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Cybex Balios S
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Cybex Balios S

The affordable, urban modernism in a lie-flat pushchair
.eli
see 40 parent reviews

The Cybex Balios S is a stroller based on the popular Balios M, new for 2018. It belongs to the Cybex Gold series. Balios S has a reversible, non-bucket seat with independently adjustable backrest and leg rest. The seat is located higher, so the baby is closer to you and you can use the stroller as a high chair. The solid rubber wheels with a foam core are maintenance-free. The soft suspension ensures a comfortable ride on all kinds of terrain. Balios S also features new, premium textiles, a visor on the extra large extendable hood and a reinforced shopping basket. The Balios S comes with a new optional carrycot - Cot S, and along with a car seat is able to create a 2in1 or a 3in1 stroller system. For the year 2018, Balios S was also released in the special Fashion Edition with silver frame, patterned hood and leatherette handle as well as bumper bar.

Cybex Balios S Features & Specifications

The Basics

Type
Pushchair (seat and chassis only), 2in1 stroller system, 3in1 stroller system
Stroller weight
11.2 kg
Unfolded dimensions (h×w×l)
110 cm x 60 cm x 92.5 cm
Folded dimensions (h×w×l)
75 cm x 60 cm x 41 cm
Chassis material
Aluminum
Country of origin
Germany
Stroller available as a pushchair (seat unit configuration) only; newborn accessories (like a carrycot) need to be purchased separately
Yes

The Seat unit

Maximum weight capacity - seat load
17 kg
Recommended age range (best to use with a child of)
0-36 months
Reversible seat unit
Yes
Easy-release memory button(s) on the seat or the carrycot
Yes
L-shaped, bucket-type seat unit
No
Reclining backrest
Yes, 3 positions
Full-recline backrest (a bigger-than-a-150-degree-angle to a lie-flat)
Yes
Backrest recline type
Rear-located recline mechanism (e.g., lever-operated)
One-hand backrest recline system
Yes
Extendable backrest
No
Legrest positioning
Yes, 3 positions
Extendable leg rest
No
Wipe-clean layer on the leg rest
Yes
Footrest
Yes
Backrest height
53 cm
Width and depth of the sitting surface
30.5 x 23.5 cm
Total length of the seat unit
97 cm
A higher seat unit's position on the chassis
Yes
Height-adjustable seat
No
Seat unit's proper attachment indicator
No
2in1 convertible carrycot/seat unit (pramette travel system)
No
Fabrics removable for cleaning
Yes
Seat fabrics cleaning
Machine washable
Safety harness type
5-point
Harness padding
Yes
Height-adjustable harness belts
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the seat
No
Second seat can be attached (single-to-double convertibility)
No

The Canopy (Hood)

Seat unit equipped with a canopy/hood
Yes
Extendable canopy/hood
Yes
The canopy/hood features a sun visor
Yes
Floating, follow-the-sun canopy
No
Height-adjustable canopy
No
Removable canopy
Yes
Waterproof canopy
Yes
UV protection in the (canopy) fabrics
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the canopy
Yes
A pocket integrated into the canopy
No
Peek-a-boo viewing window present on the canopy
Yes
Peek-a-boo window can be closed/covered
Yes
Quiet (magnetic/no velcro) peek-a-boo window
Yes
Reinforcing side clasps present on the canopy
No

The Bumper bar

Bumper bar
Yes
Bumper bar type (style)
Bar
Removable bumper bar
Yes
Gate-opening (swing-away) bumper bar
Yes
Height-adjustable bumper bar
No
Bumper bar features a fabric (non-wipe-clean) cover
No
Bumper bar features an extra crotch strap
No

The Wheels

Number of wheels
4
Front wheel(s) type
EVA foam-coated wheels, Rubber-coated wheels
Rear wheels type
EVA foam-coated wheels, Rubber-coated wheels
Front wheels diameter
18 cm
Rear wheels diameter
27 cm
Swivel wheels
Yes
Lockable wheels
Yes
Removable wheels
Yes
All wheels are double wheels
No
All-terrain version of wheels available to purchase separately
No
Wheels equipped with mudguards
No,
Two-wheel mode
No

