Brooks Imperial Saddle Reviews
#1226
Cycle Dallas
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B17 Standard Imperial
Tester
Test Ride #64
Miles 25
Total Miles 1665
Comfort Rating 9.75
Tester
Test Ride #64
Miles 25
Total Miles 1665
Comfort Rating 9.75
#1227
aka: Mike J.
What happened to July, where'd it go, how'd August sneak up on me so quickly, feels like April lasted four months this year and we skipped May, June, and July. Floods, rain, other stuff, this has redefined the definition of "summer". Then I misplaced the thumbdrive with my mileage on it. Still no rides much over 30 miles, most averaging around 20 miles or so, and lots of short around town jaunts. Saddle doing well, managed to keep it from getting wet, and I'd still put the rating at a firm 9+. Posted my 2nd report on the Brooks page just a moment ago.
I'll catch up on the report postings here once I find that flash drive, hope the wife's grandkids didn't feed it to the dogs.
At this rate Thanksgiving and the Holidays will be next week, I'd better go find a frozen turkey. I hear that there's now a bounty on a 300-500Lb wild boar out there? I wonder if it would make for a good Holiday Ham, we could call it the Imperial Ham.
Okay, off to finish up some work so I can get out of here and get a ride in this afternoon.
I'll catch up on the report postings here once I find that flash drive, hope the wife's grandkids didn't feed it to the dogs.
At this rate Thanksgiving and the Holidays will be next week, I'd better go find a frozen turkey. I hear that there's now a bounty on a 300-500Lb wild boar out there? I wonder if it would make for a good Holiday Ham, we could call it the Imperial Ham.
Okay, off to finish up some work so I can get out of here and get a ride in this afternoon.
#1228
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B17 Standard Imperial
Tester
Test Ride #65 & 66
Miles 25 & 25
Total Miles 1715
Comfort Rating 9.75
So now I have done my second review, (end of July) on the BROOKS website. Do we still keep posting reviews & miles here?
Tester
Test Ride #65 & 66
Miles 25 & 25
Total Miles 1715
Comfort Rating 9.75
So now I have done my second review, (end of July) on the BROOKS website. Do we still keep posting reviews & miles here?
#1230
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I had my doubts about the swallow given my previous not quite perfect
history with the team pro.
It's interesting that almost all of the negative comments about the saddle
( once past initial break in) seemed to be about the B17 imperial Narrow.
Marty
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#1231
Dolce far niente
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The pig in the pic posted is a sow, not a baby, and has a litter of piglets. You can see a partial one right behind her. She's got tusks, too - maybe 3" worth under those lips. Hard to estimate size/weight, but 200lbs+, anyway. Could be pregnant again - they doo that pretty regulary, almost like rabbits if the conditions are right.
Very, very good eating.
FWIW, you might not see the hogs again for a while. Feral hogs are transient, more passing through than sticking around types. They have incredibly poor eyesight, but excellent smell and hearing. They tend to travel in large herds, especially in summer when water/food is scarce, so if you see one there are typically more about. When surprised and panicked, there is no telling what they will do or where they will go - but they will do it in a great rush and are just about unstoppable once on the stampede. You DO NOT want to be in front of a panicked wild boar - trust me on this, it happened to me (I was unhurt, and the pig became dinner). Once panicked or pressed they usually leave the area and go deep in the bush, or go completely nocturnal. So, if you see any more in that area relatively soon it'll likely be a different mob.
You're lucky you were not hurt worse or that your bike was not badly damaged. A wild boar's side is about as solid an object as a full oil drum.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.
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#1233
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Bob
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I have about a 2 inch drop, Saddle top to bars.
I had my doubts about the swallow given my previous not quite perfect
history with the team pro.
It's interesting that almost all of the negative comments about the saddle
( once past initial break in) seemed to be about the B17 imperial Narrow.
Marty
I had my doubts about the swallow given my previous not quite perfect
history with the team pro.
It's interesting that almost all of the negative comments about the saddle
( once past initial break in) seemed to be about the B17 imperial Narrow.
Marty
Bob
#1235
Mr. cost-benefit analysis
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8-4-08
Rides #53 & #54
Distance 30 mi. & 30 mi.
Total distance 2076
Comfort Score 9
8-5-08
Ride #55
Distance 30 mi.
Total Distance 3006 mi.
