Brooks question...
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Williamsburg, VA Sebastian, FL
Posts: 1,363
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Ironman Master, 1992 Koga Miyata Exerciser, 1992 Schwinn Crosscut
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 209 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 175 Times
in
92 Posts
Brooks question...
I'm buying a Christmas present for myself, and cannot decide between a Brooks B17 Narrow, or the B17 Narrow Imperial. This will be my first Brooks, and after researching and measuring my "sit-bones" I think the narrow is a good choice for me...even though I am not a low-profile racer or rider. I imagine my saddle to be about even with my bars.
I like the looks and possible function of the lacing on the Imperial, but the cutout does not do much for me aesthetically. The B17 regular is a bit cheaper and looks good to my eyes. But, I'd spring for the Imperial if the cutout provides a comfort advantage.
Anybody have experience with either, and could offer up their thoughts?
As usual, thanks a bunch!
I like the looks and possible function of the lacing on the Imperial, but the cutout does not do much for me aesthetically. The B17 regular is a bit cheaper and looks good to my eyes. But, I'd spring for the Imperial if the cutout provides a comfort advantage.
Anybody have experience with either, and could offer up their thoughts?
As usual, thanks a bunch!
#2
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
I have no experience with the Imperial, but have a strong prejudice against them because the design must weaken the saddle considerably. I really doubt one would hold up to a lot of serious riding. The few I have seen, that had been ridden for the last couple years, seem to confirm my suspicions. So unless you are having prostate problems I don't see the point.
If you are having prostate problems, the Imperial may make sense; but even so, I'm not at all convinced the Imperial is the answer. I asked my urologist if such a saddle would significantly reduce pressure in that area, and he told me he did not think so. On the other hand, my father's urologist seems to think it a good idea. I guess we need to interview five urologists so we can say four out of five doctors recommend...
If you are having prostate problems, the Imperial may make sense; but even so, I'm not at all convinced the Imperial is the answer. I asked my urologist if such a saddle would significantly reduce pressure in that area, and he told me he did not think so. On the other hand, my father's urologist seems to think it a good idea. I guess we need to interview five urologists so we can say four out of five doctors recommend...
#3
Senior Member
I have a B-17 Special and love it.... I think the B-17 offers better support for a rider with bars and saddle even (like mine).
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Williamsburg, VA Sebastian, FL
Posts: 1,363
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Ironman Master, 1992 Koga Miyata Exerciser, 1992 Schwinn Crosscut
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 209 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 175 Times
in
92 Posts
That's the way I'm leaning. There's a lightly used B17 Champion Special, an older model with bigger copper rivets, currently on the auction site. In the honey color, it looks pretty sweet.
Last edited by 67tony; 11-04-12 at 04:09 PM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berwyn PA
Posts: 6,408
Bikes: I hate bikes!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 431 Post(s)
Liked 710 Times
in
233 Posts
I have both. Thousands of miles on them. They both work fine. The Imperial is has a bit more give. You can't go wrong with either.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Williamsburg, VA Sebastian, FL
Posts: 1,363
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Ironman Master, 1992 Koga Miyata Exerciser, 1992 Schwinn Crosscut
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 209 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 175 Times
in
92 Posts
In searching some old posts, I read about a guy who soaked his new Brooks in warm water overnight. The next day he rode it for several hours, and claimed it was a perfect fit from then on!
Interestingly, I used this method with my Wilson A2000 ball glove, about 35 years ago. After soaking I put a softball above a baseball in the pocket, wrapped it closed with rope, let it dry for a week, then drenched it in neatsfoot oil. To this day that glove looks pristine...with only very infrequent neatsfoot oil maintenance.
I've also done this with Sperry Topsiders. Soak 'em good, wear 'em while they dry, then lather with bear grease or mink oil. Form fitting, and broken in perfectly.
Would I be crazy to do this with a brandy new Brooks?
Interestingly, I used this method with my Wilson A2000 ball glove, about 35 years ago. After soaking I put a softball above a baseball in the pocket, wrapped it closed with rope, let it dry for a week, then drenched it in neatsfoot oil. To this day that glove looks pristine...with only very infrequent neatsfoot oil maintenance.
I've also done this with Sperry Topsiders. Soak 'em good, wear 'em while they dry, then lather with bear grease or mink oil. Form fitting, and broken in perfectly.
Would I be crazy to do this with a brandy new Brooks?
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berwyn PA
Posts: 6,408
Bikes: I hate bikes!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 431 Post(s)
Liked 710 Times
in
233 Posts
In searching some old posts, I read about a guy who soaked his new Brooks in warm water overnight. The next day he rode it for several hours, and claimed it was a perfect fit from then on!
Interestingly, I used this method with my Wilson A2000 ball glove, about 35 years ago. After soaking I put a softball above a baseball in the pocket, wrapped it closed with rope, let it dry for a week, then drenched it in neatsfoot oil. To this day that glove looks pristine...with only very infrequent neatsfoot oil maintenance.
I've also done this with Sperry Topsiders. Soak 'em good, wear 'em while they dry, then lather with bear grease or mink oil. Form fitting, and broken in perfectly.
Would I be crazy to do this with a brandy new Brooks?
Interestingly, I used this method with my Wilson A2000 ball glove, about 35 years ago. After soaking I put a softball above a baseball in the pocket, wrapped it closed with rope, let it dry for a week, then drenched it in neatsfoot oil. To this day that glove looks pristine...with only very infrequent neatsfoot oil maintenance.
I've also done this with Sperry Topsiders. Soak 'em good, wear 'em while they dry, then lather with bear grease or mink oil. Form fitting, and broken in perfectly.
