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Product Reviews

Maclaren Techno XT

Number of reviews: 29
Overall score:

Brilliant lightweight buggy
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Excellent, Popular Pushchair

Parent Panel review by Samantha - review date 7 August 2005

It's a durable, lightweight pushchair with handy pockets, net basket & rain cover. I pack the rain cover into one of the pockets so I've always got it with me. It's easy to fold & manoeuvre. I also love the reflective strips that it has all over. And, the adjustable handles are especially useful to us, since our heights differ by over a foot.

Best Feature: rain cover

Worst Feature: net basket is a little small

Verdict: It's the best pushchair I've owned

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About the reviewer:

mother of three

You only need one puschair!

Parent Panel review by Paula - review date 4 August 2005

I absolutely love my McClaren Techno XT. Its easy to use, folds up easily and is compact and is suitable from birth so no having to buy a smaller buggy for the quick shopping trips!

Best Feature: Its a buggy thats suitable from birth

Worst Feature: Small Shopping Basket

Verdict: Excellent Value

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Mum of 3

Fun and comfy

Test length: 5 weeks
Parent Panel review by Laura - review date 14 June 2005

Ease of Use, Construction & Fold:This cot was heavy, but not difficult to carry. Removing it from its case and setting it up was effortless, which was great considering the cot was quite big. It looked comfy and sturdy and the velcro and corner tucking for the mattress meant my little girl could not pull it up in the night (she has been able to do this with other cots)

Portability:The only negatives on this cot is that its not a great space saver in the boot of your car, due to the cot being quite big and also if you were a seasoned traveller, this cot would probably cost you more in baggage allowance than others on the market. Versatility: Lots of versatility, a zipped archway opening at the side meant my daughter could crawl in and out if she wanted to - perfect for use as a playden in a nursery. Also the idea of the archway meant you wouldn't have to dangle over the cot.

Comfort/Quality: You really do get all you need with this cot. Its great value for money, maybe because it doesn't have any of the motorised gimmicks that you hardly ever use. It comes with mesh sides so you can see your child and the mattress seems comfortable for my daughter. A massive thumbs up, oh and it packs away as quick as the assembly.

Additional Extras: This cot also has a mosquito net, although we didn't use it, it was neatly attached to the side of the cot ready for immediate use at any time, and also a permanant fixture so you wouldn't loose it.

Best Feature: Handy side archway

Worst Feature: A bit chunky in the boot of the car

Verdict: A massive thumbs up - fab travel cot

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Mum to Nahla, 12 months

Member reviews

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"FAB Buggy!"
I am a self confessed pramoholic. In the 4 months since my son has been born I have had 6 buggys! None of them have been quite right and I've always been looking for something that ticks all the boxes. I've found it in bucket loads with the Maclaren Techno XT.

It is a dream to push, the front wheels are not so huge that they make the buggy cumbersome but they are chunky enough to go over gravel, grass and bumpy pavements with no problems at all, giving your baby a smooth ride. The handles are comfortable to hold and great if you're tall like me (5ft 9)because they extend.

The seat is comfy and padded, my son fell asleep in it whilst trying it out in the shop! It's fully reclinable and the leg rests extend to provide more room for your sleeping babe. The seat recline needs two hands but is smooth and very easy to do, so it doesn't disturb your litte one.The harness is adjustable and shoulder padding is provided so the straps do not cut into their skin. However, this buggy say it is suitable from bith. While I'd say it could be used from newborn, I wouldn't feel comfortable putting a really tiny baby in it, it doesn't feel cosy enough. My son is 4 months and it's perfect for him. I'd say this buggy is suitable from 3 months+.

The hood is a work of genius! It's larger than most anyway and so provides ample amount of shade but then there is a zip at the back which allows the hood to be extended forwards, covering most of your child. Not only this, there is a flip forward UV sun shade on the front of the hood for ultimate sun protection. A real selling point!

