The 100% aluminium chassis is strong yet lightweight. The pushchair locks closed automatically and is free standing when folded. It can also be folded up with the reversible seat unit still installed in either of the two positions (theoretically, at least). There’s adjustable suspension on the rear wheels and the front swivel wheels can be locked in position, plus the twin link cable brake means there’s no brake bar between the rear wheels.
What we love
Unfolding the Jané Solo Reverse Pushchair is easy. Simply pull up the buttons on the handlebars and then fix the cross at the back with your foot. At first it was a bit stiff and I had to push the cross down, but once it had been used a few times it dropped open by itself. Folding is simple too - just raise the pedal and pull the buttons up. It’s also quite compact when folded.
The backrest is easy to adjust and it can be done one-handed. You need to lift the lever to lower the seat, but can simply pull it up to raise it.
The raincover is one of the best I’ve used. It’s quite structured so it’s easy to fit and it also features a window in the middle that can be opened and secured (with Velcro), giving your child some fresh air and allowing him have a good look around.
The hood is soft with a plastic window and a “peak” on the front for a bit of extra shade. It’s also possible to pull it down quite far forward, which I made good use of on very bright days.
What to watch out for
The Pro-fix system was my main bugbear with the Jané Solo Reverse Pushchair. The seat attaches at four points. To lift it off, you have to press two buttons simultaneously, which was quite awkward in itself since the handle was in the way. There are four points for reattaching the seat unit and I found them very fiddly. In fact, I had to unclip the seat cover on the sides to see where I was supposed to be attaching. I also had to do this on my hands and knees on the floor so it’s not something to attempt when out and about.
The thing that I find annoying about this hassle of reversing the seat is that I’ve used other reversible buggies that simply click in and out of place and can be done one-handed. Why is the Solo Reverse so complicated in comparison? If it were the first reversible buggy ever designed, it would probably be forgivable. However, it isn’t and so it’s simply irritating.
While the Jané Solo Reverse Pushchair is compact when folded without the seat unit, it’s actually quite bulky when the seat unit is attached. It can be folded with the seat unit either forward or rear facing, but folding with a rear facing seat “is not optimal” - I couldn’t get the seat to recline when folded, so couldn’t fit it in the boot that way anyway. The seat unit is compact and folds widthways, so it wouldn’t take up too much room even when stored separately, it’s just the extra time involved in taking it apart before folding that’s an annoyance.
The ability to alter the suspension – it can be softer or harder – is useful, but it’s tricky to do, since the suspension adjuster is situated between the two wheels of each double back wheel. I struggled to squeeze my hand in and then turn the adjuster (and I have child-sized hands).
Who is Jané Solo Reverse Pushchair best for?
Urban mums who want manoeuvrability and flexibility and don’t mind a bit of inconvenience.
The Jané Solo Reverse Pushchair is a stylish buggy. It has many useful features, including a noteworthy raincover, and it can be used from birth. It’s just a shame its main selling point – the seat reversal – is complicated.
