- The center cutout relieves perineal pressure and saves overall weight
- Leather provides natural "give" by stretching and flexing, and because it doesn't need padding, it's a cool option in warm weather
- The saddle will age and break in over time
- Bag loops permit the use of a traditional English-style touring bag on the rear of the seat
Imported.
| Best use | Bike commuting & touring |
|---|---|
| Saddle type | Performance |
| Cutout seat | Yes |
| Saddle cover material | Leather |
| Cushioning material | None |
| Rail material | Steel |
| Dimensions | 10.7 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 510 grams |
| Gender | Men's |
(5 total reviews)
What do you think of this product?
Share your thoughts with the REI community.
-
Apr 5, 2016Happy Sit Bones
-
Jan 9, 2015Very comfortable traditional touring saddleI live in the UK and when I bought a touring bike to add to my collection two years ago ( my wife groans at my bikes) I wanted a better saddle. Having ridden Brooks saddles 50 years ago I st...
Read More I live in the UK and when I bought a touring bike to add to my collection two years ago ( my wife groans at my bikes) I wanted a better saddle. Having ridden Brooks saddles 50 years ago I started looking at the different models available that are now available. Many reviewers raved about the comfort of the sprung Flyer but I did not want a big fat sit up and beg job so I elected for the Imperial and have not regretted the decision. The cut out easy pressure on your precious bits and makes breaking in much easier if your follow the instructions. I rode across the USA six years ago and on a very light custom bike but the expensive saddle at times was hard on the rear end compared to my beautiful Brooks that oozes with nostalgia as an historic icon of British craftsmanship from yester year. The Imperial is not in keeping with a carbon speed machine but the right bike it brings stylish good looks. -
Aug 21, 2013Quality saddle for long time on the bikeI bought this product after a charity ride because my previous saddle hurt on really long rides. Someone else had a Brooks he mentioned how little friction there was on the B-17 Imperial. ...
Read More I bought this product after a charity ride because my previous saddle hurt on really long rides. Someone else had a Brooks he mentioned how little friction there was on the B-17 Imperial. I have to admit he was right! I have yet to have any trouble or pain using this saddle. You should purchase the Brooks Proofide stuff to help break it in and keep the saddle nice. I picked up a jar, that should last a long time. I also plan to purchase a Brooks cover for when it rains. The mounts for seat bag did not fit because the rails are very far apart, so make sure you have the right bag for this saddle. -
Jul 6, 2012Superior saddleI have been training for RAGBRAI, a 500 mile tour through Iowa which is coming up in three weeks. The saddles that I have been using, gel/soft, weren't cutting it and I was having a lot of ...
Read More I have been training for RAGBRAI, a 500 mile tour through Iowa which is coming up in three weeks. The saddles that I have been using, gel/soft, weren't cutting it and I was having a lot of problems at 30+ miles. I researched leather seats after my sister-in-law told me that she had switched to a Brooks saddle. The choice came down to the B-17 imperial and the selle anatomica, and after reading as much as I could about each, settled on the Brooks. 3 weeks before a long ride isn't exactly the optimal time to switch an important piece of equipment like this, but I'm glad I did. Just did 50+ on the new saddle and I am more than impressed. Comfortable from the get-go albeit a little slippery, by about 10 miles the slipperiness was gone and the rest of the ride was a breeze. I'm a Clydesdale going about 210, and there was no residual discomfort following the ride. I think that being more comfortable on the seat also reduced neck strain and tightness. I am looking forward to doing another 50 tomorrow and feeling even better as it breaks in. -
Oct 12, 2010Good Choice.One week after getting this I used it in a century that I was undertrained for and I was comfortable the entire ride. The cutout is perfect. I don't think you break in a leather saddle, it b...
Read More One week after getting this I used it in a century that I was undertrained for and I was comfortable the entire ride. The cutout is perfect. I don't think you break in a leather saddle, it breaks you in. You get used to the fact that it is a firm ride. It feels like a bike saddle, not like an easy chair and that is what makes it right. You get firm support at the sit bones, exactly where you should get the support. You do not get soft padding pressing into the soft tissues which eventually leads to compression and pain. Think of it this way. What would be more comfortable over the long haul, standing on your feet which were meant to bear weight wearing firm soled hiking boots or kneeling on your knees which were not meant to bear weight wearing soft knee pads? Actually I enjoy putting waterproofer/leather conditioner on it now and then. It feels good to take care of quality leather goods.
Warning:
A block of warning text that breaks onto a new line and may extend beyond one line.
Read More The Brooks Imperial B-17 was actually comfortable from the beginning. It's nowhere near broken in yet, only a couple hundred miles on my road bike so far, but it's already got all prior seats beaten in comfort. I've used the proofhide as prescribed and I purchased a Serfas waterproof seat cover to protect it from sweat & water. Love it so far. I highly recommend it!