There are also elasticated parent pockets on the back which are handy for phones and keys.

The basket is small and difficult to access if the seat if fully reclined but this is true of all lightweight stollers and so cannot be lablled as a design fault. The brakes and fold down mechanism are smooth and easy to use, much better than any of the prams I've had so far.

The reflective strips are a great idea and give you peace of mind if out and about later in the evening. Over all this is an amazing buggy, definitely worth spending that little extra on. The quality is great and the design is really well thought out.

Fab for shopping, walks in the parks and all mother and baby outings!

I couldn't be happier, 10 out of 10!
Member review by Hannah - Mother of One. Boy - 4 months - review date 1 July 2009

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"fantastic-daddy was right!"
Not used from birth as I wanted a 'proper flat pram' but lightweight, easy to use and I just love the way the hood comes right down to save needing a parasol-genious! They don't seem to advertise this feature and I think it's great! I do think the recliner could be easier get up and down, the travel system I had you could do with 1 hand at the rear of the seat and was easier.
Member review by alison - review date 12 April 2009

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"the only time my husband was right!"
I cannot emphasise enough how great this buggy is! when i was pregnant i was wowed by the huge array of gorgeous looking pushchairs/prams/travel systems that there are out there. i wanted a beautiful turquioise one! mainly because of the colour and looks (how shallow am i?!)

but my hubby insisted that we buy this maclaren. most annoying but he was sooo right. this must be the lightest and smallest from birth pushchair on the market and it is just excellent. my baby loved it from day 1, she has always slept instantly in it and is always nice and snug in the cosytoe. it is easy to fit in the car, easy to get on and off buses. i know you sholdn't but i even take it on escalators rather than take the lift (essential in london) - just go on backwards if you're going up!

as much as rear facing pushchairs are a nice idea, but your baby will be fed up with looking at you and will want to look at the outside world anyway (heartbreaking i know!).

yes the basket underneath is small, but if you get used to hanging things on the handles its no problem.

if you are desperate for a travel system then go for the maclaren XLR that you can attach the car seat to (quite a good idea, but i have easily survived having to take the baby out of the seat and putting her into the pushchair, if she's very asleep she won't wake up - i think this gets them used to being moved when asleep).

believe me - you cannot go wrong with this buggy. every person i know who bought a travel system has ended up buying a maclaren once bubby was a year old anyway - this way you only ever have to buy 1 which saves soooo much money.

this must be the one and only time that i am prepared to admit that my husband was right!!!
Member review by jennifer - mother of 6 month old - review date 21 November 2008

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"Excellent"
This is a brilliant pushchair. I've tried a few and this is one of my favourites. Really comfortable and practical. Great height for my husband who is over 6ft. Love the pockets on the hood and much better and easier to use brakes then the ones on the Quest. Quite pricey but worth it i'd say.

Member review by claire - Mum of one - review date 24 August 2008

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"Has its faults"
I was bought this buggy by my parents when my daughter was 6 weeks old after my mum watched me struggle on and off a bus with my Mamas and papas ultimo system. I kept both pushchairs and used this as my lightweight option. I cant understand why all the other reviewers are saying that it is not suitable from birth, mine layed completely flat and with the addition of a cosytoes my daughter looked so comfy and snug and always fell asleep comfortably it in.

I did like this pushchair when my daughter was small, it was only as she got older that it started to irritate me. When she sat upright in it she always seemed like she was slipping forward and I would have to stop every 2 minutes to pull her back up again. She used to moan and winge as soon as she went in it so it obviously wasnt very comfy-she has always been a baby that loves being in her pushchair so it was unlike her to want to get out!

I agree that the handles are far too high-I am 5'5 and I felt like my hands where up to my chin, and that was on the lowest setting! Also the material on the handles was a rubber coating which went all sticky after a couple of months and felt horrible! I suppose it was because my hands were making the rubber hot, but it really didnt feel nice!