Comfort Score 9
Another round trip commute yesterday, as well as this morning's ride into work. I saw Ziemas and MMACH 5 commenting on how we've gotten into a rut reporting the same distance and comfort scores day in and day out, and how perhaps reporting data on each and every ride may no longer be necessary. I agree, and have been trying to get my final report into Brooks and perhaps put this thing to bed.
But things have changed for me recently. One thing I have to mention is that the rivets in the rear of the seat are becoming more an issue for me, and my comfort scores for the last few rides have dropped a half notch because of it. I've mentioned before that I tend to slide pretty far back on the seat when motoring along the flats. I think that most men with numbness issues (and that's why a bunch of us are here, right?) move around on the saddle more than your average rider. And while I can only speak for myself; I think that if the Imperial was fit with the nicer, larger flush copper rivets I've seen on other Brooks models, it would allow me to use all the seat without any discomfort.
Simply put; the smaller chromed steel rivets on this test Imperial have a higher, sharper profile and can be quite literally a pain in the backside. The Imperial deserves better - especially considering it's intended market. At the least Brooks should perhaps offer a Deluxe Imperial with nicer rivets and perhaps other upgrades as seen on some of their other high end models.
With that said; I do have to say the saddle is still rating pretty high comfort scores. And let's not forget I have quite simply forgotten what it feels like to end up numb during a ride. And I guess that's why this rivet issue is definitely the 'fly in the ointment' for me.
DanO
Rides #53 & #54
Distance 30 mi. & 30 mi.
Total distance 2076
Comfort Score 9
8-5-08
Ride #55
Distance 30 mi.
Total Distance 3006 mi.
Comfort Score 9
Another round trip commute yesterday, as well as this morning's ride into work. I saw Ziemas and MMACH 5 commenting on how we've gotten into a rut reporting the same distance and comfort scores day in and day out, and how perhaps reporting data on each and every ride may no longer be necessary. I agree, and have been trying to get my final report into Brooks and perhaps put this thing to bed.
But things have changed for me recently. One thing I have to mention is that the rivets in the rear of the seat are becoming more an issue for me, and my comfort scores for the last few rides have dropped a half notch because of it. I've mentioned before that I tend to slide pretty far back on the seat when motoring along the flats. I think that most men with numbness issues (and that's why a bunch of us are here, right?) move around on the saddle more than your average rider. And while I can only speak for myself; I think that if the Imperial was fit with the nicer, larger flush copper rivets I've seen on other Brooks models, it would allow me to use all the seat without any discomfort.
Simply put; the smaller chromed steel rivets on this test Imperial have a higher, sharper profile and can be quite literally a pain in the backside. The Imperial deserves better - especially considering it's intended market. At the least Brooks should perhaps offer a Deluxe Imperial with nicer rivets and perhaps other upgrades as seen on some of their other high end models.
With that said; I do have to say the saddle is still rating pretty high comfort scores. And let's not forget I have quite simply forgotten what it feels like to end up numb during a ride. And I guess that's why this rivet issue is definitely the 'fly in the ointment' for me.
DanO
Last edited by Bottomfeeder; 08-05-08 at 11:40 AM.
#1236
Senior Member
I have almost 500 miles on a Narrow and I am loving it. Now I do admit that so far I have used it just for commuting but then that is this bikes main purpose.
On my other bike that I tend to do longer rides on I am happy with the saddle it has so I do not see a need to change it.
On my other bike that I tend to do longer rides on I am happy with the saddle it has so I do not see a need to change it.
#1237
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I have also completed the last evaluation on the Brooks forum so I will add a bit here as well.
Ride: ? Lots now and I have lost count, mostly commuting and one short tour.
Distance: 40km daily, one short tour
Total distance: 1740km
Comfort:9
This saddle is my commuting mount and my touring mount since it is mounted on my new touring bike.
The one short tour we completed had a longest day of 230km, and this was no problem.
The saddle has continued to perform as expected and I really have no complaints for comfort. As a chronic sufferer of perenial numbness I would have to say this saddle has been a raging success for me. No numbness and its much cooler than my other saddles.
However I do have one bone to pick.
On tour, I found the lacing loosening up every 50-60km or so. I solved this with a plastic doohicckey from a sleeping bag cord. I then tied on top of this with no further loosening.
