Steelcraft Strider Signature V5 – Affordable Versatility

The Steelcraft Strider Signature V5 has been around in one form or another for quite some time. In fact I owned the original version of this stroller about 12 years ago! Although there have been many aesthetic updates in that time not a lot has changed with the overall design. 

I found the Steelcraft Strider was a fantastic pram for a bit bigger age gap between children, the second seat doesn’t take up a lot of room so it’s easy enough to have attached on the pram even when your bigger kid says they’re going to walk to and from the playground (and then predictably they’re completely worn out for walk home!)  

Steelcraft Strider Signature V5 Key Features 

• Compact footprint and easy to manoeuvre with weight distribution over the rear wheels. 
• Britax Bassinet adapters are compatible with Britax capsules, so it’s very convenient for parents wanting to easily switch from cot to capsule. 
• Both seats are approved for newborns, so super simple for twins or siblings. 
• Reasonably affordable for a full featured double pram. 

Things to consider

• Limited configurations due to the compact size.
• A lot of reviews suggest the pram can be quite noisy (squeaking and creaking)
• Only sold through Baby Bunting which can mean less competitive price (because there is no competition)

Steelcraft Strider Signature V5 Specifications

Steelcraft Strider Signature V5 Capsule Compatibility

• Britax Safe-n-Sound Unity Capsules

The review below of the Steelcraft Strider Compact is a reader review submitted by mother-of-two Fiona.

Features We love about the Steelcraft Strider Compact Deluxe (Previous version of Steelcraft Strider Signature V5 )

A couple of years ago, I was fortunate enough to win the Steelcraft Strider Compact Deluxe pram. This was perfect timing for us as we weren’t quite happy with our previous pram.

The Strider Compact Deluxe has several features that we have absolutely loved and have made our lives much easier. Firstly, it has a gorgeous sleek design with leather handrails that makes it really nice to look at and walk around with. The wheels are sturdy rubber and have withstood many off track adventures over the last two years with minimal wear and tear.

The pram is easy to manoeuver – although quite wide for a single pram – and can be turned and spun around with ease during shopping expeditions due to the fully-rotating wheels (which can also be locked into place if need be). It also has a great storage space under the seat perfect for a couple of full grocery bags.

However, our favourite feature of the Strider Compact Deluxe has been the ability to convert it into a single and double pram (including with the use of a capsule) to help our expanding family.

Single and Double Capabilities

The Steelcraft Strider Compact Deluxe comes with a single seat and plenty of storage under the seat. However, you can buy a second seat to attach to the bottom of the frame which instantly makes the pram a double pram (one child at the top and one underneath). I liked the idea of the double pram still being a single-width pram (rather than two children sitting next to each other) because it is easier to move around the shops – and I’m anticipating a lot less sibling fights on shopping trips! However, it is a bit harder for the second child to see out and about while travelling, although my son hasn’t complained of this issue yet! There is also plenty of comfortable walking room with the children one on top of the other.

Travel System Compatible

When my second son was born, we were looking specifically to have a capsule for him that could move from the car straight into the pram. Fortunately, the Strider Compact Deluxe offers this solution. However, we did have to buy a capsule adapter for the Britax Safe n Sound Unity to enable this to happen. (Note: The Strider Compact is compatible with the Steelcraft Infant Carrier without the need for adapters.)

We absolutely loved the ease we had to get our son’s capsule straight from the car into the pram if he was asleep or if we were doing quick, short trips and didn’t want the hassle of constantly getting him in and out of his seat. There was also still plenty of room between the capsule and the second child sitting at the bottom of the pram.

The only downside we found with this was that we had to buy the second pram seat immediately – the seat that originally comes with the pram will not fit underneath as the second seat. So we had to fork out the money for the capsule, adapter and the second seat all in one hit. However, in the long run this evened out as when our baby grew out of the capsule, we were able to just put the original seat back on top.

Features We Don’t Love About The Steelcraft Strider Compact Deluxe

While we have loved our new pram, there are a couple of features we find a little irritating at times. When folding up the pram to store in the boot of the car, there is no easy way to pick the pram up (such as handles). You have to kind of man handle and wrangle it into the boot, which is a bit time consuming (and a little heavy) especially if you have a couple of kids waiting in the car. It does get quicker/easier over time, but it’s still not something we love.

However, the major frustration we have found with the pram is that in order for it to fold up flat to go into the car, the wheels have to be perfectly aligned at the front. This can sometimes involve a lot of jiggling (and naughty words!), walking the pram around to get them to swing the right way, in order for them to be facing the right way to close the pram.

Overall, it’s a winner!

Taking everything into account, we have absolutely loved the Steelcraft trider Compact Deluxe and it has been perfect for our family of 4. It accommodated the growth of our family, including the use of a capsule and second seat, and it is easy to move and maneuver on a range of terrain. while there are a couple of minor annoying features to consider (which you’ll find with any pram), we have found the benefits definitely outweigh the negatives.

Steelcraft Strider Signature V5 wasn’t what you’re looking for? Check out our Best Pram Guides to find the best pram for your family.