:

• BOB Alterrain Pro: BOB's highest-end stroller, including features like a hand brake with deceleration, a zippered basket and waterproof fabrics
• BOB Alterrain: The base model version in the Alterrain series, appealing to the casual jogger with softer colors and a lower price point
• BOB Revolution Flex 3.0: A longtime favorite that, compared to the Alterrain series, is more basic in its look, fabrics and fold
• BOB Rambler: BOB's lightest and lowest-priced stroller, with smaller wheels and a more compact footprint

See the video below for a comparison of the BOB Alterrain Pro, Alterrain and Revolution Flex models.

 

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Stroller Weight and Specifications

All joggers—UPPAbaby and BOB included—are among the heavier strollers on the market, in part because they have the largest tires.

The BOB Rambler is an exception because its tires are smaller (12" in diameter for both front and back tires, compared with the 16" rear tires on the RIDGE and other BOB strollers). That gives the Rambler a weight savings of 3 to 6 pounds, compared with other models.

The UPPAbaby RIDGE offers a smaller footprint than BOB strollers, with a reduced length of about 7 inches and reduced height of 5 inches.

The BOB Rambler is the most compact when folded, while the UPPAbaby RIDGE and BOB Alterrain Pro, Alterrain or Revolution Flex will take up a similar amount of space in your trunk.

Stroller Weight

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 29.2 pounds
• BOB Alterrain Pro: 32.3 pounds
• BOB Alterrain: 31.3 pounds
• BOB Revolution Flex: 28.5 pounds
• BOB Rambler: 25.2 pounds

Dimensions

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 38.5"L x 26"W x 40.5"H
• BOB Alterrain and Alterrain Pro: 46"L x 25.5"W x 45.5"H
• BOB Revolution Flex: 46"L x 25"W x 45"H
• BOB Rambler: 45"L x 25"W x 39.5"H

Folded Dimensions

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 36.5" x 26" x 18.5"
• BOB Alterrain and Alterrain Pro: 39.3" x 25.5" x 16"
• BOB Revolution Flex: 38" x 25" x 16"
• BOB Rambler: 35" x 25"W 14"H

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Stroller Seat

Jogging strollers—BOB and UPPAbaby included—are among the best options for older or larger toddlers because of their high weight limits and ample seat sizes.

The seat on BOB strollers is slightly larger than that of the UPPAbaby RIDGE, measuring a half-inch taller and a half-inch wider.

BOB strollers also feature a wider, deeper footwell between the seat and front wheel for your child to rest her legs. The footwell on the RIDGE is flat but includes a ledge that serves as a footrest, as well as a rubberized finish at the bottom of the seat to protect the stroller from dirty shoes.

Seat Dimensions

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 19.5"H x 9"D x 14"W
• BOB strollers: 20"H x 9"D x 14.5"W

While both UPPAbaby and BOB joggers can be reclined to a range of positions using a drawstring on the back of the seat, the RIDGE seat is more upright than the seats on BOB strollers—allowing a better view for kids who like to sit up and see the world.

See the photo below for the differences between the seats on the BOB Alterrain Pro (left) and UPPAbaby RIDGE (right).

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Stroller Weight and Height Limit

Check with your pediatrician on when it's safe to begin running with your baby, as every child differs in their development. But most experts don't recommend jogging until the baby is at least 6 months and has gained the head and neck strength to sit up independently.

While the seats of both UPPAbaby and BOB jogging strollers aren't recommended for newborns, the strollers can be used from birth by attaching an infant car seat using adapters. The UPPAbaby RIDGE can also be used with the UPPAbaby bassinet.

BOB strollers have a higher weight and height limit than the UPPAbaby RIDGE, but all models should fit most kids until they're around age 4.

Recommended Minimum Age

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 3+ months for walking in stroller seat (from birth in car seat or bassinet); consult pediatrician for jogging recommendations
• BOB strollers: 8+ weeks for walking in stroller seat (from birth in car seat); 8+ months for jogging

Weight Limit

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 55 pounds
• BOB strollers: 75 pounds

Height Limit

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 40"
• BOB strollers: 44"

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Stroller Wheels and Suspension

One of the biggest differences between the UPPAbaby RIDGE and BOB jogging strollers is the wheels. The RIDGE is unusual among jogging strollers in that its tires are filled with foam, not air.

BOB strollers have air-filled tires that provide rebound and shock absorption, similar to a mountain bike. The heavy-duty rubber wheels on the RIDGE—manufactured by Kenda, a maker of auto tires—are filled with EVA foam, a material used in sports equipment and exercise mats.