I believe the lacing is key to comfort for this saddle. I also figure one needs to keep it dry or dry it before riding any distance. I would think this saddle would last me for 3-5 years and at least 15 000km. It looks nearly as good as when I took it out of the box.
As I've said before, I'm light by "old guy" standards at 159lbs today. And with the winds I ride in maybe I'm not on the saddle nearly as much as the next guy.
That said, this particular saddle has worked out very well for my commute and will do nicely for my touring needs.
Sorry Andrea, you can't have it back now.
Ride: ? Lots now and I have lost count, mostly commuting and one short tour.
Distance: 40km daily, one short tour
Total distance: 1740km
Comfort:9
This saddle is my commuting mount and my touring mount since it is mounted on my new touring bike.
The one short tour we completed had a longest day of 230km, and this was no problem.
The saddle has continued to perform as expected and I really have no complaints for comfort. As a chronic sufferer of perenial numbness I would have to say this saddle has been a raging success for me. No numbness and its much cooler than my other saddles.
However I do have one bone to pick.
On tour, I found the lacing loosening up every 50-60km or so. I solved this with a plastic doohicckey from a sleeping bag cord. I then tied on top of this with no further loosening.
I believe the lacing is key to comfort for this saddle. I also figure one needs to keep it dry or dry it before riding any distance. I would think this saddle would last me for 3-5 years and at least 15 000km. It looks nearly as good as when I took it out of the box.
As I've said before, I'm light by "old guy" standards at 159lbs today. And with the winds I ride in maybe I'm not on the saddle nearly as much as the next guy.
That said, this particular saddle has worked out very well for my commute and will do nicely for my touring needs.
Sorry Andrea, you can't have it back now.
Last edited by ricohman; 08-06-08 at 09:56 PM.
#1238
Formerly Known as Newbie
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End of May - June:
Test rides: 23-32
Kilometres: 10x16
Total km: 566,7
Comfort rating: 8,5
Test ride: 33
Kilometres: 79
Total km: 645,7
Comfort rating: 9
Test ride: 34
Kilometres: 83
Total km: 728,7
Comfort rating: 9
Again, no news on the short commutes, so I didn't change the rating. On the longer ride I felt I have somehow dialed the saddle in. This was with semi-loaded bike and slower speeds. No hand numbness issues.
Earlier ratings, see below.
Test rides: 23-32
Kilometres: 10x16
Total km: 566,7
Comfort rating: 8,5
Test ride: 33
Kilometres: 79
Total km: 645,7
Comfort rating: 9
Test ride: 34
Kilometres: 83
Total km: 728,7
Comfort rating: 9
Again, no news on the short commutes, so I didn't change the rating. On the longer ride I felt I have somehow dialed the saddle in. This was with semi-loaded bike and slower speeds. No hand numbness issues.
Earlier ratings, see below.
Test rides: 16-21.
Kilometres: 16 each
Total km: 406,7 (at the end of ride 21)
Comfort rating 9.
Test ride: 22.
Kilometres: 58
Total km: 464,7
Comfort rating 8,5-9.
I've been trying to get a bit longer rides in, but life gets in the way. Ride number 22 was in fairly cool weather, so I had some layered clothing on. This usually means I tend to slide on the saddle more, so saddle nose position becomes an issue. I thought I had it dialed in already, but at maybe 50km mark I had to lift it slightly to get some pressure off my hands (they were getting numb). End of the ride went better, with no famous perinneal pressure issues.
For a chain of my earlier ratings, start here.
--J
Kilometres: 16 each
Total km: 406,7 (at the end of ride 21)
Comfort rating 9.
Test ride: 22.
Kilometres: 58
Total km: 464,7
Comfort rating 8,5-9.
I've been trying to get a bit longer rides in, but life gets in the way. Ride number 22 was in fairly cool weather, so I had some layered clothing on. This usually means I tend to slide on the saddle more, so saddle nose position becomes an issue. I thought I had it dialed in already, but at maybe 50km mark I had to lift it slightly to get some pressure off my hands (they were getting numb). End of the ride went better, with no famous perinneal pressure issues.
For a chain of my earlier ratings, start here.
