Bugaboo Cameleon3
It’s been hard keeping quiet about this one, folks. It’s THAT good. Prepare yourselves and step inside…I am giving you an EXCLUSIVE video review of the soon-to-be-released Bugaboo Cameleon3.
Every year, most stroller manufacturers launch a “new” version of their stroller: new colors, a couple new features…a new price point.
Bugaboo has never been a company to make changes carelessly, and they’ve never gone with the “launch a new model every year” method. They take their time. This year they’re launching the Cameleon3: their new and MUCH improved version of the formidable and omnipresent Cameleon stroller. Actually, to say “much improved” would be an understatement.
Other strollers in this class have reason to be afraid.
While few could argue with the quality and sidewalk-gliding-maneuverability of the Bugaboo Cameleon (which is currently retailing for a SUBSTANTIAL price difference and a complete bargain for the quality of stroller you’ll receive), MANY people had complaints about the fold and unfolding of the stroller. Let’s look at the actual definition of BUGABOO: constant problem, source of worry, evil spirit. Yep, I’d say the fold of the Bugaboo was, in fact, a bugaboo for many parents. Forget the fact that the fold was in two pieces (that at least breaks the total weight up so you’re not lifting 20 lbs at one time)—if you didn’t have the fold nailed, the chassis would often lock into positions that would turn even the most patient parent into an aluminum-frame-wielding lunatic, kicking and thrashing as they tried to get into the car. Let us not forget, the ENTIRE reason I fell into the baby gear industry was the fact that the original owners of BuyBuyBaby thought they should hire actors to demonstrate products on the weekend that needed a bit more explanation. The Bugaboo Frog was one of these products, and I was hired to demo the Frog 3 days a week to masses of NYC parents (and tourists coming to take advantage of our monetary conversion). I can fold Bugaboos with the best of them–I’d actually like to see someone try to beat my #BugabooSkillz. I’ve actually assembled a Cameleon blindfolded in 3.5 minutes. Yes, I had former BBB gift wrap girl Lucy time it. I came up with SEVERAL ways of folding it, and it still seemed that many people had great difficulty with it.
They’ve taken care of that now. The Bugaboo Cameleon3 has an AMAZING one-handed open and the frame simply locks into place. No more loosey-goosey frame, no more kicking of the axel and bruising of the shins. Now you simply lift the handle, the wheels swing out and lock into place, and you snap your seat on and go. It’s amazing.
You still have the same great features of the Cameleon: bassinet, stroller seat, compatibility with most major car seats–and ALL of those options can face the parent or outward, AND you can have all-terrain wheels or adjustable suspension swivel wheels in front. It’s still suitable from birth-37.5 pounds, and weighs only 20. More importantly, you’ve still got Bugaboo’s absolutely ridiculous suspension and maneuverability, as well as their great aesthetic.
What else is different? Let’s take a look at these pics and discuss.
The undercarriage bag of the Bugaboo Cameleon3 is now a bit larger, and connects to the chassis with a nice snap strap instead of velcro.
Instead of a paperclip-like wheel release, there are now off-white buttons you simply press to remove wheels.
The harness now has a sliding height adjustment instead of threading and loops.
The handle tether is now quite a bit shorter, which should encourage people to not cut it off. It’s there for a reason, folks! You don’t want to act like Sigourney Weaver in Ghostbusters II and chase your wee one down the street should you let go of your stroller!
The bassinet support strips (fillets if you’re fancy) are now sewn into the fabric and with a quick pull of the velcro they release and the whole thing collapses flat–and you will not be searching for loose plastic parts.
Improved fold and unfold, great changes in the frame and components, and it’s STILL retailing at $979. I know, that’s still a lot of moolah, and it’s not in everyone’s budget. But if you’re looking for an incredibly maneuverable stroller that truly converts as your little one grows–and enables you to conquer sidewalks and off-road like a champion–you needn’t look much further than the Bugaboo Cameleon3. BONUS: if you decide to sell your stroller one day, which might happen, Bugaboo is one of the ONLY brands I’ve found that comes close to reselling for it’s original purchase price.
Available in September 2012.
