Written by jeff mr from USA 8/2/2010

I can't praise brooks enough. Some people talk about the break in period, some talk about the saddle making them want to ride more. I'm both of those people. The first time I used my b17, I was amazed, and wanting to break it in more gets me to ride more. I love this saddle. Thank you brooks.

Written by Rob MacDonald from Canada 7/23/2010

When the leather cracked on the Brooks B17 seat on my 1943 BSA Airborne Folding Bicycle I was prepared to carve a wooden mould from the original leather and use that to shape a new piece of Oak sole leather for it.

To my surprise and considerable satisfaction I found that a) you're still in business, and b) you still have the model I needed in production.

My replacement B17 recieves the proper attention that the original should have had - an occasional wipe with saddle soap and a bi-annual brush with neat's-foot oil, which should massively prolong its' working life, even under the heavy use I put to it - over 50 miles/week on the road.

Written by Paul Worden from Australia 7/19/2010

I haven't been able to ride on a saddle for many years due to a medical condition that has finally been fixed.
During that time I tried the most expensive drop nose, wide cutout, carbon, fancy wancy saddles and they all hurt and kept on hurting.

As I've just joined the Fixie fashion mob and since the supplied saddle was a rather pretty example of sitting on a broken brick, I thought I'd grace the bike with what it deserved - a proper leather saddle.

I assumed that derrieres haven't changed much in 100 years, so today I received my Brooks B17 STD Honey and it certainly is a honey. Why I ever thought that plastic, foam and vinyl was better than leather I'll never know and I'll never make that mistake again.

They say you have to break these saddles in. Well it's going to be seductively comfortable then, because today I rode for an hour and it was heavenly. It's manufactured - not stitched together in a sweat shop in a back alley. You just have to open the box to see that this saddle will last. I loved the presentation and I love the saddle. Pass on my thanks to the production team. Thanks to their efforts there are a lot of behinds saying thank you in the nicest possible way. Go Brooks!

Written by Michael Watkins from Canada 7/12/2010

I've been riding on a Brooks saddle since I appropriated my dad's (an expat-Englishman) bike as a teenager over thirty years ago. Our aluminium touring tandem has always been equipped with a Brooks B17 up front and my 26 year old Miyata touring single now sports a brand new Team Pro copper saddle. Both are great saddles and I've found both comfortable right from the start, even the much stiffer Team Pro on my now much older posterior. A firm saddle is the best present you can give to your sit bones.

Written by Arnold Stonehouse from Canada 6/12/2010

I have been a commuter for several years now aboard a Devinci Monaco "hybrid" I have gone thru all the expensive perches that I can bear to sit upon. 2years ago I purchased a B17 standard. This saddle has proven itself to be head and shoulders above all contenders in my humble opinion. At the risk of sounding pedantic, I will say that I will NEVER sit on any other brand of saddle henceforth. Nothing else can compare to my B17. And I have tried 'em all! Excellent work and I would gladly pay double to have this saddle on my bike! Keep up the fantastic work Brooks, you have a customer for life in me.

Written by Michael Acuna from Canada 4/6/2010

I've been riding for a couple decades now, some of it competitively: road and off road, recreational and had a summer stint as a bike courier in my younger years. And I have to say that the Brooks saddle is without a doubt the best saddle I've ever used. Forget the fancy, ultralight, super cutting edge, carbon fibre offerings. Nothing beats natural materials, master craftsmanship, and a little breaking in pain. With regards to the latter, I really can't say that breaking in my saddle was either painful or lengthy. Quite frankly, it only took me 2 weeks to feel completely comfortable in my first ever Brooks saddle. I commute pretty much every day to work, even in the winter months (except on -10 Celsius and below). I know the weight of a Brooks saddle seems like a drawback, but the positives totally outweigh the negatives: 1) the fit is like a custom made cabretta glove; 2) the breathe-ability factor alone was the real bonus! don't know about you, but I sweat when I work out; 3) the aesthetics are a bit of a double edge sword, the saddle looks so damn good, that you should have a quick release for your seat post to prevent it from being stolen.

