wrobertdavis

What happened to the commercial release of the Imperial saddle?

East Hill

I would like to know too! I am anxious to purchase a couple of the Imperials for a few of my bikes .

East Hill

USAZorro

I just got another (but not from Brooks).

Sixty Fiver

I like my Imperial so much I really hope to be able to stock them at the new shop.

I figure I will be able to give a pretty convincing testimonial as to how nice a saddle it is.

sonatageek

I'm glad I bought an extra one when they were offered up this spring. After about 1800 miles of riding on the one that was pressed into service, I have nothing but good things to say about it.

Cyclist0383

Good question. The website which was to be redesigned hasn't been changed either. Maybe they are planning a roll-out of new products and a new website for the spring cycling season.

Little Darwin

They have announced it on their press page, and the initial release will have 3 models, with a total of 5 models planned. Laces will come in 4 colors. But, I didn't see a date for availability.

https://www.brooksengland.com/press/

bab2000

My LBS was well aware of the Imperial, so I susect it has been introduced to Brooks' distributors and likely orders for retail inventory is being gather to determine how production will be fitted for demand. Then once production inventory has filled these orders, it will likely appear at Brooks' online store along with the other outlets around the world.

I also would suspect that Brooks is approaching this very cautiously, not wanting the Imperial to be observed as "just" a gimmick to complete with other cutout saddles, instead a quality solution and new product providing quality and comfort.

It is fortunate that several of us were able to try a version of the final product. For me it set a new standard for my saddle expectations and has made me a very loyal fan of Brooks styling and touring comfort. Also, another avenue for my collecter itch as besides the B17I, I have a B15, B68, and a oringinal B17 all fitted on my vintage riders. The B17I still is saddle of choice for my distance rides.

canuto

Hi there, I was wondering about your more recent impressions of the Imperial, and particularly how you'd compare it to your Selle Anatomica saddle. Just this week, for the first time, I developed perineal pain after some long rides in my B17, and I'm thinking I will either:

1) get a Brooks Imperial (if I can get my hands on one)
2) send my B17 to SA to get a cutout; or
3) get a Selle Anatomica Titanico

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, R.

canuto

ok i thought that would be an email going straight to a forum member. sorry...unintentional first post!

Little Darwin

Not a bad first post... even if it was accidental.

The Brooks Imperial could well be a good solution for you. Unfortunately, the press releases don't mention an availability date, but they do give an email address for Andrea, and based on his openness during the trial, he would probably be willing to estimate when you could expect to see them hit the shelves.

I don't have as many miles on my Imperial as I would have liked, but at 350 pounds, it has held up well for the 60 or so miles I have on it so far... and the comfort is great.

wrobertdavis

That's hardly a press release in the sense of the normal definition. They posted some pictures and their journal about user experiences. But there is no announcement anywhere about intent to produce and when. Its more like the auto dealers showing a concept car at an auto show. I'm wondering if the hard financial times have forced a stall in the release

Bob

wrobertdavis

Use the Private Message function to send to individual. Click on the user name and a menu of options will appear. One of the options is to send a private message.

Bob

canuto

Harris Cyclery estimates they'll get a first shipment in about a month's time.

(Bob coincidentally I sent you a PM, thx for the tip).

East Hill

Indeed?

That is good news.

I have both the normal width and the narrow (I traded stringbreaker for the narrow). I love them both--they are the most comfortable saddles I've ever used.

East Hill

stringbreaker

EH: Glad you liked the B-17 narrow. It was a hatchet for me. I do love my B-17's and the Pro model I got from you I haven't ridden much but it seemed fine the times I did ride it.

Road Fan

I didn't like my B-17N either. Would anyone like to trade a Pro Imperial for it?

Road Fan

mulchie

Nice to be back on bikeforums after an absence. But Lord, it's 13 degrees out there in Lincoln, Ma. this morning!
I was interested to see they have the S on their site... of course that's the shorter women's version which never did get ready for the trial so I'll be curious to hear reactions after the roll-out. I guess they either found another venue for testing or are just floating it out there on the assumption that the shorter seat length will not dramatically alter the function and durability of the saddle and how it works with the cutout. Time and miles will tell. I'm still loving mine from the test though got fewer miles on her than I wished. Alas. And snow yesterday will compel the studs. The new/old B-17 is going on that mountain bike for sure.
hi to everyone. And happy whirling.

jennrod12

I was able to get an Interbike sample B17 S Imperial from Wallbike - it's fantastic! I had a titanium B17 on my road bike, and wanted to try a B17 S on my commute bike. I decided to wait for the Imperial version after I found this thread a few months ago. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get the S version back far enough on my seatpost, but it just made it.

It's the most comfortable saddle ever, I hope someday they make a ti version in honey so I can replace the ti B17 on my road bike. Because I already had a B17 set up on a similar bike, it was easy to dial in the fit of the S. It broke in in less than 100 miles, compared with 300 miles for my B17. When I get off the saddle at a stoplight, the nose doesn't poke me in the back, like my B17 does. I put the lacing at the extreme back end of the saddle to keep the edges from flaring out and rubbing the back of my thighs, this works great.

I have 300-400 miles on the saddle, I think, mostly 12 mile jaunts each way to and from work, but a couple of 30-40 mile rides, as well.

Jenn

East Hill

Sounds as if I will need to pick up one of those to round out the set!

Thanks Jenn...

East Hill

Gyeswho

So I've been riding the B17N since they were given out and all I can say is I am in love. Still comfy and retains the shape well even after a few soakings. I love how the cutout allows a low handlebar to saddle drop feeling like a Brooks Pro.

homebody146

received my imperial saddle from Wallingford Bicycle in New Orleans yesterday. got the imperial 17 narrow for $145 with Wallingford's 6 month warranty.

mulchie

Nice!
Let the new era begin.

VaughnA

It has been months since I've last posted about my imperial. Overall I still like it but it seems to be losing it's shape and it seems to be lopsided from one side to the other. I'm not sure it is my treatment or the way I ride. I may need to retension it a bit since I'm feeling the frame more and more. I'm actually considering selling it since I actually like my old regular B17 better. I never had to retension it in a year of use. I had to retension the imperial at least 5 times. I'm not ready to read 51 pages of posts to find out but what is the consensus about selling your beta saddle. Is it ok to do so? I figure almost a year is enough.

tspoon

I don't have an imperrial, but reading that last post jogged my mind a little. I have an early selle anatomica, which is a brooks pro with a slot fitted (best saddle i've ever ridden). It did the same thing, I emailed the seller in alarm, they proceeded to tell me it's not unusual due to differences from side to side in the bone structure of my butt most likely. I can't remember his exact words, but it was something to that effect. So it may not be a defect...