Prepare yourself. Bugaboo has another MASSIVE hit on its hands.
Bugaboo is a bugaboo no longer.
56 Responses to “Bugaboo Cameleon3”
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I think its time for me to upgrade my chassis. I just wish they would do something to prevent the basket and handlebar from scrapping the floor when folding and unfolding.
that is why i ALWAYS teach people to catch the handlebar on their foot when they drop it down–it keeps the neoprene from hitting the ground and potentially shredding up…
This is awesome! I’m so excited to possibly won this beauty!
i’m not doing a giveaway……at least not yet….
I am a total stroller nerd and although I dont need a stroller right now I am planning on having a ‘fun’ day out at a store that is doing a stroller demo day! I like the baby jogger city select, uppa baby and cameleon. I have never tried the cameleon (but will on Saturday
. I wanted to ask about the small wheels that it has on the ‘front’.. they seem soooo small. Especially when compared to the other two strollers I mentioned. Seems like its a city only kind of stroller. But then I hear that it handles AMAZINGLY. What are your thoughts?
those wheels aren’t that small—very deceiving
i like the strollers you mentioned, but there is seriously NO comparison in terms of smooth ride
I never knew the fold was a nightmare – probably a good idea I never went bigger than a Bee! The two piece fold was always what kept me away, now it’s the low weight limit – my son just turned 2 and will be too big for this in about a week! Almost makes me want a 3rd child – almost.
the fold isn’t necessarily a nightmare, it’s just that MANY people have problems with it….once you know what you’re doing it’s actually quite simple…it’s just getting their….patience, bluebird….lol
well I cant wait to try the smooth ride tomorrow! I am bringing a long my 26 month 28lb son. We all know how easy an empty stroller is to push.. so this will be a true test. I cant wait! Glad to hear the wheels arent that small b/c thats the biggest thing keeping me from it.. maybe the price a little too
Oh I really wish they would have improved the crotch strap
It was fine with my little babies (#1 and #2) but my big boy (#3) was SO uncomfortable in the seat due to the crotch strap. Bummer. BUT love the other improvements!
there’s a reason for that—i also prefer the original crotch strap, but it had to be changed due to US safety standards…bummer, i know…BUT i know of people who have taken it off and re-attached it for more crotch room (disclaimer: i am NOT suggesting anyone do this)
Well this looks super cool and if we decide to go for #5 in a few months then I may have to invest in this one! I wanted a Silver Cross Surf for my now 15 month old but didn’t realize they would not ship to the US and places that did charged a lot more than retail. I digress…looks amazing, can’t wait for the video
So is the fold still a 2 piece fold? I must admit I am kind of disappointed. I thought they would completely overhaul the stroller and update it. What I would love to see and would warrant calling it a new version would be:
One piece fold
A more accessible basket (not just changing from Velcro to snaps)
Larger updated wheels in front like the Donkey
A sleeker more updated look
I would also love to see a canopy with a peek-a-boo window.
Looks like a great stroller. Need to go test it at buy buy baby
Do you know if the tailored fabric sets for the current Cameleon will be compatible with the C3?
Interesting…Love the idea of an easier fold. However, I’m curious about the accessories. The bumper bar looks different??? I’ve heard some people say it will be on a swivel. Is that possible? Will the bumper bar still be universal like the bumper bar currently offered on the existing Cameleon and frog? Will the new snack tray be compatible?
the bumper bar is NOT on a swivel, and all accessories will be compatible
do you know if the 2012 tailored fabric colors will work on the new C3? I love the tangerine and jade colors but want to wait for the C3. Thanks!
yep
nothing has changed in the shape of frame or canopy and what-not….
I’d love to win one, I have a 2012 Bee that I simply adore. This would be a great addition in our home:)
this isn’t a contest…..just a review…..hopefully, HOPEFULLY (you hear me, bugaboo??) there might be one in the fall
Will they release this in all black!? I’d buy one if they do !
Right now I know of no plans for a black frame, but there WILL be a black base
I understand from the website and from your video post they mentioned it would be released in September.
So does that mean you can pre-order one for september or they will only be available from september?