Written by David Kuegler from England 9/28/2009

My old (30+) Mercian has a B17 on it, I am refurbishing it, I have ordered a new Mercian, a 'King of Mercia', I new I wanted a new B17, I just didn't know which one. I had heard & read that it takes about a year to get it to fit. So on ordering my new bike (takes 5 months) I thought I would get the saddle & settle it in. I hummed & harred on which B17, In the end I chose a Brown Titanium, I treated it both sides left it for a fews days, put it on the old mercian, the saddle being worth more than the bike, preparing to go thru' the pain barrier for 12mths. I personally have a deformed spine, it sticks out a bit here & there..............

OK, the trial, my 30minute block, uphill 7 down dale, in Herefordshire. I was to have the thrill of my life, amazing, one can slide all-over the saddle & use it to help power the bike. It felt very comfortable for a short ride, I'm so impressed with my new purchase, & very pleased I've gone for a Titanium B17.

If I need another saddle guess which one I'll get?

Written by Bill Owen from USA 9/5/2009

I have to say that I really cannot believe that Brooks saddles don't have a larger following here in the US. They have everything you could want in a bike component... old-school charm, durability, relative affordability (especially compared to many newer "high tech" saddles), and in terms of comfort... well... I have never known another saddle that even begins to approach these in that category. My suspicion is that many potential Brooks owners are put off by the straight-from-the-factory "firmness" of the "brand new" Brooks they might see in their local bike shop. That's a shame, as I suspect that there are thousands of cyclists in this country torturing themselves with some fancy, expensive "seat" when the best saddle in the world is readily available, possibly at a lower cost. The great thing about these products is that, with use and age, their value to the owner actually increases. There are very few things in this world that genuinely get better with time. A Brooks saddle is one of them.

Written by James H from UK 9/3/2009

A truly magnificent saddle - comfort levels are just fantastic. I used to be a devotee of Specialized's BG range of saddles, but since I bought my B17, I have been forced to purchase another to go on my roadbike! Recently my partner bought herself a B17s and is thinking about replacing her other saddle too.

I recently crashed on the commute to work and even though the saddle took quite an impact, enough to dig a couple of chunks out of the leather at the back and slightly displace a rivet, it is still comfortable and solid.

Written by Michael Varga from Canada 9/1/2009

I've read all the raving reviews posted about the B17 on various web sites posted by cyclo-tourists, and wondered whether it was all just so much hype... When I saw it included as the stock saddle on the Raleigh Sojourn (B17 aged), I was gobsmacked as it's usually the sort of thing you'd buy independently as an upgrade. After purchasing the Sojourn, I broke it in in no time (800 km), then bought a standard B 17 for my commuter / event tourer. No saddle sores, excessive sweating, and perineal distress to speak of, and the sit bone adaptation / indents haven't even appeared yet. Why anyone would spend the equivalent money for a junk plastic saddle with an expiry date of a couple of years reflects just how effective advertising and scare tactics (the perineal / erectile nerve compression myth) penetrated cycling culture. Onward, Brooks riders.

Written by KJS from USA 9/1/2009

The B17 should be renamed the B1 because it is THE ONE saddle that is a must-have. I've tried many, many different [other brands] saddles (haven't we all?) and have tossed them all for the B17. When I'm on my B17(s) you can hear my bottom say, "Ahhhhhhhh". I was on a charity ride recently and a seasoned/senior rider who also had a Brooks mounted on his ride approached me at one of the rest stops and asked, "How do you like your Brooks?" I replied, "Is there any other saddle?" He just looked at me and smiled as if to say "it's a Brooks thing, only we Brookies understand." Thanks again for such a comfortable ride. My wish list of colors for the B17: antique brown, British racing green on the standard/non-copper frame, and maroon (I did own a Team Pro S model in maroon long ago that was absolutely georgeous.) Keep up the good work Brooks!

Written by Terry Couch from USA 7/2/2009

I want to let you know two things. I want you to know that Bill Laine (wallbike.com) provided me with the upmost attention and help with making a decision on which Brooks saddle to purchase. I hope all bicycle shops selling Brooks saddles provide their customers with the same high level of respect I received from Bill.

