Admittedly, the idea of testing a running stroller made me feel like an imposter. I don’t have kids, and my two cats barely remain calm inside their pet carriers—I can’t imagine they’d be down for test rides in the Guava Roam stroller. So, I would have to rely on a weighted-down backpack and a kind, trusting soul who’d let me borrow their child.

No Screwdriver Required

Before testing the Guava Roam, my only running stroller experience was back in 2018. I was a newly-hired gear editor at Runner’s World and we took turns testing the KidRunner inside the office cafeteria. I ended up smashing the stroller into a table, causing someone to quip, “You’re going to be a great parent!”

Fast forward to now. Despite my barely-existent running stroller experience, I could tell the Guava Roam would be ideal for running stroller newbs (...Hi!). First impression: setup was simple. As the roommate who once left an unassembled dresser in our entryway for weeks (apologies to my former roomie, Sydney, who built the damn thing because she was sick of looking at it), I was relieved that the stroller required no assembly.

The Guava Roam was ready to go right out of its box—save for the parent organizer pouch, which attaches onto the handlebar with Velcro straps. All I had to do was remove some wrapping and pull the handle beneath the seat to prop the stroller on its three wheels.

One feature I struggled with: the folding and unfolding. I initially thought this may have just been user error on my part, but I learned I was not the only one who had this issue.

Another parent, who also uses the Guava Roam, said that she too has difficulty clam-shelling the stroller between folded and unfolded positions. And this is coming from a mom of three who’s tested many-a-running stroller.

After perusing Guava’s website, I found instructional videos on how to fold and unfold. Turns out I’m more of a video learner than picture learner (the stroller has tags on how to un/fold). To unfold the Guava Roam, you hold the sides of the handle where it says Guava, then let the front wheel drop out. To fold, make sure the front wheel is inverted and then locked before pulling on the red handle under the seat cover. The stroller will collapse down to 50 percent its size.

I briefly tested the Thule Urban Glide 3, which weighs 26.2 pounds and feels more dynamic. If running strollers were motorcycles, the Urban Glide 3 would be a sportbike and the Guava Roam would be a cruiser (unless you’re Neely Gracey). Or, if you’re not familiar with motorcycles, the Urban Glide 3 is a hornet to the Guava Roam’s bumblebee.

While the Guava Roam is great for amateur stroller runners, some may want to get more experience under their belt before forgoing a handbrake—especially when moving at faster speeds. Running with a stroller, I don’t go any faster than easy pace, so I felt confident with just the footbrake. (I also won’t be stroller racing any time soon or attempting any world records.) For my daily jogs, which are relatively flat, the Guava Roam suits me fine. My usual routes are on rail trails and around a sprawling college sports complex near my home.

Finally, the tires are airless, which is a godsend (I’ve never changed a car or bike tire in my life).

Testing the Stroller

“No kid, no problem,” I thought to myself as I snapped a bulky 10-pound backpack into the Guava Roam seat. But alas, there was a problem. As I pushed my backpack (see below), returning an embarrassed smile to anyone who caught a glimpse of my passenger, I knew I needed someone to loan their child for proper testing.

Enter my friend and fellow RW contributor, Heather Mayer Irvine. She entrusted me with her middle child, Ella, a wiry four-year-old who weighs approximately 35 pounds.

Practically a stroller-riding vet, Ella strapped herself into the seat and we went off on our merry way.

As I realized Heather’s home was somehow at the pit of her neighborhood where all roads are inclines, Ella jabbered away, pointing out neighbors’ lawns and reassuring me that I, a 36-year-old, can push her up this hill.

After a second ride for Ella, and then Heather mercifully telling her I needed a break when Ella wanted to go for a third, I quickly assessed the difference between pushing a full-fledged human and a loaded backpack. The extra weight is somewhat noticeable, but the airless tires glided over the road and the independent suspension also made the ride smoother over bumps.

Maneuvering turns also wasn’t a hassle—after Heather demonstrated to stroller-newb me that you have to hover the front wheel on a running stroller during turns, relying on the two rear wheels as you push down on the handle. I knew running strollers would help with strength training, but no one told me you needed some muscle mass to help get you started!

But Ella’s opinion mattered most. “Did you like the ride?” I asked.

“Can we go again?” she said.

Other Features to Consider

• Besides the parent organizer, which has a snack compartment and drink holder, the Guava Roam also has a bottom storage compartment for a small duffel or diaper bag.
• A foldable hood with a clear window and flap provides shade and still allows you to check on your passenger.
• The seat reclines using a back pull strap.
• The seatbelt straps are adjustable and child-safe (you have to press buttons while squeezing both sides to disengage the lock).
• The front wheel can be locked and unlocked (also know as a fixed front wheel) using a lever on the handlebar in case you want to switch from running to walking mode; this improves safety by ensuring the stroller won’t wobble or tip over.