The Suspension

Suspension
Yes
Wheels with suspension
All
Suspension type
Open springs
Adjustable suspension softness
No
Rocking chassis
No

The Brake

Central brake system/type
One-step rocker pedal (flip-flop friendly)
Deceleration handbrake
No,

The Fold

Folding system
Flat (compact) fold
One-hand fold
Yes
Plane-travel-friendly stroller with an ultra-compact fold (suitable as carry-on luggage)
No
Folds with the (forward-facing) seat attached
Yes
Folds with the rearward-facing seat attached
Yes
Self-standing fold
Yes
Auto-lock feature of the folded chassis
Yes
Folded stroller can be pulled behind like luggage
Yes
Stroller folds and/or unfolds by itself
No
Equipped with a carry strap/carry handle
No
Outward fold (the seat fabrics are on the outside after folding)
No

The Handlebar

Handle height adjustment
Telescopic
Handlebar material
Foam
Handlebar height
99-110 cm
Reversible handlebar (handle can be flipped to the other side)
No
Safety wrist strap
No

The Basket

Shopping basket
Yes
Large shopping basket
Yes
Basket's weight capacity
5 kg
Closable basket
No
An extra basket can be attached to the frame
No
A pocket integrated into the seat/elsewhere on the stroller frame
No

The Carrycot

Carrycot compatible
Yes (with adapters)
Internal dimensions of the carrycot - mattress measurement
77 x 30 cm
Carry handle on the carrycot
Yes,
Inclining carrycot mattress
No,
Foldable carrycot
Yes,
Rocking-base carrycot
No
Ventilatilated carrycot base (bottom ventilation system)
No,
Carrycot installable in the car instead of a group 0+ car seat (Auto carrycot)
No,
Carrycot positioned high on the frame
No

The Car seat

Car seat compatible
Yes (with adapters)
Car seat sold separately
Yes
Maxi-Cosi/Cybex car seat attachment-type adapters available
Yes
Britax Römer car seat attachment-type adapters available
No

The Accessories & Extra features

Parent tray/organizer on the handlebar (included)
No
Cup holder can be attached
Yes
Reflective elements
No
No pushchair mode/seat-unit configuration available
No
Rain cover included
No
Mosquito net included
No
Leg cover (apron) included with the seat unit
No
Seat liner/insert included
No
Changing bag included
No
Carry bag/transport cover for the folded stroller included
No
Motorized/Baterry-powered
No
LED light(s)
No
Built-in audio speakers
No
A storage/bag can be attached instead of a seat
No

Best Deals for Cybex Balios S

Parent reviews of the Cybex Balios S

3.9/5
Add YOUR review
if you own(ed) it, own it ;-)
parents say thx^^

For summer in the city I would say ideal

4
  • Reclining positioning
  • Extendable canopy
  • Large basket
  • Wheel locking
  • Lightweight
  • Suspended
  • Option for both counter and forward direction of travel facing
  • Foldable
  • Option to buy upgrades
  • Nice
  • Handle
  • Foam wheels
  • Weak canopy

Compared to the former Neonato stroller, the Balios is much more practical. It has a large basket, full recline, a great extendable canopy. For summer in the city I would say ideal, we will see in winter. The canopy is quite thin. I definitely wouldn't go for somewhere off-road... unfortunately foam wheels are not the same as inflatable wheels, but what can you do. It's nicely cushioned and I definitely commend the nice, simple look as well.

I'm hoping it lasts us a long time, and I'll just buy a bassinet later for a possible second little one. Better than the Neonato for me, and I don't see any faults yet... maybe the handle (it's unnecessarily far away and moves). Like I said - we'll see in the winter.

It was felt that it was a lower class stroller

3
  • Handle with joint
  • Suspension
  • Weight - the stroller was not heavy
  • Extended canopy
  • Small seat
  • For me insufficient comfort for the child
  • The mattress pad, the footmuff - everything slid down in it

It was felt that it was a lower class stroller. The chassis was great - lightweight, great suspension - pretty smart I thought. The seat was quite small and narrow, not very padded. I don't think it was very comfortable for the baby - my son didn't want to sit in it. In the winter, the footmuff was slipping around in there, it didn't hold nicely.

