Customer Reviews

Brooks Saddles Imperial B17 S Standard Bicycle Saddle with Hole and Laces (Women's, Black)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had read that these saddles take countless hours to break in. The second I sat on the Brooks, it was a world of difference from my old saddle. It felt so beautiful. The leather is stretched in such a way as to allow it to flex under the weight of my boot. It also allows my bum to slide back and forth reducing friction and adding to the comfort. I converted from a leather covered Selle San Marco Racing Saddle and I will never go back to the plastic throw away saddles after riding on the Brooks. I have had it for a month and it has only gotten better. One suggestion...angle the saddle up a bit so when you ride with no hands, you won't slide off the front.

I'm a 250lb cyclist and after trying/buying lots of other saddles this one works! No break-in, comfort from the first ride, no sores, numbing or chafing. I ride 30 miles per day 5 days a week at an average speed of 13-16 mph in Arizona 6 months a year and I also have one on my mountain bike that I use on Rails to Trails rides. The saddle is worth the price....

The Brooks B-17 Imperial is a perfect fit for the long distance rider. The leather does take a few weeks to get broken in, but even in the interim, the quality of ride is much higher over the stock saddles most bikes come equipped with. Once the leather forms to your "seat" the saddle becomes an afterthought. The price may cause some to pause, but if you spend more than two hours a ride in the saddle, and ride often, this saddle is well worth the investment.

This saddle is incredibly comfortable. I ride my bike as a main mode of transportation, up to 20 miles a day. I toured around Europe with this saddle, 50-70 miles a day, multiple days in a row. Why three stars? DO NOT get this saddle WET. This is a significant concern where I live, and while I was biking in the Netherlands. If it gets wet, don't ride on it until the saddle is completely dry, otherwise it will permanently warp. That's what you get with natural materials...

I started riding my bike last summer and loved it so much this summer got more serious. I went from a cruiser bike to a hybrid but found that I was having severe tailbone issues with my seat. I did a lot of research online and took a chance with the Brooks Imperial B17 for women. Some people say it takes a while to break these leather saddles in, but from the very first ride, I noticed a difference and my tailbone wasn't as sore. After a couple of weeks riding with it, I have zero tailbone pain after a ride. Your tush gets sore after you ride the distances I ride (typically 26-50 miles at a time) no matter what, but it's very manageable. The tailbone issue is a whole different kind of pain - the kind that will keep you from being able to sit down for a few days after a ride - that issue is solved with this bike seat. My husband decided he'd give the male version a try and he's a believer, too! That they are totally cool saddles is just a bonus!

I purchased the Brookes Imperial saddle for my single speed commuter about two months ago based on both user reviews and it's wonderful looks. After riding on it for two months I'm sorry to say that it's the least comfortable seat I've ever ridden on. My typical commute is 8 miles round trip and I've logged roughly 150 miles on the bike so far since installing the saddle. A majority of the user reviews stress that there is a 'break in' period but I'm not sure I'll survive it. I'm hesitant to remove it because of the money invested and the look of it (it's a work of art and makes the bike look awesome) but my sitting bones are sore for 2-3 days after my short 8 mile commute! If you are a thinner person without much padding and thinking of a Brookes saddle I would highly suggest purchasing one of the "pre-broken in" models that are offered. Your bum will thank you for it!

By far the best seat I own. I am not a thin man so most seats are painful during long rides. This seat is great and requires no break in period. You will not be disappointed with this seat. Well worth the investment and I would recommend it to everyone.

I put this on my "cruiser" bike, and it was very comfortable the moment I sat on it.

I've always ridden on hard, lightweight racing saddles, whether on my mountain bike or road bikes. It might have required more of an adjustment if I was used to soft, thick foam saddles.