I started to try Brook B17 Imperial (men's edition) saddle and hoped that this would be better for my long distance cycling (1200k).

When I got it, I immediately noticed the problem of its design (later). Anyway, I finally got it installed and tried it few times on the roller. Geeze, it's so hard! The most uncomfortable part is on the cut-out, where the edge is hard and not pliable (especially the front cut-out). I have started to think that maybe I should try the B17 without the cut-out.

The owners of B17 Imperial, can you tell me whether the hardness on the edge would be softer when I ride more often? I had applied the proofide several times but it's still very hard. (BTW, which side is the finished side of leather? ) I will appreciate your comments.

Now back to the design problem mentioned above. The short rails on this saddle doesn't not fit well for shorter rider with a small bike frame. I'm 5'2.5" and the seat tube angle of my bike is 75 deg, so with regular setback seat tube (20mm) the saddle's position is still too forward for me. I then found that many people complained about this (I never thought of this). In order to try this saddle, I had to buy a new seat post with farther setback (30mm). I'd say this is poor design from Brooks.

Side-by-side view. almost 1cm difference.