
User submitted reviews
Review by DartmouthDavidReviewed 10/26/2023by DartmouthDavidCycling EnthusiastChicagoCycling nirvanaI cycle for transport and not exercise, but do so 12 mos a year in Chicago as long as the pavement isn't wet or icy. I've spent less money on inferior saddles, but this is worth it: those saddles with channels down the middle are not comfortable and have caused nether-region numbness. I look forward to many years of use of this gem.
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I cycle for transport and not exercise, but do so 12 mos a year in Chicago as long as the pavement isn't wet or icy. I've spent less money on inferior saddles, but this is worth it: those saddles with channels down the middle are not comfortable and have caused nether-region numbness. I look forward to many years of use of this gem.
Review by Dartmouth David Reviewed 10/26/2023by Dartmouth David Chicago Riding nirvana I've paid for lesser saddles but do not like those with a center channel which have given me nether region numbness. This is superior.
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I've paid for lesser saddles but do not like those with a center channel which have given me nether region numbness. This is superior.
Review by RixtoyReviewed 3/21/2019by RixtoyCycling EnthusiastKansas2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Best seat ever for me . . .Like you, I researched extensively reviews of the Brooks B17 Imperial Saddle before purchasing. I recognize no saddle is a fit for everyone, but the overall great ratings convinced me to give it a chance.
I also researched the myriad of break-in recommendations, from the sublime to the ridiculous. In my own case I used a technique recommended whereby I took the new seat, turned it over and applied with an old toothbrush the Proofide that came with it everywhere I could reach on the underside of the saddle.
Then I put the saddle in our oven at the lowest temperature (170 degrees) for 20 minutes. Then I removed (with hot pads) the saddle and re-applied more Proofide wherever I could reach. Then, back into the oven for 20 minutes. I repeated this for around 6 cycles of this process, then let the saddle cool to room temperature.
I installed the saddle and rode about 15 miles. then I extended the mileage. After only a few rides I found the seat to be quite comfortable. My fourth ride I went 50 miles and not once did I think it was uncomfortable.
I recently got my dream bike and , of course, had the Brooks put on the new bike. The technician told me I must not care about speed because the brooks weighs so much. I told him I am always interested in speed, but do not race and comfort is a higher priority than weight of the saddle.
I have several hundred miles on the new bike and have not once thought about my ass on any rides.
Love this thing!
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Like you, I researched extensively reviews of the Brooks B17 Imperial Saddle before purchasing. I recognize no saddle is a fit for everyone, but the overall great ratings convinced me to give it a chance.
I also researched the myriad of break-in recommendations, from the sublime to the ridiculous. In my own case I used a technique recommended whereby I took the new seat, turned it over and applied with an old toothbrush the Proofide that came with it everywhere I could reach on the underside of the saddle.
Then I put the saddle in our oven at the lowest temperature (170 degrees) for 20 minutes. Then I removed (with hot pads) the saddle and re-applied more Proofide wherever I could reach. Then, back into the oven for 20 minutes. I repeated this for around 6 cycles of this process, then let the saddle cool to room temperature.
I installed the saddle and rode about 15 miles. then I extended the mileage. After only a few rides I found the seat to be quite comfortable. My fourth ride I went 50 miles and not once did I think it was uncomfortable.
I recently got my dream bike and , of course, had the Brooks put on the new bike. The technician told me I must not care about speed because the brooks weighs so much. I told him I am always interested in speed, but do not race and comfort is a higher priority than weight of the saddle.
I have several hundred miles on the new bike and have not once thought about my ass on any rides.
Love this thing!
Review by FrankReviewed 7/7/2022by FrankCycling EnthusiastRolesville, NCBrooks B17 Imperial Saddle, better than I had hoped.Truth be told, there was an issue with the first Brooks saddle I received but the people at Bike Tires Direct made it a non-issue. Not the first item I bought from this retailer. Has always been a good experience.
As far as the saddle goes, I have bought 6 or 7 different brands and styles of saddle with little to no success. I have heard both good and bad about the fit of a Brooks but I was at my witts end so I tried the Imperial as it allows for some adjustment other than just the front bolt. Yes, it is firm but it is also a very well-made piece that is forming to my anatomy. I am very satisfied with the saddle and look forward to many more years of riding because of it. Everyone's body is different but this, for me, just works. The saddle is really good and buying from Bike Tires Direct gave me real peace of mind.
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Truth be told, there was an issue with the first Brooks saddle I received but the people at Bike Tires Direct made it a non-issue. Not the first item I bought from this retailer. Has always been a good experience.