And two, my ride was short tonight. The sun was going down as I set out to test ride my new Brooks B-17 saddle. I applied a coat of Proofide, allowed the saddle to sit for a couple hours while completing some chores around my apartment. Buffed the saddle, mounted it on my bicycle, then set away for a short 25 mile ride. For me, a short ride. I normally would save comments evaluating an adjustment or component until having ridden fifty to one hundred miles. But I am quite confident when telling you I am looking forward to many miles of enjoyable riding. I felt something I had not experience over the past four thousand mile since returning to bicycling, comfortable, unexplainable comfort.

I would like to thank you and all at Brooks for such wonderful experiences to come.

Terry Couch

Written by Tom Albert from USA 6/15/2009

I have ridden Brooks saddles for over 35+ years from the B17 saddle that came on my 74 Raliegh (still own), Brooks Team Pro saddle on my 72 Raliegh comptetion pro (still own), aged Brooks Team Pro on my 1980 Peugeot team bike (forced to return to the team when I left Europe), aged Brooks Team Pro on my 1982 PUCH LUZERN (sold it in 2002), aged Brooks Team Pro on my 2000 Trek Y foil 77 (still own), to the Brook TI Swift on my 2007 Trek 6.9 SSLX Madone (still own). The thing about Brooks saddles is that they get better with age unilke other saddles that are wear out and are never as comfortable as a Brooks to begin with. The concept of a Brooks saddle is that you are litterally sitting on a leather hammock that means you are suspended with zero pressure points. The leather confirms to your anatomy whether you are the 5.5% body fat pro like I was in the mid 70s to the mid 80s or the 54 year old Engineer sitting at a key board all day and only riding 6-9000 km a year depending on work loads.

Written by Andoni de Quadra from UK 6/6/2009

I got a B17 standard saddle on Christmas 2008. Never before I had a leather saddle .
I heard a lot about the long break in, suffering, etc. .so I was expecting a long " agony" . In the end, there was no pain nor suffering.
From the very beginning, the saddle is comfortable with padded shorts ( this is my personal experince).
The smooth leather surface lets you slide along the saddle as needed (great) and when I am riding , I am not aware of the saddle, no uncomfort, etc . .
I am delighted with the saddle ( Standard B17). I have bought another B17 STD for my commuter bike, and the experince is being the same .
I treated the saddles, both sides of the leather, nivea in the upper side, proofhide in the reverse side .
For my next bike, i will get another B17 STD for sure.

Written by Chris Lattin from USA 5/24/2009

Len Levesley, where do you live? I want to help you get back on your trike. Judging by some of your spellings, you are across the pond from the US, which is too bad. You are an inspiration! I bought a Brooks B17 to finish off a project bike: a Surly crosscheck single speed. Can I just say that all the info out there is true; With surely less than 200 miles on this saddle, I am already able to conclude that it is the best thing I have ever ridden on. Thank you to Brooks for making such a high quality product!

Written by Tae Ahn from South Korea 5/22/2009

I have ridden on your B17 Special saddle for a month and now I cannot bear to ride on any other saddle. I have no choice but to replace the remaining four non-Brooks saddles, which is going to cost me a pretty penny! Curse you, sir, for your infernally comfortable products!

Written by G P 5/9/2009

B17 is the best saddle I ever had. I bought few saddles before (different gel, air ventilation ... ). Most shops in Germany sell a lot of gel stuff but nobody recommended me leather saddles.  Some shops even advised me against. My B17 was comfortable from start on. I regret I didn't trust you before. Now I'm driving often longer distance without pain.

Written by BOB LAJOY 4/11/2009

i am new to the road cycle scene as of this year and i am quite surprised about your products, in tthree weeks i have tried 5 different saddles and talked to 1,000 cyclists (lol) how to get your a-- to feel better during the ride, and to my surprise i spoke to some individuals who bragged about your product, being in business myself for 31 years, i didn't just fall off the turnip truck (lol). i went out and purchased one of your products ( b17 special ) and installed it on my new road bike and my a-- and i want to thank you big time, the ride is so much better and comfortable, i can't wait for it to get more broken in so it will even feel so much better. i think i am going to have to purchase another one for my other bike, thank you and it is good to see that someone takes great pride it what they build and believe in, good old fashioned quality workmanship.....windsor,ontario,canada

Written by edwin 4/6/2009

B17 Special is my 1st Brooks saddle, and I'm gonna put all my bike with Brooks saddle.
Edwin, Indonesia

