Guava Roam Crossover Review

Guava has been producing gear for babies, focusing on portability, travel, and activity since 2009. They pride themselves on creating designs with parent feedback in mind, creating gear that is more travel-friendly and less bulky. They work to create original designs instead of working from what came before. They offer a travel crib, stroller, and bassinet.

Performance Comparison

Run-ability

The Guava earned one of the highest scores in our review for run-ability. This is extra impressive, considering it is an excellent cross-over stroller, making it a potential one-and-done option for runners.

With an adjustable handle and tracking, the Roam makes creating a custom fit for your body and running style easy. It has excellent suspension and a locking front wheel that felt stable and wasn't bouncy.

The Roam's tracking is adjustable and helps it stay moving straight, decreasing the runner's effort.

It handles well, and we only had to adjust the tracking at the beginning and near the end of the testing after 5 miles of run time. This is far better than some, which require adjustment on almost every run.

The handlebar is adjustable, with four height options from 34 to 45 inches from the ground. Like much of that competition, it is a pivot-point rotating bar, which puts taller pushers closer to the rear axle, which would be a problem for longer strides. However, this is true of all the rotating handlebars in the group. Adjustability helps increase running ergonomics and can decrease effort and fatigue for the runner.

The only lower-scoring sub-metric for the Roam is the rolling resistance, which was 24 inches on average across three tests. In this test, a longer distance is better; some traveled almost twice the distance. However, we did not think the Roam was difficult to push or run with, even over long distances.

Ease of Use

You need ease of use in a great crossover stroller, and the Roam delivers one of the highest scores in this metric.

Storage

The main storage bin under the Roam's seat has very easy access. We fit our extra large diaper bag inside. The downside is the 10 lb limit, as this might not be high enough for an everyday stroller. While you are not likely to carry much when going on a run, it won't be enough for running errands and perhaps not even enough for a full day of fun.

The bin has an interior zippered pocket that can keep small, important things from getting lost. Two mesh pockets outside the zippered pocket are for quick access items like a phone.

The Guava has an easy-to-remove parent console. It includes a zippered pocket in the center and a mesh cup holder that could fit smaller bottles, like a bike water bottle. However, it is too small for larger or wider insulated bottles.

The back of the Roam's seat has a large mesh pocket that fits larger water bottles, but if the bottles are big or heavy, you'll want to keep an eye on how well the mesh wears over time. The passenger seating area also has two mesh pockets that fit some kids' water bottles, but wider sippy cups could be a problem.

Fold and Unfold

The Roam is somewhat unique and includes folding instructions right on the stroller! This is cool and will definitely come in handy for any parent who is not the primary user and might find themselves on the town with no folding knowledge.

It is a one-hand fold with a manual locking mechanism. It self-stands and has a carry strap, which is really useful. If you put the handle in the lowest position before folding, it will self-stand without a problem. The pull handle is under the legrest.

Harness

The Guava harness is somewhat harder to get on than others, but it is easy to adjust once you do. The buckle is hard to open and requires two hands to accomplish. You can likely get it done with some practice with one hand, but it takes time and isn't intuitive. The harness has 5 points with adjustable padding and a cover for the crotch strap.

Brakes

This stroller only has parking brakes and no deceleration brake. The brakes are easy to set and sandal foot-friendly.

The brake feels strong and is easy to set and release. Releasing requires lifting the pedal with the top of your foot, but it isn't stiff and didn't create a problem during testing.

Ease of Setup

This stroller comes pre-assembled and only requires unpacking. The parent console is the only part you need to put on if you choose to. Now that we've experienced this, we think all strollers should come ready to roll. The manual is presented in a protected place and is the first thing you see when you open the box. The foam-filled tires mean no tire pump is required. Well done Guava! We see you!

Maneuverability

The Guava was made to maneuver, earning it one of the highest scores in the group and demonstrating its great versatility as a crossover stroller.

The Guava handled the hard-surface obstacle course with grace and ease. This nimble stroller made tight turns and sailed through doorways and tight aisles. It never felt tippy, awkward, or too long for the smaller spaces.