As far as the saddle goes, I have bought 6 or 7 different brands and styles of saddle with little to no success. I have heard both good and bad about the fit of a Brooks but I was at my witts end so I tried the Imperial as it allows for some adjustment other than just the front bolt. Yes, it is firm but it is also a very well-made piece that is forming to my anatomy. I am very satisfied with the saddle and look forward to many more years of riding because of it. Everyone's body is different but this, for me, just works. The saddle is really good and buying from Bike Tires Direct gave me real peace of mind.
Review by cbcbReviewed 10/20/2022by cbcbLovin� It So FarIt was initially more comfortable than 3 other saddles I tried. I can�t wait to �break it in�. With only 200 + miles on it; it looks like it�ll be a winner.
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It was initially more comfortable than 3 other saddles I tried. I can�t wait to �break it in�. With only 200 + miles on it; it looks like it�ll be a winner.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 5/16/2022by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastOklahomaI have wasted years on the wrong saddle until now. Do not make my same mistake!I now have 200 miles on my new saddle which was recommended by some users to break it in. However, I have never been uncomfortable on this saddle. It has made all the difference in the world for me! I tell everyone they need this saddle.
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I now have 200 miles on my new saddle which was recommended by some users to break it in. However, I have never been uncomfortable on this saddle. It has made all the difference in the world for me! I tell everyone they need this saddle.
Review by Red Bud RiderReviewed 12/27/2019by Red Bud RiderWichita, KSComfortable I bought this because of ongoing soft tissue pain on long multi-day rides. Break in took a while but it is the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. It feels good in the morning and better each time I get back on the bike during the day.
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I bought this because of ongoing soft tissue pain on long multi-day rides. Break in took a while but it is the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. It feels good in the morning and better each time I get back on the bike during the day.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 4/29/2022by AnonymousDaily CommuterPortland, MEButt Heaven...Just may be the best money I have ever spent on anything. Totally has transformed my bike and my riding experience. I always thought that a Brooks was a hoity-toity thing, but boy was I wrong and my butt and the rest of my body agrees with this vociferously.
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Just may be the best money I have ever spent on anything. Totally has transformed my bike and my riding experience. I always thought that a Brooks was a hoity-toity thing, but boy was I wrong and my butt and the rest of my body agrees with this vociferously.
Review by FernandoReviewed 12/23/2022by Fernandoboston Love it The colour is perfect matching greatly with the handle tape on my Fuji Feather. Very comfortable too
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The colour is perfect matching greatly with the handle tape on my Fuji Feather. Very comfortable too
Review by Red Bud RiderReviewed 11/26/2021by Red Bud RiderWichita, KansasSofter with each rideOn long rides this saddle gets more comfortable each time I get back on the bike. Just need to treat the saddle with proof hide every 3 to 6 months to keep the leather like new. I used to suffer from soft tissue pain on multi day rides before I bought this saddle. Other saddles just didn�t give me any relief until I tried a Brooks saddle. Just wish I had gone with a Brooks saddle sooner!
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On long rides this saddle gets more comfortable each time I get back on the bike. Just need to treat the saddle with proof hide every 3 to 6 months to keep the leather like new. I used to suffer from soft tissue pain on multi day rides before I bought this saddle. Other saddles just didn�t give me any relief until I tried a Brooks saddle. Just wish I had gone with a Brooks saddle sooner!
Review by colorado bikerReviewed 9/14/2018by colorado bikerCycling EnthusiastMontrose , CO5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.Great saddle for a touring bike.I will use this saddle on my touring bike ,like all Brooks saddles it does need breaking in. After about 200mi it will conform to my shape. I find it best to take 20mi daily rides until it is my shape, then longer rides will be fine. This saddle came with a wrench and a sample of leather dressing. If you take the time to break it in it will comfortable for several years.
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I will use this saddle on my touring bike ,like all Brooks saddles it does need breaking in. After about 200mi it will conform to my shape. I find it best to take 20mi daily rides until it is my shape, then longer rides will be fine. This saddle came with a wrench and a sample of leather dressing. If you take the time to break it in it will comfortable for several years.
Review by Safe in the SaddleReviewed 5/12/2017by Safe in the SaddleLos Angeles7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.Fantastic saddle that will last a lifetimeI have put off purchasing a Brooks saddle since I was 20 years old - 40 years ago. During these years of separation, I have ridden every make and model of saddle on the market that now pile high in a cardboard box in my closet. Piled just as high are the butt calluses I accumulated riding over 8,000 every year commuting to work, racing, and bike touring across the United States. It has taken a long time to return to my roots in the 70's when I rode Masi, Ital Vega, Raleigh, and other great Brooks holders of the era. But I'm back, here to stay, like finding a high school sweetheart at your 40-year reunion.