Written by Dave Wyman 3/9/2009

Last year I resuscitated my Follis, a 1962 French-made road bike - I am the original owner - with a new B17 saddle. The B17, its leather initially hard as a rock, was none-the-less comfortable for me right out of the box, and has only become more so with time.
In addition to comfort, the saddle adds a healthy measure of vintage class to my old bike. My honey colored B17 frequently garners compliments from other cycling enthusiasts.
Over the years, I've used a variety of other saddles on my Follis, from racing to comfort models. I now know it was a mistake to wait 46 years to make the switch to the B17.
Dave Wyman
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Written by Jeff Campbell from USA 8/4/2008

I now have approximately 945 miles on my test saddle and I have to say I love it. I've been riding it on a non-suspension MTB that has been converted to a commuter and all around duty bike.  Two days ago I switched it out and put it on my Trek 7.3 to ride that bike for a while. I also have a B17 Std on a comparable bike (Giant FCR3) that I can do a side-by-side comparison with. I'm really pleased at the difference in this saddle. I take really good care of my stuff and this saddle is no exception. It hasn't shown any signs of wear or breakdown. You could probably rub a little Proofride on it and put it in a box and sell it for new. I was a bit concerned that it would give some because of the size of the cut-out. I haven't noticed a thing. I haven't done anything to alter the lacing either. I just took it out and bolted it on as-is.

Others have provided feedback about how hard the saddles are, how long it takes to break in, slipping around...etc.  I don't find any of these characteristics to be a problem. In fact, I wouldn't be entirely displeased if the saddle stayed hard.  I think squishy, lesser quality saddles have been part of what has contributed to the perennial pain I've suffered over the years. I'm not sure what originally drew me to the B17, but it's been my personal choice since. I wouldn't buy anything else. If I had to give up my B17's, I'd probably just hang the bikes up for good. I haven't found anything that provides this amount of comfort and quality and I've tried other options. I think this new design is just going to give people like me one other option to keep on riding without pain or numbness. I think you guys have a winner. Thanks people..GREAT products.   I'm a Brooks lifer!

Written by Michael McNair from USA 8/1/2008

Wow. When I got my first BROOKS B17, back in January, initially, I was rather dismayed by its firmness. It took a few months but eventually, my boney butt pressed itself into the leather and I was officially hooked. When the Imperial arrived, I was expecting to go through the same discomfort. However, right out of the package, this baby felt like it was made for my rump. I know lacing is nothing new for BROOKS saddles, but I was really taken by how much control they allow the user in getting the "flex" right where it is needed. My interest in having a cut-out saddle is due to my perianal fistula. This was due to my having Crohn's disease. This fistula occasionally becomes inflamed and turns into an abscess in a most undesirable area. Any time that it has happened in the past, I have had to forgo cycling for a week or so. Last week, it flared up again and I had some tenderness in this area. I was prescribed antibiotics, which did clear it up, but I didn't miss a day of riding. This very incident has made the Imperial tops in my book. I'm even considering a cut-out and laces for my original B17. Awesome saddle. I can't say enough about the comfort.

The IMPERIAL is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden.

I really wish I had some piece of constructive criticism to add here, but as far as I'm concerned, BROOKS knocked this one out of the park. Job well done.

Written by Hein Verheijen from Netherlands 6/24/2008

Generally, the B17 Imperial makes my genital area feel much less numb than the normal Brooks B17. If the saddle turns out to be strong enough to last over a long time, I would buy another of these saddles and I would recommend it to our customers. This because of its comfort.

Written by Brooks Garner 6/14/2008

My B17 has been in service since its purchase in 1995 (at Harris Cycles in Newton, MA, USA), and I've loved it since the first ride. I'd fully recommend it to anyone searching for a saddle that will obviously serve for a lifetime. I can ride 150 miles a day without any soreness, unlike other more "modern" designed seats. (You know, the strange ones with the hole cut out of the seat in strategic spots?) Over the last decade, my Brooks saddle has taken me over 15,000 miles around the United States. I enjoyed an extended endurance on my Brooks, during twelve hour rides, when cycling on my tour across America (from Virgina to California), unlike some of my companions, who complained every day of their soreness. Thank you Brooks, for this wonderful contribution to the cycling world! -Brooks G., Massachusetts