Serious runners may prefer the performance of air-filled tires, but the advantage of the foam-filled wheels on the RIDGE is convenience—you'll never need to pump up the tires or worry about getting a flat on the go.

If you have a BOB, you'll need to keep the tires inflated amid temperature changes and occasionally replace the inner tubes or tires in the event of a puncture.

All UPPAbaby and BOB jogging strollers have suspension in both the wheels and the frame of the stroller to absorb shock along a run or over rough terrain.

The RIDGE has a responsive two-stage suspension system, consisting of two differently-sized springs within the frame that adapt to the weight of the child or the difficulty of the terrain. BOB strollers have shocks positioned near the seating area to prevent your child from feeling bumps in the road.

Wheel Size

• UPPAbaby RIDGE: 12" front, 16" rear
• BOB Alterrain Pro, Alterrain and Revolution Flex: 12" front, 16" rear
• BOB Rambler: 12" front and rear

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Stroller Brakes

You don't want to worry about a runaway stroller when you're jogging down a steep hill. The UPPAbaby RIDGE and BOB Alterrain Pro strollers are equipped with a hand brake that allows you to decelerate on hills or rough terrain.

All UPPAbaby and BOB strollers also have a foot-activated parking brake when you're ready for the ride to stop. The UPPAbaby RIDGE has two color-coded, stop-and-go foot brakes on opposite side of the strollers.

Unique to the UPPAbaby RIDGE are disc brakes, as seen on high-performance mountain bikes, that offer better responsiveness and greater stopping power than the drum brakes on most jogging strollers.

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Stroller Configurations

Both UPPAbaby and BOB recommend waiting to use their jogging strollers for walking until your infant has gained a little head and neck strength (UPPAbaby recommends starting at 3 months, while BOB says 2 months). If you attach an infant car seat, you can use the strollers with a newborn. See the next section for a list of car seats compatible with each stroller.

The UPPAbaby RIDGE has an additional configuration option that's not possible for any BOB strollers: You can attach a bassinet to allow your newborn to lie flat in her first months.

If you already own an UPPAbaby VISTA or CRUZ as your everyday stroller, you can repurpose your bassinet: The same bassinet fits the RIDGE with the purchase of adapters. The bassinet is approved for overnight sleeping, making it a safe spot for your baby to continue her nap after your walk.

Car Seats Compatible with UPPAbaby RIDGE and BOB Jogging Strollers

You can create a convenient travel system with the UPPAbaby RIDGE or any BOB stroller (but note that experts don't recommend running with a car seat attached).

BOB strollers are compatible with a wider range of infant car seats compared with the UPPAbaby RIDGE, which offers two different adapters: one for the UPPAbaby MESA and one for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex car seats.

All of the below car seat and stroller combinations require the purchase of car seat adapters.

Car Seats Compatible with UPPAbaby RIDGE

• UPPAbaby MESA, MESA V2, MESA Max (with adapter)
• Cybex Aton and Cloud Q series (with adapter)
• Maxi-Cosi car seats (with adapter)
• Nuna PIPA series (with adapter)

Car Seats Compatible with BOB Alterrain and Alterrain Pro

• Britax/BOB B-Safe 35, Chaperone, B-Safe, B-Safe 35 Elite, B-Safe Ultra, Endeavors (with adapter)
• Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit30, Fit2 (with adapter)
• Cybex Aton and Cloud Q series (with adapter)
• Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 30LX, 35, 35LX and 40; SnugRide Classic Connect, 30, 32, 35 (with adapter)
• Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido SIP and SIP 30/30 (with adapter)
• Maxi-Cosi Mico series (with adapter)
• Nuna PIPA series (with adapter)
• UPPAbaby MESA (with adapter)

Car Seats Compatible with BOB Revolution Flex and BOB Rambler

• Britax/BOB B-Safe 35, Chaperone, B-Safe, B-Safe 35 Elite, B-Safe Ultra, Endeavors (with adapter)
• Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit30, Fit2 (with adapter)
• Cybex Aton and Cloud Q series (with adapter)
• Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 30LX, 35, 35LX and 40; SnugRide Classic Connect, 30, 32, 35 (with adapter)
• Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido, and SIP 30/30 (with adapter)
• Maxi-Cosi Mico series (with adapter)
• Nuna PIPA series, excluding PIPA Lite RX (with Nuna adapter)

How to Fold UPPAbaby RIDGE and BOB Jogging Strollers

The UPPAbaby RIDGE and the BOB Alterrain series strollers share a similar, one-handed fold, with the strollers standing when folded to protect the fabrics and make for easier loading into your car. The strollers fold with a push and twist of a button (located under a seat flap at the front of the stroller) and lock automatically when folded.