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I have put off purchasing a Brooks saddle since I was 20 years old - 40 years ago. During these years of separation, I have ridden every make and model of saddle on the market that now pile high in a cardboard box in my closet. Piled just as high are the butt calluses I accumulated riding over 8,000 every year commuting to work, racing, and bike touring across the United States. It has taken a long time to return to my roots in the 70's when I rode Masi, Ital Vega, Raleigh, and other great Brooks holders of the era. But I'm back, here to stay, like finding a high school sweetheart at your 40-year reunion.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 4/10/2021by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastKansasSimply, the best saddle out there . . .I have never looked back after purchasing my first Brooks B-17: Comfortable for me after first few rides I never think about a sore bottom or rubbing or fatigue on any rides, even up to 85 miles. It may not work for everyone (you have to give it a chance), but i have now bought three and have had the same experience with all three
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I have never looked back after purchasing my first Brooks B-17: Comfortable for me after first few rides I never think about a sore bottom or rubbing or fatigue on any rides, even up to 85 miles. It may not work for everyone (you have to give it a chance), but i have now bought three and have had the same experience with all three
Review by AnonymousReviewed 8/1/2022by AnonymousGreat saddleLooks very sharp, best saddle I've ridden on so far. Bought a second
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Looks very sharp, best saddle I've ridden on so far. Bought a second
Review by UtahC2CReviewed 10/3/2016by UtahC2CDaily CommuterSalt Lake City, UT3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Coast to coast comfortI took my partially broken in B17 and my WTB saddles on my coast to coast trip last year. The idea was that if I got a little sore I could switch saddles for a day or two for some relief. By the time I crossed the Cascades I stowed my WTB and dropped it with a friend in Boise. It took 37 riding days to cross the US. Of those 37 days only 8 days were without rain of varying degrees(don't cross the US in the Northern climes in the spring time). I treated the saddle about 4 times, top and bottom, during the crossing. I thought it held up extremely well considering the water torture it endured. I'm still riding it approximately 20 milesday commuting to and from work. The Brits know quality especially in bike saddles. If I had one critique it would be how long it took me to break it in. But it was well worth it. Without a doubt I will exit this life with Brooks on my bike.
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I took my partially broken in B17 and my WTB saddles on my coast to coast trip last year. The idea was that if I got a little sore I could switch saddles for a day or two for some relief. By the time I crossed the Cascades I stowed my WTB and dropped it with a friend in Boise. It took 37 riding days to cross the US. Of those 37 days only 8 days were without rain of varying degrees(don't cross the US in the Northern climes in the spring time). I treated the saddle about 4 times, top and bottom, during the crossing. I thought it held up extremely well considering the water torture it endured. I'm still riding it approximately 20 milesday commuting to and from work. The Brits know quality especially in bike saddles. If I had one critique it would be how long it took me to break it in. But it was well worth it. Without a doubt I will exit this life with Brooks on my bike.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 5/31/2022by AnonymousDaily CommuterLove this saddle!I've been told these are really uncomfortable until you get them broken in, but I have loved it right out of the box.
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I've been told these are really uncomfortable until you get them broken in, but I have loved it right out of the box.
Review by John AlmondReviewed 9/25/2020by John AlmondColumbus, MississippiNo wonder the B-17 is legendary Once broken in, my Brooks B-17 saddle became like an old pair of my favorite blue jeans or comfortable shoes.
Plus, it�s drop dead handsome on my bike. I highly recommend.
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Once broken in, my Brooks B-17 saddle became like an old pair of my favorite blue jeans or comfortable shoes.
Plus, it�s drop dead handsome on my bike. I highly recommend.
Review by RudderdogReviewed 4/28/2022by RudderdogCycling EnthusiastNice so far - not broken in yet but still pretty comfortableRoad riding
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Road riding
Review by WagsReviewed 8/10/2020by WagsPA1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Love it!I read a lot of reviews on Brooks Saddles and they were mixed. My experience has been great so far. I have about 600 miles on my saddle and it was comfortable from the first ride. My longest ride was 80 miles and I didn�t have any of issues I had with my other saddles. I can�t wait until it�s broken in.
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I read a lot of reviews on Brooks Saddles and they were mixed. My experience has been great so far. I have about 600 miles on my saddle and it was comfortable from the first ride. My longest ride was 80 miles and I didn�t have any of issues I had with my other saddles. I can�t wait until it�s broken in.
Review by HamReviewed 6/20/2020by HamCycling EnthusiastWestern ColoradoBrooks Saddles Don't DissapointBrooks saddles aren't for everyone, obviously. But they do provide me with the most comfort of any saddle I've tried. They are all I ride. This particular saddle went onto a 1987 Fuji and enhances the comfort of the steel ride in a more aggressive riding position.
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Brooks saddles aren't for everyone, obviously. But they do provide me with the most comfort of any saddle I've tried. They are all I ride. This particular saddle went onto a 1987 Fuji and enhances the comfort of the steel ride in a more aggressive riding position.