Written by Matthew Deaner from USA 6/13/2008

Before trying the Brooks Imperial, I had always regarded the B17 as a comfortable saddle. However, I could only use the regular B17 on bikes with a fairly upright riding position or I would experience excessive perennial pressure, leading to numb genitals. I was excited to hear that Brooks was considering the idea of producing saddles with cutouts, and was ecstatic to hear from Brooks that I had been accepted in the Brooks Imperial pilot program.
I mounted the Imperial on my recently completed randoneering bike, a 2007 Salsa Casseroll. This bike has 1" saddle to bar drop, and after trying for 700 miles, I couldn't make a regular B17 work comfortably. No matter how I adjusted it, I'd get perennial pressure and genital numbness. This isn't a failing of the B-17, it's just engineered for bikes that have the handlebars approximately level with the saddle.
The first 400 miles on the Imperial were somewhat uncomfortable. I was expecting the saddle to break in after about 100-150 miles like my other B17s, but this one took much longer. The laces make the saddle stiffer, and the leather seemed a little tougher and thicker than it is in my other B-17s (but this could be my imagination). But even though the saddle was still breaking in, I noticed a major positive change - the problems with genital numbness and perennial pressure were gone!
After about 500 miles, the Brooks Imperial showed definite dimple marks from my sit bones (indicating that it was breaking in), and it started getting much more comfortable.
After 700 miles, the Brooks Imperial fits me like a glove and it's honestly hard for me to ride any other saddle. I pamper this saddle out of fear that Brooks will never put it into production. I rate its comfort as a perfect 10/10 and I can't think of how Brooks could make it better.
Please put this saddle into production, I'm begging you. I plan on buying three of them for my other bikes.

Written by Bobby J. Huckaby, Jr. from USA 5/29/2008

The Imperial virtually eliminates the perineal pressure that hounded me with other saddles. I had a surgery that left me with a very sensitive bottom, and the only saddle that I've been able to ride since then has been the Brooks B17, but this Imperial has changed the game. Even with the B17's comfort level, I've been limited to rides of about 40 miles or so... but I've found that I can ride the Imperial on rides of 50+ miles for three consecutive days! I cannot tell you how I love this saddle! The Brooks Imperial has given me my bicycle back...

Written by Colin Wood 5/22/2007

My titanium-framed B17 is still immaculate after 16,000 miles of hard use. It is the most comfortable all-day saddle that I have ever used, and I only wish I had bought it before I did Land's end to John o'Groats in 2003. If you ever stop making these, sell me the last one. It will last me the rest of my life. Colin Wood (Age 69)

Written by Len Levesley 5/22/2007

I have a Brooks B17 standard (three hole) saddle which I used for 68 years. The saddle is in beautiful condition, being firm and in perfect shape. During its early years I treated it regularly with Proofide and properts white shoecream. It was first fitted to my taper-tube Selback in 1936, being subsequently transferred over the years to replacement machines, including the F.W Evans, after WW2 it adorned a Gillot, then my two George Longstaff trikes.
While on active service in the Western Dessert with the RAF in 1943 I contracted Polio. In 1944 I was invalidated from the RAF, and resumed cycling, on the same B17 saddle. I have ridden over 220 miles in a day on the B17. And also had the honour of riding in the first of the annual ‘Stan Spelling’ 25-mile time trial in Staffordshire. This was the only time in the 100-year history of cycle racing that a full field of 120 trikes had assembled for a time-trial. In 1997 I suffered a recurrence of Polio, and so had a lightweight trike built with an open frame. This I continued to ride, fitted with the same B17 saddle.
Unfortunately, now in my 90th year, I am unable to get on board the trike, due to the Polio. If I had a couple of strong neighbours to lift me onto the trike I could still ride it. But as it is it stands under a dustsheet, still with the original B17.
I hope you have found this of interest.
Yours sincerely
Len Levesley

Written by Martin Kollmann 5/22/2007

My Grandfather (J. Ballardini, born 1905) bought a Brooks B17 in the early 1920s as he started with amateur cycle racing in Vienna, Austria - a friend of famous Ferry Dusika and Max Bulla. A few years later he had to stop his career for family reasons and gave his saddle to a friend. Decades later this friend died and my Grandfather asked the widow for his friend's bicycle. He was surprised as he found his own old saddle on the bike. My Grandpa died in 1980 and since that year his saddle is part of my bicycle.