Im due end of August and makes no sense to buy the current one if this is available a couple weeks after.
THANKS!!!!
I know a couple people who’ve pre-ordered.
I believe the bumper bar is actually hinged so you can open it. If you look closely at the picture of the one on the Bugaboo website you can see the hinges and a small white round button next to the hinge. I would assume this is for opening? Also, someone mentioned on another site that the bassinet has a one handed release from the chassis? Don’t know if this is true but that would be awesome.
I guess we will know soon enough:)
it is not hinged. i have had it in my apt, taken it apart, played with it, etc….i wish it was (HINT HINT HINT BUGABOO)
The carry handle definately does rotate!!!
Hmm, that is odd, was there anything on the bumper bar that just looked like hinges?
Is it possible the stroller you have is a beta version and don’t have all the changes?
I am still hoping for a one piece fold, hopefully Bugaboo has more tricks up their sleeve:)
nope. as far as i know it’s production….and there will not be a one-piece fold with it….i think for one of the bigger bugaboos to have a one-piece fold, it would be necessary to design a completely different stroller….maybe something else with a lizard name…the kimono dragon??? lol
One more question..Does the stroller no longer lock when folded down? If no, is that why it’s so much easier to unfold now? Thanks! Oh also, I live in Southern Cali. Do you recommend this stroller as a top pram stroller?
it still locks, but not completely like it used to–hence the easy unfold….this means that when you put it in your car or what not, you’ll need to put it in with the “wheel side” up instead of the “handlebar side” or else it will unfold on you when getting out of the car…..as for top pram stroller, i love the bugaboo, but it’s hard to recommend without knowing more about your needs….
One piece folding is my dream
and the new trick is neon BEE
What do you mean????
Do you know where i can pre-order one? i’m due in october and want to make sure i have it in time for bubs arrival.
i’d just ask your local retailers…i think that’s going to be your best bet
Can you tell me where I can order a C3 online as I am due in October and want to make sure I get one in September. Love the video, it looks fab! Thanks
thanks for watching!! i would just ask your local retailers about pre-ordering the Cameleon3…
I have a question about the underseat basket. It says that it will be 4 times the size of the previous one and it doesnt see like it in the video… how much bigger is it?
it’s larger and more accessible, but i definitely don’t think it’s 4 times larger….that would be massive
Jamie, Do you know if the width dimension will be bigger, another website stated that the C3 will be 4/10″ wider and 10 ounces heavier! please tell me its not true! lol
um, i didn’t measure—or weight it, but it felt the same to me….i am obsessed with the fact that someone did measurements that precise…lol
Is it true that the old seat inlay fabric will not fit on the cameleon 3? Why??
The harness is constructed differently. However, I personally think you could force it–you just wouldn’t be able to slide-adjust the new harness. Hmmmmmm
If I decide to upgrade my chassis, will my current seat/bassinet frame (2008) still fit?
We’re trying to decide between this and the uppababy vista for hitting the streets of NYC…would you think this is worth the extra ~$300?
Also, can you close the underseat basket?
Do you know if Bugaboo will sell the new Cameleon 3 frame separately as parts? Right now they sell the Cameleon Chassis for $299.95, I think. If Bugaboo sells the new Cameleon 3 frame only, and I can still use my old Cameleon seat frame, that would be awesome.
Hi Jamie, I was wondering if you can fit a DIAPER BAG into the basket? The only problem I had was the basket size.. otherwise it is an amazing stroller and I will definitely have to be pre-order if the basket is large enough to finally fit a diaper bag rather than hanging it from the handle!
I’d love to win a new Bugaboo C3!!!!!
Hi Jamie I too like a couple people above am curious if the old seat frame will snap into the new frame I want to upgrade but have an extra set of bases that I keep on an extra frame I really hope it will work on the new frame any chance you can test out?
I meant the old seat frame snap onto the new chassis thanks!!!
Hi,
Does the old fabric set fit the new cameleon 3?
Any recommendations on favorite (and SAFEST) compatible infant car seat–peg, maxi cosi, etc? Do you think they will make an adaptor for the new maxi car seat?
the cybex aton!!! right now it’s my fav infant seat