--J
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#1239
Formerly Known as Newbie
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July:
In early July the laces became untied. This resulted to a lot of creaking, flexing and also mild pinching feeling from the cutout shape before I realised what had happened. I had difficulty tightening the laces and especially getting the knot tight, so I put in a plastic cord lock. With that, I was able to tension the laces somewhat, but I'm not entirely happy with the result. I'll try the woodwork vice trick mentioned earlier in this thread.
Test rides: 35-41
Kilometres: 7x16
Total km: 840,7
Comfort rating: 7-8
Test rides: 42-43
Kilometres: 2x63
Total km: 966,7
Comfort rating: 7
Test rides: 44-47
Kilometres: 4x16
Total km: 1030,7
Comfort rating: 7
The comfort issues from flexing seat are more pronounced in longer distances. Earlier ratings, see my post above.
--J
In early July the laces became untied. This resulted to a lot of creaking, flexing and also mild pinching feeling from the cutout shape before I realised what had happened. I had difficulty tightening the laces and especially getting the knot tight, so I put in a plastic cord lock. With that, I was able to tension the laces somewhat, but I'm not entirely happy with the result. I'll try the woodwork vice trick mentioned earlier in this thread.
Test rides: 35-41
Kilometres: 7x16
Total km: 840,7
Comfort rating: 7-8
Test rides: 42-43
Kilometres: 2x63
Total km: 966,7
Comfort rating: 7
Test rides: 44-47
Kilometres: 4x16
Total km: 1030,7
Comfort rating: 7
The comfort issues from flexing seat are more pronounced in longer distances. Earlier ratings, see my post above.
--J
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Last edited by Juha; 08-07-08 at 07:22 AM.
#1240
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I've been gone for a while, since I was banned from Bike Forums. Rather than write up a day-by-day breakdown, I'll give mine as an overall review.
Rides - Everyday
Distance - 30 Miles, round trip
Total distance - A long ****ing way.
Comfort Score - 9/10
I've enjoyed the saddle a lot so far. I was initially very skeptical, but I'm sold on the cut-out. I don't think I would buy another B-17 without one. I ride this over some pretty rough roads on a daily basis and don't have any problems, whereas I used to experience frequent numbness with my classic Brooks.
The Imperial gets attention (from bike nerds) everywhere I go. Anyone who knows anything about bikes will stop me and ask about it, which actually isn't uncommon for any Brooks, but seems almost doubley so for this. Everyone in my shop is super curious about it, and lots of people have test rode it, although I don't think you're really going to feel the difference that the cutout makes unless you're going more than a few miles.
Generally though, it's the most comfortable saddle I have. I'm definitely not putting one on my race bikes, but as a bike commuter (with a dedicated commuting bike) and tourer, it's now a standard-issue item.
Rides - Everyday
Distance - 30 Miles, round trip
Total distance - A long ****ing way.
Comfort Score - 9/10
I've enjoyed the saddle a lot so far. I was initially very skeptical, but I'm sold on the cut-out. I don't think I would buy another B-17 without one. I ride this over some pretty rough roads on a daily basis and don't have any problems, whereas I used to experience frequent numbness with my classic Brooks.
The Imperial gets attention (from bike nerds) everywhere I go. Anyone who knows anything about bikes will stop me and ask about it, which actually isn't uncommon for any Brooks, but seems almost doubley so for this. Everyone in my shop is super curious about it, and lots of people have test rode it, although I don't think you're really going to feel the difference that the cutout makes unless you're going more than a few miles.
Generally though, it's the most comfortable saddle I have. I'm definitely not putting one on my race bikes, but as a bike commuter (with a dedicated commuting bike) and tourer, it's now a standard-issue item.
#1241
Mr. cost-benefit analysis
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8-6-08
Ride #56
Distance 30 mi.
Total Distance 3036 mi.
Comfort Score 9
Good ride home. The Imperial was stellar as ever. My comfort was a bit compromised... but I was trying a bib short with a really thick jell chamois, which I hadn't worn for a while because I found it uncomfortable with a padded saddle. I thought the extra cush might lend a different feel on the Imperial. But perhaps not.
Filing my final review with Brooks today. I will monitor this thread to see what's happening. It's been loads of fun.
DanO
Ride #56
Distance 30 mi.
Total Distance 3036 mi.
Comfort Score 9
Good ride home. The Imperial was stellar as ever. My comfort was a bit compromised... but I was trying a bib short with a really thick jell chamois, which I hadn't worn for a while because I found it uncomfortable with a padded saddle. I thought the extra cush might lend a different feel on the Imperial. But perhaps not.