Written by Bob Crispin 5/22/2007

I find the Brooks B-17 so comfortable that I put in on a drum stool and use it at my desk, or on my deck as shown in the photo. It is a joy, I have them on all six of my bikes, road, touring, and off road. If a design maintains over a century, chances are, its the best one going.

Written by Ron Howe from UK 5/25/2009

I've ridden Brooks saddles since the early 1970s and I love them. As a 15 stone (95Kg) powerlifter who cycles for fitness I need some width to support my large rear end and I've got three Brooks among a collection of about twelve saddles ... the pricey but worthy Honey coloured Swift, a B17 narrow and a B17 standard, which my wife has hijacked. The Swift Titanium is also really light in relative terms. The classic styling of Brooks saddles just looks so good and draws many comments. Although some of the others are comparatively heavy that extra few hundred grams is a sacrifice worth making for the sake of the great comfort and durability you get from a genuine Brooks hide saddle especially on the longer rides. I continuously recommend Brooks saddles. It's just such a shame that the titanium metalwork is so expensive otherwise I would replace my two other others for the titanium special models withe the big rivets..

Written by Mark Taylor 4/22/2009

I had a tried with a Swift titanium for 2000 miles and still not that comfortable. The B17 Standard was extremely comfortable straight from first contact, now all of my bikes have B17's (one has the titanium version).

Written by dustin 4/14/2009

ever since i bought my first brooks b17, ive been in love with brooks saddles. since then i have had 15 custom builds, and each one has had the brooks b17 on it. from touring to fixed track riding, the brooks b17 BEATS ALL.

Written by Marty Eison from USA 8/7/2008

I like this saddle but found the B17N version to be difficult to set up properly, however once dialed in
it is well worth the time and effort. This is not my first Brooks saddle but it was one of the more
difficult ones to dial in. I think the B17N has a flatter profile than either my B17 Standard, or Swallow
which is my reference saddle.
When the saddle is dialed in correctly it is absolutely forgettable, that is I don't notice it. When it wasn't
dialed in properly I found myself constantly fidgeting, repositioning myself in a vain effort to find that
sweet spot where the saddle disappears.
All in all I would say I am favourably impressed with the saddle, I initially had some doubts about
the longevity of the saddle with the cut out but these have been dismissed as the saddle hasn't lost it's
shape or required numerous adjustments due to sagging leather.

Written by Mike Jaquet from USA 8/1/2008

It has been a privilege to have taken part in the testing of the new Imperial saddles. I've always held Brooks saddles in high regard and the Imperial has lived up to my expectations. The weather here has been unusually wet this year, floods and all, and life has been unusually hectic, so my anticipated mileage is way below what I had planned and hope for so far. My longest ride so far with this saddle has been around 30 miles, other rides have averaged around 20 miles, and a lot of shorter jaunts around town of under 5 miles, and so far there have been absolutely no numbness issues or problems in the perineal regions. This saddle so far has surpassed my fond memories of my B17 I rode for thousands of miles way back in the 1970's, and I anticipate the Imperial will continue to provide good service.
Once the Imperial begins production I can foresee adding these to several of my other bikes.

Written by Karin van der Lee from Netherlands 7/28/2008

During my cycling trips I always experience a num feeling in my genital area.
For that reason I've tried many saddles. Unfortunately I always had to compromise between the comfort of my sit bone area and the genital area. The normal Brooks B17 Standard was very comfortable to my sit bones but the numbness in my genital area prevented me from choosing Brooks. The Velo Plush and Respiro saddles gave me far less numbness but where to soft for my sit bones.
The new Brooks Imperial combines the comfort for my sit bones without blocking the blood circulation in my genital area, Perfect! Still after more than 1500km the Brooks Imperial seems to be the best saddle I've ever had. I'm curious about the durability...