Would I be crazy to do this with a brandy new Brooks?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
I have no experience with the Imperial, but have a strong prejudice against them because the design must weaken the saddle considerably. I really doubt one would hold up to a lot of serious riding. The few I have seen, that had been ridden for the last couple years, seem to confirm my suspicions. So unless you are having prostate problems I don't see the point.
If you are having prostate problems, the Imperial may make sense; but even so, I'm not at all convinced the Imperial is the answer. I asked my urologist if such a saddle would significantly reduce pressure in that area, and he told me he did not think so. On the other hand, my father's urologist seems to think it a good idea. I guess we need to interview five urologists so we can say four out of five doctors recommend...
If you are having prostate problems, the Imperial may make sense; but even so, I'm not at all convinced the Imperial is the answer. I asked my urologist if such a saddle would significantly reduce pressure in that area, and he told me he did not think so. On the other hand, my father's urologist seems to think it a good idea. I guess we need to interview five urologists so we can say four out of five doctors recommend...
I wonder if S-A has replacement skins for the short-frame B17?
Back when the B17 Imperial was being tested by a number of us here, we were generally quite positive.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 461
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think the thick hard leather in Brooks models like the Pro never softens up no matter what you do - and the thinner B17 leather is comfortable almost from Day 1, and needs no special treatment. I think a lot of the mythology arose because people kept wishing a Pro could feel like a B17.
Last edited by jim hughes; 11-04-12 at 04:37 PM.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
In searching some old posts, I read about a guy who soaked his new Brooks in warm water overnight. The next day he rode it for several hours, and claimed it was a perfect fit from then on!
Interestingly, I used this method with my Wilson A2000 ball glove, about 35 years ago. After soaking I put a softball above a baseball in the pocket, wrapped it closed with rope, let it dry for a week, then drenched it in neatsfoot oil. To this day that glove looks pristine...with only very infrequent neatsfoot oil maintenance.
I've also done this with Sperry Topsiders. Soak 'em good, wear 'em while they dry, then lather with bear grease or mink oil. Form fitting, and broken in perfectly.
Would I be crazy to do this with a brandy new Brooks?
Interestingly, I used this method with my Wilson A2000 ball glove, about 35 years ago. After soaking I put a softball above a baseball in the pocket, wrapped it closed with rope, let it dry for a week, then drenched it in neatsfoot oil. To this day that glove looks pristine...with only very infrequent neatsfoot oil maintenance.
I've also done this with Sperry Topsiders. Soak 'em good, wear 'em while they dry, then lather with bear grease or mink oil. Form fitting, and broken in perfectly.
Would I be crazy to do this with a brandy new Brooks?
It's your saddle, do what you like, but it's a lot of money to be randomly trying experiments on. But, it's yours.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
I have no experience with the Imperial, but have a strong prejudice against them because the design must weaken the saddle considerably. I really doubt one would hold up to a lot of serious riding. The few I have seen, that had been ridden for the last couple years, seem to confirm my suspicions. So unless you are having prostate problems I don't see the point.
If you are having prostate problems, the Imperial may make sense; but even so, I'm not at all convinced the Imperial is the answer. I asked my urologist if such a saddle would significantly reduce pressure in that area, and he told me he did not think so. On the other hand, my father's urologist seems to think it a good idea. I guess we need to interview five urologists so we can say four out of five doctors recommend...
If you are having prostate problems, the Imperial may make sense; but even so, I'm not at all convinced the Imperial is the answer. I asked my urologist if such a saddle would significantly reduce pressure in that area, and he told me he did not think so. On the other hand, my father's urologist seems to think it a good idea. I guess we need to interview five urologists so we can say four out of five doctors recommend...
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 333
Bikes: Cannondale T800, Cannondale ST400, Trek 520
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have had the Imperial (was a beta tester) and traded it to a member for the Flyer. I still hae the Flyer on my Bike and have put thousands of comfortable miles on it. I had the Imperial for almost a year and it did preform nice, I'm just a big Clyde who needs a little more spring action.
__________________
Jeff
Trek 930
1988 Cannondale ST400
Jeff
Trek 930
1988 Cannondale ST400
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Williamsburg, VA Sebastian, FL
Posts: 1,363
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Ironman Master, 1992 Koga Miyata Exerciser, 1992 Schwinn Crosscut
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 209 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 175 Times
in
92 Posts
Great feedback, especially that which discouraged my alternative break-in method!
I'm sure I'll be following the recommended Brooks care and maintenance tips...
(Road Fan - I'm west of Lansing, in a little burg called Portland, but I have a brother who lives in Chelsea and participates in some of your area's group rides. He's also done quite a few DALMACs.)
I'm sure I'll be following the recommended Brooks care and maintenance tips...
(Road Fan - I'm west of Lansing, in a little burg called Portland, but I have a brother who lives in Chelsea and participates in some of your area's group rides. He's also done quite a few DALMACs.)
Last edited by 67tony; 11-04-12 at 08:48 PM.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 16,878
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1858 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times
in
506 Posts
Neat, we'll have to chat.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Posts: 4,599
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
75 Posts
I "pre"-broke-in my B-17N and my Swift saddles by laying a very damp towel on the saddle overnight AFTER having applied proofide top and bottom. Worked for me.
I think you'll like either saddle - I have no experience with the Imperial, but found the B-17N to be one of the most comfortable saddles I've ever owned. It took some time to fully break in, but my "jump start" seemed to take the initial edge off a bit.
I think you'll like either saddle - I have no experience with the Imperial, but found the B-17N to be one of the most comfortable saddles I've ever owned. It took some time to fully break in, but my "jump start" seemed to take the initial edge off a bit.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Plimogz
Classic & Vintage
36
07-03-17 01:59 AM