I also agree that the shopping basket is useless, but this is the case with most strollers so nothing out of the ordinary. I thought that the recline system was a complete pain-a one handed recline would be so much easier. Also for a "compact" stroller it actually is not very small when folded!

I sold this on ebay when my little one was 16 months old, the good thing about the XT is that you will get good money for them if you keep them in good condition.
Member review by Kelly - Mother of Eloise-2 years - review date 15 May 2008

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"Brilliant pushchair"
I bought this pushchair after struggling with a Quinny Buzz for months and hating every minute. What a refreshing change this pushchair was. It is light, easy to manouvre and I can finally go in shops that I've been unable to go in with the Buzz.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, easy to use pram for nipping round town with.

Member review by Amanda - Mother of one - review date 20 March 2008

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"maclaren techno xt"
I love this pram its been great i didnt get mine untill my son was 7 mnths but im gonna miss it, my fav feature is the adjustable handles being tall made my choice minimal, but its standing strong and i will continue to use it with bub after my son is getting a side car to fit both my prams other than that id recomend the twin too its just nt practicle for us as my son will be walking alot by june
Member review by jo - mum of a 17mnth old and expecting - review date 25 February 2008

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"Ok for quick shopping"
This is brilliant for a quick shopping or walking trip but I wouldnt take it out on a day trip as the storage is pretty bad also the brakes seized on mine also i find with maclarens they tend to look really tired really quickly. It is brilliant for older babies and toddlers but I do think that newborn - six months should be in a pram/robust travel system.

All that said, if a quick stroller is what you need, I'd recommend this over the others.
Member review by Daisy - mummy of JJ aged one - review date 27 January 2008

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"versatile & user-friendly"
Lightweight and very quick to put up or down which, along with a compact size when folded and its great manouverability, makes it ideal for getting in and out the car, on the buses, in town, etc. The front wheels lock, meaning the XT can take some reasonably rough ground. I've used mine since my daughter was born and it's my 'best buy' - if it ever breaks I'd buy another for the next child. The only slight problem is the net basket underneath not giving enough space for a fully packed change bag (though it will take the bare minimum in a Huggies bag).
Member review by Melissa - Mum of 19 month girl - review date 22 May 2007

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"The London Pushchair"
We did a lot of research for a public transport friendly pushchair - we settled on the Techno which has proved to be easy to use on the bus, tube and train. We have used it from birth and use it daily, no problems in a year of use and its still in very good condition. Its a shame not facing the baby, but for city versatility its a winner.
Member review by Louise - Freya's mummy - review date 6 February 2007

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"great with a buggy board but needs weights"
This was our 3rd pushchair and it has mostly served us very well. I would agree with other reviewers that it isn't flat enough for a new born and the straps are far too high for them. You can't access the small shopping basket when the seat is reclined which can be a pain. However it works wonderfully with a buggy board due to the extendable handles and onces you add tip-me-not stroller weight becomes an excellent and versatile buggy which is still going strong after over 2 years.
Member review by Sarah - Mother 0f 3 yr ds and 10 mnth dd - review date 11 December 2006

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"BEST BUY!!!"
I got my Maclaren Techno XT when Jack was 5 months old and I've never looked back.

This pushchair is easy to use, comfy, lightweight and wonderful to look at. The rain cover is one of the simplest to use I have ever come across.

Whislt the handle height on it's lowest setting is higher than the highest setting on my Mamas and Papas Pliko Pramette, it's still comfortable (I'm 5ft 2ins).

The only draw back is that the shopping basket is very small and will really only take a few essential items. However, I can still retrieve something from the basket, via the side, when the seat is fully reclined.

Althought it is suitable from birth, I personally wouldn't use it for a newborn. At 5 moths Jack looked happy enough in it but, I have much prefered to use it for him from being around 6/7 months.