Superb suspension, easy to turn

4
  • Suspension
  • Folding
  • Backrest positioning - baby lies flat
  • Superb canopy
  • A little harder to fold
  • Black colour - everything is visible on it. So far we have it for a while only - let's see how it will be with the material, if it will fade
  • There is nothing to hold the window on the canopy

For me, out of three strollers in 9 months in my price range, this is probably the best. Superb suspension, easy to turn. Wheels are fine. A little harder to fold, but once you get the hang of it, it can be done. It also folds in one piece.

Superb

5
  • Light
  • Great
  • The folding is not as smooth

Superb stroller, incomparable to the Balios M.

  • Great suspension with a smooth stable ride
  • Very decent sized storage basket
  • Good canopy
  • Good quality feel especially with leather handle bars (easier to clean)
  • Feels sturdy
  • Easy buckling up mechanism
  • Seat cover is easy to remove and wash
  • Stands up when folded
  • Very fiddly to adjust shoulder straps
  • Leaf matter and mud get caught in wheels (but doesn't affect the roll)

A lovely stroller that transitions well from newborn in the bassinet to toddler. It is excellent on London pavements and parks and has a great suspension for a smooth ride with a generous sized basket.

  • light
  • compact
  • cushioned
  • excellent manoeuvrability
  • the fabric is thin and doesn't shade so well
  • you need to get a grip to fold it right

Super happy with this. I was looking for a light, nimble, agile and cushioned stroller. Everything got fulfilled. It is necessary to grease the wheels - then it goes wonderfully easy, even if I need to turn in small spaces.

Right at the beginning we were surprised by the canopy, which tore a little when we scraped it against the wall in the place where it is stretched on the structure. And it was only gently rubbed against the wall. So be careful with any rubbing and it should be fine.

The frame is weak

2
  • extended canopy
  • suspension
  • large basket
  • the frame is not strong enough
  • the wheels are rubberized foam - they get pebbles stuck in

The frame of the pram is weak, but I rate very well the extended canopy. The handle is also unstable - it has a big slack (that sliding up and down) and therefore everything rattles. Even on rough terrain the stroller rattled... The wheels are rubberized foam wheels, so the pebbles get stuck in them, but that's probably the case with most strollers.

A great stroller with at a good price

4

A great stroller with a Cot S bassinet at a good price. And it fits a Kiddy Evoluna I-size egg with adapters - which is a superb car seat with lying position option. I don't use the stroller yet, but it fits pretty well in the trunk, which isn't big.

Durable fabrics and quality frame

4

Bassinet long 78 - 80 cm - one of the longest. It is insulated and has a detachable washable interior. Easy folding and unfolding of the pram. All 4 wheels have suspension. Spacious shopping basket - load capacity up to 5kg. Nicely adjustable handle for tall people. Durable fabrics and quality frame. One of the lighter strollers if you need to carry up stairs. The seat has a perfect hood.

The downside is the narrow ness of the bassinet and the fact that the rain cover fits only on the seat.

I recommend buying a Cybex footmuff - very warm, and a Cybex changing bag - it is very practical, even with a pad included.

A reliable stroller

3
  • Sturdy
  • Canopy is long
  • Basket is ok
  • Spacious (tall baby)
  • Seat can be changed positions
  • Wheels are good
  • Seat fabric is machine washable and keeps the colour
  • Heavy
  • Folding is not compact
  • Wheels take all the leaves and get stuck
  • Tall baby could need more space
  • Rain cover could be better
  • Not compatible with any car seat that is not Cybex

Sturdy but heavy and difficult to fold.

It's a reliable stroller. I have used it for almost two years now and I have very few complaints.

If you live in a flat and don't have a lift or space where to leave it downstairs, I don't recommend it for you.
The cover is machine washable, retains the colour, it is spacious and smooth when pushing it.

If you use public transport, it might be difficult to have enough space for another stroller.

The basket is big enough and the canopy covers a lot from the sun. If it rains, the cover is ok, however with wind it struggles to stay put.

I believe there are better strollers for the price I paid (it is a bit pricey) but it is overall a good stroller

Your questions about the Cybex Balios S

1)

Hey!

I am choosing between Cybex Balios S and Cybex Mios 3. Which one would you recommend to go for and why? Thank you!