The BOB Revolution Flex and BOB Rambler require a two-handed, two-step fold. For those models, you'll pull two triggers on the sides of the frame to fold the seat forward, then pull a red handle at the back of the stroller to complete the fold. Neither stroller stands when folded, and you'll need to lock it manually by connecting and cinching a buckle.

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Jogging Stroller Colors and Materials

If you walk or run year-round—rain or shine—you might appreciate how rain and snow bead off the UPPAbaby RIDGE and BOB Alterrain Pro. The RIDGE is treated with water repellants, while the Alterrain Pro is 100 percent waterproof.

The RIDGE and BOB Alterrain series strollers have the most premium look and feel, while the BOB Revolution Flex and Rambler use more basic fabrics, with details like a peek-a-boo window that's plastic instead of ventilated mesh.

All UPPAbaby and BOB jogging strollers include reflective details for better visibility—an important feature when you're on the move—and the BOB Revolution Flex offers one color, Lunar, with a glow-in-the-dark pattern on the canopy and basket.

The UPPAbaby RIDGE comes in these three colors:

• Reggie Slate Blue
• Bryce White
• Jake Charcoal

These colors are offered for the BOB Alterrain Pro:

• Black
• Olive (discontinued)
• Blue
• Lunar

The BOB Alterrain is available in these colors:

• Melange Gray
• Melange Black
• Melange Lilac (discontinued)
• Melange Teal

 

The BOB Revolution Flex comes in two colors:

• Black
• Lunar (with reflective details)

The BOB Rambler is available in a single color:

• Black

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Jogging Stroller Accessories

Customize your jogging stroller with accessories that add convenience (like a console for your keys and phone), weather protection (like a sun or rain shield) and fun (like a tray for a mid-run snack break).

The UPPAbaby RIDGE is one of the only jogging strollers that can be paired with a ride-along board that allows your older child to stand behind the stroller (on a walk, not a run!) BOB strollers aren't compatible with ride-along boards.

Accessories Compatible with UPPAbaby RIDGE

• Car seat adapters
• Parent console
• Performance rain shield
• Sun and bug shield
• Bumper bar
• Cup holder
• Piggyback ride-along board
• Snack tray

Accessories Compatible with BOB Strollers

• Car seat adapters
• Snack tray
• Handlebar console
• Weather shield
• Sun shield
• Travel bag

UPPAbaby RIDGE vs. BOB Jogging Stroller Pros and Cons

So which is better: the UPPAbaby RIDGE or a BOB jogging stroller like the BOB Alterrain Pro, Alterrain, Revolution Flex or Rambler? 

Only you can decide which stroller best fits your family's needs, but here are the benefits and drawbacks we see.

UPPAbaby RIDGE

Benefits

• Foam-filled wheels with heavy-duty rubber exterior are durable but will never go flat
• Hand-operated disc brake system offers better control and stopping power compared to traditional drum brakes
• One of few strollers compatible with a ride-along board that allows a toddler to join your walk
• Compatible with UPPAbaby bassinet for walks with a newborn
• Canopy and seatback offer more ventilation compared with BOB strollers
• Seat sits more upright than BOB stroller seats in least-reclined position
• Has smaller footprint than BOB strollers, with reduced length and height
• Clip-on water bottle holder included with purchase

Drawbacks

• Serious runners may prefer the performance of air-filled tires over foam-filled wheels
• Fewer compatible car seat options
• Higher price point than BOB Revolution Flex and Rambler
• Lower height and weight capacity than BOB strollers

BOB Jogging Strollers

Benefits

• BOB series offers a wider range of price points, starting with the Rambler priced $150 less than the RIDGE
• Runners may prefer the rebound and performance of air-filled tires, compared with RIDGE foam-filled wheels
• Compatible with wider range of infant car seat brands
• Offers higher weight capacity and slightly larger seat than RIDGE
• Footwell is deeper and wider than RIDGE
• Wider array of color options
• BOB Rambler offers lightest weight and most compact fold for everyday use

Drawbacks

• Air-filled tires will require inflation and may require replacement of tubes or tires
• Less ventilation than RIDGE, with Revolution Flex and Rambler featuring plastic peek-a-boo window instead of ventilated mesh
• Fewer configurations due to not being compatible with a bassinet or ride-along board
• Revolution Flex and Rambler do not stand or auto-lock when folded

Questions?

Strolleria is a family-owned and operated retailer dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.

If you have questions about the UPPAbaby RIDGE or BOB jogging strollers, feel free to contact us by starting a live chat, calling us at 480-442-9433 or e-mailing customercare@strolleria.com.