Ok, so I typically review adult gear but from time to time, a company or product is so interesting, I feel compelled to write about it. Today’s winner is BOB, a designer and manufacturer of high-quality strollers and bike trailers. While jogging around the local parks, I see tons of these cool strollers so I just had to learn more about this company with a funny name.
BOB was founded in 1991 in San Luis Obispo, California by Roger Malinowski and Philip Novotny. Philip was turning decrepit cruiser bikes into a lightweight. single-track bike trailers called the YAK. Robert recognized the genius of this idea and a partnership was formed.
The company was originally named Beast of Burden but the name proved long and unwieldy so, in true California fashion, it was shortened to BOB. Their first product, the BOB bike trailer, revolutionized the market with a patented QR attachment system that took advantage of a simple fact – all bikes have a rear axle! This placement is ideal for hitching a trailer since it provides optimal towing performance, a low center of gravity, compatibility with most bikes and excellent handling.
It did not take long for Roger and Philip to translate their knowledge and success with trailers into another product line – strollers. Working to design and build the “best-looking, best-performing, highest quality jogging stroller in the world” produced the BOB Sport Utility Stroller. This stroller features state-of-the-art suspension, rugged polymer wheels, folding frame and many other innovative details. Crediting their children’s testing of prototypes, Roger and Philip worked to ensure all strollers were high-quality, resilient and durable. After receiving requests for a two-seater stroller, the Duallie was introduced in 2001. Two years later, serious athletes and parents turned to BOB for a stroller worthy of being associated with the Ironman. This stroller has stiff shock absorbers and lightweight, high-pressure tires for superior road running and a tough welded frame for extreme durability.
BOB’s corporate offices are now based out of Boise, Idaho where many of the employees commute via bike – not because of high gas prices but because of the culture at BOB – using personal “horsepower” over resource-consuming products. This dedication to quality and innovation combined with an appreciation for enjoying the outdoors make BOB a leader in the trailer and stroller marketplace.
