Cybex Balios S
.eli
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.
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
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.
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.
- 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
- Weight
- One-hand driving
- Seat faces both reverse and forward direction
- Fits a Bugaboo Donkey2 canopy
- Squeaks
- The wheels are rattling
- The canopy is this
- Foam covered handle
- Folding
- Takes up a lot of space in the car
I bought the Balios S after the Joolz Geo. On the first ride, my little one almost flew out of the stroller because it feels much lighter than the Geo. The one-handed manoeuvrability is great.
My little one is 10 months old and she is absolutely fine in it. In the winter we were with the Elodie Details footmuff and it was also great.
I was expecting more from the folding, but I finally figured out how to fold it. It takes up a lot of space, though, in my opinion.
We've had it five months, a friend reinforced the front rattly wheels with a rubber band seal and they don't rattle anymore.
It squeaks a lot, so I carry lube spray with me and then it's ok. But despite all the shortcomings, I'd still say it's great because it really rides by itself. 😉
- Pretty looking
- Price is affordable
- Weak canopy
- Front wheels rattle
- Not too sturdy
A weak stroller - it didn't ride well, the front wheels were rattling. The canopy was thin and very bendy.
- Lightweight
- Nice design
- Availability of accessories
- Easy handling
- Large basket
- Short canopy on the bassinet (on the seat, it is great)
- Front foam wheels
- Narrow bassinet
I am rating the stroller after about nine months of use. I bought it when I was pregnant and tried the pushchair version first, with my older daughter. The seat is overall a kind of middle ground. Like a classic system - nothing great. Up to 2 years old, approximately, the baby should definitely fit. In summer though, I can't imagine it in the winter. Later we bought a bassinet and a car seat for the baby who came into the world in the winter.
To my surprise, the stroller doesn't have any big problem to cross a harder terrain. The wheels don't rattle, as I've read a lot, they're just foam in the front - so wear shows a bit on them. This is to be expected. The bassinet is quite long, but narrow. The canopy is quite short - that visor is a bit unnecessary. Overall, though, it's a lightweight stroller.
Need to figure out the right feel for how to fold it. The first attempts were pretty nerve wracking :)
- Steering
- Long canopy
- Looks are nice
- Price
- Lightweight stroller
- Folding
- Positioning
- Rattling
A good stroller at a good price. It has more advantages than disadvantages, so I am satisfied.
- Simple design
- Reasonable price
- Storage of the overall and individual parts - both the cot and the seat can be folded and do not take up space while you use the other part
- One-hand folding
- Easy to manoeuvre (even single-handed)
- Long hood
- Safe car seat as a part of the set
- Maintenance-free wheels
- Suspension
- Long carry cot
- Thin hood - but it doesn't blow in, so it doesn't bother me that much
- The front wheels rattled when crossing rough terrain - we glued a rubber band between them and the frame and the problem is solved
- The drinks holder is attached from the outside and has to be taken down when folding
- Without accessories included
- Harder to drive in deep snow - probably like most strollers
I was looking for a simple, light, and compact stroller, ideally a three-in-one travel system. The Balios S was love at first sight - it fulfills everything I need. I think there's really nothing to fault in the price range.
- reversible to face both the world and the parent
- can be placed in a lie flat position
- easy handling
- lightweight
- nice design
- also suitable for more difficult terrain
- large canopy
- large basket
- higher price
I am very satisfied with the pushchair.
- Light
- Compact
- Small for larger toddlers
- Squeaks a little over time
- Flipped over with a heavier bag and baby inside
Quite a lightweight pushchair. For larger children a bit too small. With a heavier bag, it tipped over with our little one.
Your questions about the Cybex Balios S
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".
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!
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.
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.
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 ^_^