Filing my final review with Brooks today. I will monitor this thread to see what's happening. It's been loads of fun.
DanO
#1242
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Is it known when these Imperial saddles will be available for sale?
#1243
aka: Mike J.
Last I recall is maybe sometime in the fall (which if I go by the local weather was last month).
Andrea's comments are in the thread someplace regarding anticipated production timing.
Andrea's comments are in the thread someplace regarding anticipated production timing.
#1244
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I have read in another discussion, October.
#1245
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Well I've been very lax at reporting here for awhile BUT I surpassed 2000 miles last weekend! The saddle is really nice and broke in, very comfortable and I'll give it a 9+. Thanks so much for allowing me to be involved with the product test!
#1246
Lanky Lass
That reminds me that I should get back up to date.
I've put well over 400 miles on the regular Brooks Imperial, and still rate it as a 9.9999 out of 10. I absolutely this saddle.
I also managed to convince stringbreaker that it was in his best interests to trade me his narrow Brooks Imperial for the Brooks Professional which came with my Paramount.
The narrow version doesn't feel quite the same, but it is still an excellent saddle, and I'm not giving it up. I've got at least 40 miles on the narrow Imperial now, and like it. I think currently it rates about a 9 out of 10. I think the score will go up as I ride it more.
East Hill
I've put well over 400 miles on the regular Brooks Imperial, and still rate it as a 9.9999 out of 10. I absolutely this saddle.
I also managed to convince stringbreaker that it was in his best interests to trade me his narrow Brooks Imperial for the Brooks Professional which came with my Paramount.
The narrow version doesn't feel quite the same, but it is still an excellent saddle, and I'm not giving it up. I've got at least 40 miles on the narrow Imperial now, and like it. I think currently it rates about a 9 out of 10. I think the score will go up as I ride it more.
East Hill
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#1247
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This will probably be my last report unless the Imperial does something untoward, like falling apart or something (not likely).
I did the Crater Lake Century with about 7500 ft of climbing over 100 mi with it, and it is even more comfortable now that it was for the StP. I rate it overall for comfort as a 10, since after that ride I had no soreness or numbness at all. I have approx 2k mi on it now.
The only drawbacks I see to the Imperial are the weight and appearance. If they made a racier Ti railed model, like an "Imperialized" Swift I would snap one up in a heartbeat. Appearance aside though the Imperial still graces my prime ride. Sometimes comfort outweighs looks and impressive gram numbers. The Imperial will stay on for Cycle Oregon.
Thanks Brooks for allowing us all to participate in this review process, and I hope our online and submitted reports were helpfull.
I did the Crater Lake Century with about 7500 ft of climbing over 100 mi with it, and it is even more comfortable now that it was for the StP. I rate it overall for comfort as a 10, since after that ride I had no soreness or numbness at all. I have approx 2k mi on it now.
The only drawbacks I see to the Imperial are the weight and appearance. If they made a racier Ti railed model, like an "Imperialized" Swift I would snap one up in a heartbeat. Appearance aside though the Imperial still graces my prime ride. Sometimes comfort outweighs looks and impressive gram numbers. The Imperial will stay on for Cycle Oregon.
Thanks Brooks for allowing us all to participate in this review process, and I hope our online and submitted reports were helpfull.
#1248
some new kind of kick
Another report:
I've ridden the prototype saddle since y'all sent it out--about
four or five times a week on rollers.
THUMBS UP!
I've ridden the prototype saddle since y'all sent it out--about
four or five times a week on rollers.
THUMBS UP!
#1249
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Am I the only one who loves the B-17 yet couldn't get comfortable on the Imperial? Does anyone else not rate this saddle very high?
I'm really curious to compare notes on why the B-17 is so wonderful for me yet the Imperial in a torture device.
I'm really curious to compare notes on why the B-17 is so wonderful for me yet the Imperial in a torture device.
#1250
Lanky Lass
Well, stringbreaker was coaxed into the trade because he too could not get comfortable at all on the narrow Imperial.
I, on the other hand, love both the narrow and regular Imperials. The regular width Imperial has a slight edge on the comfort level, but that could be simply because I've been riding it far longer.
East Hill
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...