Written by Andrew J. Mogford from UK 6/24/2008

I must say I've never been a fan of "holey" saddles in the past, I always found the hole very obtrusive creating more points of contact than a normal saddle. On first sight I thought the Brooks would have the same problem so when you ride on it all you feel are the edges of the hole.
On actually riding I was pleasantly suprised that the softness of the leather flexed enough that the corners of the hole were not felt at all.
The saddle then behaved as I would expect the B17 that I took off the bike to.
I did however chamfer the edges of the hole a bit more as when the saddle softened the edges became more aparent. More chamfering helped this and now the saddle is fully softened there is no feel of the edges of the hole.
A production model would need better chamfering and a neater cut of he hole (I know this was a prototype) most people who saw it assummed I'd cut it with a knife myself!

Written by Dominique Partin from USA 6/11/2008

I have found the cutout on the B17 Imperial to be very useful allowing a lower saddle to bar drop that was not achievable with a regular B17. It was comfortable from the second I sat on it. I was curious to how the narrow saddle felt and asked another member if we could trade, so I actually got to test out the B17N Imperial as well. I find the B17N to be better than a regular only because I have thick thighs so the narrow profile is very nice when I am pedaling fast.
Overall I am very pleased with the saddle and the cutout is a really large improvement.
The cutout may lead to wear a little faster than a regular one but it will still be a long lasting saddle in itself it seems.
The simple fact of having a lower saddle to bar drop is a nice thing when you don't want to shell out as much $ for a Team Pro or Swift saddle.

Written by Michael from USA 6/11/2008

This Brooks was typical of all my others in the fact that out of the box it was hard as a rock. My first ride of 3 miles did much to confirm that fact. This was to be expected, the cut out as I hoped would relieve pressure did not disappoint me it performed as expected. I commute daily and have put over two hundred miles commuting and about another two hundred miles in weekend rides the saddle while not actually any softer has comformed to my anatomy and I can ride it without discomfort. I will say that bicycle specific shorts are the more comfortable way to ride with this saddle I can ride in just abou any other pants other than really new jeans without problems for 10 miles or so. The cutout does the job although it could use a bit more easing of the edges and I think it would be a bit more comfortable out of the box that way. I tried this saddle on three different bikes. My hybrid commuter and a Schwinn Volare and a Bianchi road bike each bike has a different ride but the Imperial was better on the roadbikes than the commuter owing to the different geometry of the hybrid which is more relaxed and upright in its riding position. I only included one picture since I usually forget to take my camera when I ride.
Saddle is breaking nicely and I really like the lacing. Cutout needs a bit more easing around the top edges.
I expect this saddle to be as bulletproof as any previous Brooks with the proper care.

Written by William Davis from USA 6/8/2008

I originally signed up for B17 Narrow and put 326 miles on it, including a single 104 mile ride. To be honest, the saddle was simply marginal in comfort. Then another tester indicated they would like to try the Narrow saddle instead of the standard width which they originally received. We agreed to swap saddles. From the first ride on the B17 standard width, it was readily apparent that this was a much better fit for me. I received the B17 with 100 miles on it and proceeded to add another 322 miles. As I worked with the fitting adjustments and the saddle began to break in, the comfort moved from "OK" to "Outstanding" for rides up to 50 miles. As of this writing I am planning to do a 100 mile ride and that will really tell the tale of how this saddle holds up for me.

During the month of testing, I have never expected much from the saddle. I own a Selle Anatomica and I am well pleased with it. The brooks is hypersensitive to positioning. Get it wrong and its a torture device when it is new and hard. But the quality craftsmanship and "rideability" of the saddle kept me trying and adjusting to give it a fair chance. By "rideability" I mean the confidence inspired by position stability and lack of intrusion into my peddling motion and handling. The Brooks saddle design is quite narrow immediately forward of the sitting area. This means there is no chafing or hindrance to leg movement. This is very important to my experience, as I have large upper legs.

I was absolutely certain, I would complete my tenure with the saddle as an obligation to Brooks to provide test feedback and re-install the Selle Anatomica after I was finished. Now I am not so sure. I installed the Selle Anatomica on my wife's bike this morning and kept the Brooks in place. I'll know a lot more in a month. I do plan to put the S-A back on to see how it compares after having ridden the Brooks for 2 1/2 months. That will be an interesting experience which I will report.