Overall a very good lightweight stroller!
Member review by kate - Mum to Jack (19 months) - review date 24 August 2006

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"best stroller"
I bought this product after many recomendations from friends and i am not disappointed at all.

We bought it to take on holiday to center parcs and it was brilliant.light weight, comfy to push ( i'm 5'10 ) and my son is comfy too.

The only minus point is the shopping basket it's too small and awkward to use, but i wanted a light weight, well built and comfy stroller so it dosn't bother me.
Member review by jayne - mother of one toddler - review date 21 August 2006

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"Maclaren Techno buggy"
I love the look of this buggy (which we bought to replace a three-year-old and very tired Volo after I ran over it in our Mondeo); the big wheels lock well (unlike the Volo ones) and provide a comfy ride -- but we have just taken it straight back because of the handle height. I'm 5'2", and my hands are somewhere around my ears, even with the handles on the shortest setting. I'm so sad about this, as it's a great buggy otherwise - just not suitable for smaller people!!
Member review by Rachel - Mother of two - review date 6 March 2006

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"Brilliant"
We bought this stroller, just before my darling daughter was born, partly due to me not being able to drive, so I needed something where I could get on and off a bus easily.

The only thing I found is that the storage space underneath is limited, and I can't buy anything too big, as I can't get it in the basket underneath in case it catches darling daughters legs
Member review by samantha - Mum of 1 - review date 20 February 2006

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"Lightweight and practical"
Folds up easily and takes up very little room. Ideal for days out and holidays as it takes up so little room in the car boot. Can be used from birth as the seat lies flat so you dont really need a travel system as well. Two drawbacks, the fabric on the seat does seem to fray where you extend the seat/leg area and the shopping basket is very small. Easy to push, nice and light, overall a definite good buy
Member review by lizzie - mother of one - review date 8 February 2006

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"Not very comfortable"
I was convinced to buy the Maclaren by all the reviews it was given. However I'm really disappointed with it. The seat struts have broken and it cost me 33 pounds to have it fixed because I have moved abroad. My daughter hates being put into it and I find that after 2 mins in it, she sits in a very slouched position. The folding mechanism is also far from easy and I have to jiggle the lever and the mechanism to close it which is rather difficult with a wriggly tot.

I also have a big Graco and although it's really heavy, my daughter loves it and sits properly in it.
Member review by Sarah - Mother of one and expecting - review date 27 December 2005

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"Very disappointed"
Maclaren Techno XT, the Rolls Royce of pushchairs....I must have got a lemon! Yes it was lightweight but when baby is reclined I can't get my bag out from the basket. If i hung the bag on the handle bars it beacme unstable because the handles are too high. And it BROKE!! Yes trusty Maclaren after 5 months decided that the reclining ratchet on the left side would snap. I did wonder why there is only a 6 month warranty!!!
Member review by lyndsey - mother of one - review date 7 December 2005

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"disappointing after so much research"
We researched this purchase for months before the arrival of our third child, but have been very dissapointed. The canopy went out of shape after the first month and now doesn't sit right on the pushchair. We took it back and were told that 'this does happen' especially if you leave your pushchair folded in the car!

The plastic brake peddles are flimsy and 'pop' open, they are also quite small and hard to put on and off.

In my opinion, I feel it's not really suitable for newborns, it doesn't go flat for a start and the baby sort of wobbles around. We used to wrap ours (who was 10lb at birth so isn't small)in a blanket and then put her in the cosy toes, but even then she looked a bit lost and used to slip down. The shopping basket is very small and if the baby is reclined, which they usually are for the first few months, you cant put anything in it and bags hung over the handles bang the top of the seat.

We are now expecting our fourth child and although our Maclaren is still useable, we will be buying something much more robust. For our first two children we had a silver cross, which I wish I'd kept as it was sooo much more user friendly.