Hey, Juli,

The Mios, being a premium model, is more of my go-to (and I actually owned one, so I did actually choose it at one point) because it is, firstly, so much prettier but also - sturdier, less rattly (better materials) and more compact. I really liked that about it as an urban mom. On the other hand, the Balios S is less expensive, and more straightforward, and the wheels are larger, so for mixed-use and with a tighter budget, you might want to go with that. The word "better" cannot be used just so, it always is better "because of/for which situation".

.eli - 05 Apr 2023
2)

Hi, I hope You are doing great.

As a new father, I am going to buy a new stroller, so which would be the best option for me? The Cybex Balios S Lux gold or the ABC Design Avus with the car seat or carrycot? So I’m thinking about which would be good for the city and suburban areas for easy-to-handle long term usability snd longevity, thank you in advance.

Hiya, Hossain,

You thought well about the stroller, and you chose two a bit different options. If I were you, I would go with the Balios S though, and here's why - for a first-time parent, the full-featured Balios S with a reversible, removable seat and a separate carrycot simply will be easier and more natural to use.

The ABC Design Avus is mostly a pushchair for toddlers, with a from-birth possibility, though the seat doesn't really go away and doesn't face the parent, which I think you'll appreciate with the Balios S.

So, definitely the Balios S, and I wish you a lot of comfortable strolls with it!

.eli - 29 Nov 2022
3)

Hi Eli,

I am about to make a decision between buying the Cybex Balios S Lux or the ABC Design Salsa 4 Air. I like the Balios S Lux better, have been researching a lot. There are 2 points due to which I am giving 2nd thoughts.

1. I live in Germany, the winters are extreme - the temperature go down to -10 degrees centigrade. The thin canopy of S Lux is bothering me and I am wondering if this would be suitable for extreme winters.
2. The carry cot and the seat unit are overall smaller compared to other strollers available in similar price range; I am worried if my baby might outgrow the stroller before 3 years?

Which one would you recommend Balios S lux or the Salsa 4 Air?

Many thanks!

Hi, Avani,

I will start with "the canopy and its thinness will not affect the comfort of the baby in the stroller", meaning the canopy it not the thing protecting it from the freezing cold. It only provides shade and a bit of protection against wind, though, for extreme cold, it won't help you as much - layering, a good footmuff, apron, blanket, etc. will do that. So the canopy thickness would not be the deciding factor for me personally - I'd invest in a good footmuff instead.

About the space, the Balios s is rather spacious actually, seat length-wise, though narrow-ish, which is not the best for thick winter clothing. In that point of view, and also from looking at the wheels which are considerably larger and thicker on the Salsa Air, you'd have an advantage in winter with the ABC Design, space as well as push-wise. So if your priority is to last longer and more comfortable in the winter, yes, the Salsa Air is the better option.

The Balios S is, on the other hand, the lighter, more compact option for the city and the rest of the year. It is practical mainly when you want something nimble-ish, while sturdiness and longevity-wise, rather go for the Salsa.

.eli - 18 Aug 2022
4)

Hello, I saw that some parents wrote that canopy can be repleced by Bugaboo canopy. Can you please tell me which model of Bugaboo canopy will fit to the Balios s lux?

Hiya, Tea,

Yes, people truly do that! To attach a Bugaboo canopy to the Balios S, you need to but not only a Bugaboo Donkey canopy, but also the canopy wires (rods) and the attachment system to the frame (I am attaching what you need as a picture). So you need to order a Donkey hood, Donkey clips, and Donkey canopy rods.

.eli - 20 May 2022
5)

I am expecting my first baby & planning to buy a Cybex Balios. I need honest reviews - is it worth the buy? For a new mom is it easy to manage or are there any other better options?

Hi, Hina,

There are always better (and worse) options, and even more so if you're a first time mom and don't know your stroller priorities and special requirements on the pram. Having said that, the Balios S is a nice middle way with an OK price, an OK maneuverability, OK spaciousness, and overall features that are not bad, actually. I am not sure what choices are there in your country, perhaps send me your budget and what were you choosing between in your price range, but even though there may be better and worse strollers, as I already said, this one is nice features- as well as looks-wise. So no worries ^_^

.eli - 16 May 2022

This is your place to ask us a (quick) question about the Cybex Balios S