Moving off-road, its all-terrain tires helped it maneuver without trouble. It cruised over dirt roads, pine needles, sand, mulch, and more without a problem. Deep sand required two-handed pushing, but it managed without significant effort. It felt responsive without being squirrely or overreactive.

The Roam tackles the curbs without a bouncy front wheel or hopping. It feels secure and stable, with no wobble or hints of tipping. It is easy to lift the front and back wheels, and it never feels sketchy.

Transport and Storage

If you are looking for a smaller folded jogger, the Guava is your choice. It earned one of the highest scores in the group, and for good reason.

The Guava is a small, folded jogger. It measures 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1", or 7,488 cubic inches.

This is more than half the size of the average jogger and almost a third of the size of the biggest folded option. If your space is limited, the Guava will be smaller than even many of the full-size strollers we've tested.

Sadly, it isn't all that light. While small, it is heavy, weighing 28.5 lbs. This is about a pound heavier than the average stroller in our lineup but more than 2 lbs less than the heaviest. In the end, it really depends on what your greatest concern is in your buying decision: size or weight.

Overall, the Guava performed well in this metric despite the heavier weight. Its unbelievably small folded size can be just the ticket for anyone driving a smaller car or living in a smaller space.

Quality

As Guava's first dip into the stroller pool, they pulled out all the stops and presented a nice, quality stroller they can be proud of. It earned one of the highest results in this metric, with an impressive side-by-side comparison to the competition.

The fabric's durability and softness are better than most. It has a soft but somewhat slippery feel for easy cleaning. It is the same fabric throughout, which means no strange material switch-ups or rubbing points. It feels like it would be unlikely to snag. The material fits the aluminum frame well and is tight, which is where it needs to be to create a sleek final look.

The frame is matte gray and black with parts that fit together well and have few exposed connectors. It rides a fine line between being sporty and elegant. The frame sits on rubber foam-filled tires, so you never need to worry about a flat or how to change an inner tube (woohoo!) The rear wheels have independent suspension with plastic spokes that look good. We like the all-terrain tread and the low-maintenance design.

The handlebar is one of our favorites, with a comfortable foam wrap and a premium feel. It didn't stain our hands like some stroller bars or get wet or sticky on longer runs. The safety strap can move from side to side; the only bummer is that there is no deceleration brake. The upside is that you can adjust the locking front wheel from the handlebar without bending over.

Kids' Comfort

The Guava is one of the most comfortable options for passengers, earning it one of the highest scores in this metric.

The Guava has a wide range of recline angles, with a more upright angle than most competitors and a deep enough recline for napping. It uses two straps from each side for recline adjustment and a center pull.

It works well enough, but this one is somewhat tight until you get it going. It is a straightforward design. The Guava has a padded leg rest similar to those of some other competitors, as well as a deep plastic footrest with plenty of room for feet.

The Roam's sunshade is not huge but is high quality, looks taunt, and fits the frame well. It has a peek-a-boo window, ventilation, and a pop-out visor for more coverage. The window has a magnet closure and open points, so you can leave it open for continuous peeking. While it doesn't come down as far or out as far, it does have more headroom for taller riders, and it covers enough that only low sun will be a problem.

Should You Buy the Guava Roam Crossover?

Yes! What are you looking for? Odds are the Guava has it. No, really. This stroller performed well in our testing for run-ability, ease of use, maneuverability, and darn near everything! If you want a great runner that can head off-road with no flat tires and enough storage and features to keep kids and parents happy, then the Roam is your stroller of choice. Don't walk; run to buy this stroller.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?

If you love a great-quality stroller and are looking for a user-friendly cross-over, the UPPAbaby Ridge is a potential choice we really love. This good-looking stroller has a thoughtful design that is good for both the parent and the passenger. With one of the coolest water bottle holders in the business and the best storage in the group, the Ridge can keep you going no matter what the adventures bring. If your goal is a jogger that will last as long as possible, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 has a max child capacity of 75 lbs, making it one you can use for longer than the Ridge or the Guava. This tried and true jogging legend is of good quality and performed well overall with a giant canopy, adjust suspension, adjustable tracking, and more.

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