I have to admit that when this stroller first came out, it did not appeal to me one bit. I thought it was funny looking, I couldn’t get it to open and close easily, and nobody seemed to know how to reverse the seat. Plus, that huge canopy looked like a cave to me! But, as luck would have it, I found a deal I couldn’t pass up (and really, what deal can I pass up?!!), so I took the plunge. This has been the BEST stroller purchase I have made yet. No kidding! It is just a DREAM to push- so smooth, so nimble, just amazing! It has a very generous basket, nice flat recline for sleeping, and an adjustable seat length to grow with your little one. I actually love the big canopy now, as it really gives a great sleeping environment. Because the canopy is not free-floating, with the seat fully reclined you will often need a bit more sun protection. I use the parasol and it's perfect. The huge, cave-like canopy does give the appearance of a VERY tiny seat as well. Before you're sure your huge kiddo won't fit in it, give it a try. You might be surprised! My DD is a very tall 3 year-old and still fits- her head touches the canopy, but it doesn't bother her at all. She loves it!
We have traveled to Europe and all over the US with this stroller, and I could not have been happier with the Bee. It folds so compactly, you can wheel it behind you or even sling it over your shoulder (with the handlebar extended a bit). This makes it much easier to go up and down stairs in a subway station. Especially when you’re on vacation and out and about for long days, your baby needs to have a comfy, cushy ride, and this does the job amazingly well. I still can not believe how smoothly it takes all of those bumpy old sidewalks. For those who are wondering, we have never used a travel bag with our Bee. I do place a drawstring garbage bag over the seat and canopy unit to protect from dirt and rain, but that's it. Makes gate-checking a breeze! So far, no dings, dents or disasters (knock on wood!).
As much as I love my Bee, realistically, everything has it's weaknesses. With the Bee, it's that it's just a fiddly stroller. Some people have had trouble with their chassis opening easily, though mine has always been easy. However, opening it completely so that the little green bar shows on both sides of the handle is not always a guarantee if you're not used to it. If it's not open all the way, the stroller will be lopsided and worse, it could even collapse with your baby in it! As long as you make sure it's properly opened (again, check those green bars), I assure you, this is NOT a problem. The other thing that's less than ideal is how many steps it takes to reverse the seat. As there really isn't a lighter-weight/more compact reversivble out on the market right now, it's just something I've learned to live with. I can reverse the stroller in less than a minute now. But compared to the ease of reverse of its big sister, the Frog/Cameleon, it's a huge pain.
That being said, these issues have supposedly been addressed in the new "Plus" version due out soon. If it's all it has been hyped up to be(e), Bugaboo may just have found perfection. Is it worth that extra $100? For my money, MAYBE. If it really is all that great, then I truly think one could get away with just this one stroller. (But don't tell DH that, LOL!)
Bottom line: I LOVE MY BEE!!!