When I look back to my horrid experience with the Brooks Swift, I must say the B17 Imperial is a completely different experience. The cutout allowed me to deal with the saddle long enough to get it adjusted properly. I now wonder if the swift would have been a different experience if I could have applied the fitting knowledge I now have to it. Obviously the wider B17 is a better fit. To be honest, I am not sure the cutout is absolutely necessary for me in the long run. I've never had genital pain or numbness with any saddle. I've had lots of pain in the perenial area, however. The cutout is a break-in shortcut that seems to work for me. I do have concern about the longevity of the saddle based on the reports from other testers. If I had not read their reports, I would not have a clue about problems because I've had none that point toward longevity issues. The lacing works, but seems to be a rather crude system. I cannot fathom why all the holes on the front and the rear of the saddle. Does anyone ever lace these areas? However, I can certainly see that lacing is a very low cost solution that can be adapted to numerous seatpost and fit challenges. At first I thought I would be adjusting the lacing every 100-200 miles. but I now realize that as the saddle breaks in, the lacing adjustment was a stop gap measure to keeping the comfort reasonable while the break-in occurred. I understand it will also keep the sides from flaring out.

If I get three years of comfort out of a saddle that only requires a month of break-in, I am thrilled. I've never been enamoured with the aspect some people talk about riding months and 1000's of miles to get their Brooks saddle broken in. I refuse to dedicate that much time to uncomfortable riding, no matter how good the result is.

However, I would much rather see a B17 Imperial Titanium with copper rivets. I would buy that model, if it existed.

Written by Lou Morace from Switzeland 5/22/2007

I have only Brooks saddles on my cycles, a Swift on my racer, a Pro on my tourer and a B17 on my trekker, I won`t ride anything else. Since changing to these saddles 5 years ago I no longer have back ache and I don`t creep on the saddle in hard efforts anymore, I guess that`s all due to the saddle adjusting itself to my hip contours. I recommend these highly for every type of rider. I love sitting on my cycle now and I've never pedalled better.

Written by Michael Thiedemann from United States of America 5/11/2010

...I ride a 70's Schwinn Cruiser to the beach, to surf, regularly. It's only a six mile round-trip, but the usual, big, fat, foam-padded cruiser seats can get pretty uncomfortable on a hot day. I've always admired the styling of Brook's saddles, my brother-in-law had one, but never thought the expense was worth it. All I can say is, Wow!, was I wrong! Not only does my cruiser stand out in a town chock-full of classic bikes, but it's more comfortable than I'd ever imagined. I've only put about thirty miles on it, and it's already like sitting on a cloud. Cheers! Brook's. I'd like to say that I'll buy another, but I think this one's gonna last forever...

Written by Andrew Fetchina from United States 4/28/2010

Short and sweet, I never think about my saddle when I'm ridding, it's that comfortable. I have a B-17 on my Peugeot, a Flyer on my 3 speed Club bike and a Swift on my Raleigh Clubman. Excellent workmanship and design!

Written by Alejandro Aranda from Mexico 5/10/2010

Hi I recently purchased a B17 special (the brompton version, brown top, copper rivets, standard black frame) I have only put 70 kms and it's by far the most confortable saddle I have riden, by far much much more than my previos gel saddles (one with ventilation) they were fine for a few kms then it's was a pain in the butt, literality. Q: My concern is only one, I sweat a lot from the buttocks and I can't always wear padded short, which helps a lot with this matter, so when i use jeans sweat stays there in touch with the saddle, and leaving a very embarassing trace in my jeans. Would this sweat damage severly the saddle eventualy? Because I noticed in some parts of the saddle it has become darker just like a few spots, and in the back part has a little brighter spot as if the color has fell off.

answer - Sweat will not damage your saddle!

Written by Derek johnson from Seattle, WA. USA 5/25/2009

Q >>> Will the B17 Special mount directly to a Crank Brothers Joplin Seatpost? I am in need of a GOOD saddle and hear rave reviews about your products. I ride an all mountain type of bike. Through wet and mud and muck. Is this a good product for its intended use? Thank you. Derek Johnson

A >>> All our saddles have standard 7 mm rails, so it should work!

Written by - 5/22/2007

It all started out with importing the frame from italy.. Took about a week to build up the bike from scratch... lots of patience.. when it was done the bike looked plain and simple.. so i decided to purchase me a Brooks B-17 after all the good stuff I heard about them.. and when we put that beautiful saddle on there everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the bike.. Gorgeous!! and i have to say its been the best, most comfortable ride i've been on... Brooks for life!