Good points are that its lightweight, and is manouverable around town and has great reflective strips if you go for a walk in the dark.
Member review by Heather - mother of 3 - review date 29 September 2005

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"Brill"
We bought this as a holiday stroller and are thrilled with it! The handles extend which is great as we are both tall. The stroller with the cosy toes is great for Max to sit up or recline in to sleep. Is nice and lightweight, easy to fold and great to push!
Member review by Lindsay - Mum to Max - review date 28 September 2005

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"Fab buggy, not suitable from birth..."
Although I love everything about this buggy, I am not entirely convinced on its suitability to a newborn.

In spite of the cosytoes purchased with the product, my daughter did not appear entirely comfortable even with the seat reclined to its fullest. It does not lay flat and the baby ends up hunched with huge straps either side! Even now, at four months, she still slides down.

The sun visor, while I am sure this is of benefit to older babies and toddlers, does nothing to keep the sun out of a newborn's face and, therefore, a separate sun shade is necessary.

As another reader stated, with the seat reclined, there is no room to put possessions into the net basket and, if you hang anything from the handles, it bangs against the top of the seat.

Overall, a good buggy, but I would prefer to have my baby laying completely flat, which this does not do, and out of the sun!
Member review by Suzanne - Mum to Katie, 4 months - review date 28 August 2005

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"Couldn't be without it!"
We're on our second Techno XT and, having been impressed at the first model (now stored and used in hubby's car) which we purchased in October 2002, we were even more so at the second model which we purchased in December 2004 (£99.99) to replace a three wheeler.

My daughter, now 3, still needs a buggy and I find this a dream to push despite having a heavy child in-situ along with bags, coats, etc.

The frame overall is taller than its original counterpart, the wheels bigger, the brake easier to apply and the seat area is slightly more cushioned thus more comfortable.

The sun visor is a must for my daughter and the only downside for me is the limited space in the net basket. However, a set of tip-me-not stroller weights have resolved this problem as we can now hang several items from the handles without risk of the buggy tipping over.

It will be a sad day for me when my daughter decides she's no longer in need of this fab buggy!!
Member review by Claire - Mum to Charlotte - review date 28 August 2005

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"I must have a duff model"
I have the Maclaren Techno TX - bought it with the 'Chilli' lining - as I loved the 'purple' colouring and the lightweight of the buggy. However from early on I've struggled with it. It seems too light to stay on all 4 wheels. I don't overload the buggy, but like most mum's have a baby bag to carry which I put over the handles. I live in a hilly area, and walking around with the buggy is a nightmare - it seems to want to tip backwards. I spent much more on this than my previous Mothercare model - but I really wish I'd not bothered. Even the hood, for no apparent reason, seems to have lost its shape and just the whole thing disappoints me. I'm no buggy novice, but regret the purchase of this one no end. I love the colour, the weight, the ease of folding, but I feel uncomfortable using it, it seems to have no stability and as such I'm tempted to spend money I don't have on something else I feel comfortable and secure putting my baby in.
Member review by sarah - Mum of two and loving the experience second time round!! - review date 12 August 2005

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"so easy to push"
This is a fantastic buggy. Easy to put up/down, easy to push, easy to pack in the boot of a car. The only slight niggle is the lack of storage. When baby is asleep the seat is laid back virtually flat, so any bags hanging on the handle either brush on to the babies head, or your knees as you walk! Maybe I shouldn't shop so much! A great buy,and a definite for a holiday.
Member review by Ann - Mum of Rocco - review date 10 August 2005

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"Fantastic"
I love it, its light, easy to push. Lays flat and the extendable leg rest is great for a sleeping toddler. The adjustable handles make it comfortable to push, good brakes and robust wheels. I would recommend it.
Member review by D - Mother of 1 - review date 4 August 2005

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"Super Stroller"
Couldn't fault this stroller in anyway. Easy to use, lightweight, comfortable from birth and fabulously trendy looking.

Love it!
Member review by Sarah - Two older kids and one baby! - review date 22 July 2005

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