Tricks for keeping the 'bits' happy

[soprano]

I haven't heard anyone complain that the Brooks Imperial pinches shut like the Selle An Atomica, but since I have neither saddle don't take my word for it.

I have a Brooks Imperial with right about 1000 miles on it. My experience was that as the saddle started to break in, the slot started to pinch. At that time I tightened up the laces. No more pinching. That was about 800 miles ago.

Muirenn, I also think that a honey colored Brooks with matching tape would be lovely. Unfortunately, the Imperials only come in black. Oh well, it's not as flashy so I suppose that it's less likely to be stolen

[ivorygorgon]

I am thankful to the OP for posting her ideas. I am having a terrible time with the bits. I actually get swollen and stay swollen for several days after a longish ride. I have also had a couple of yeast infections and I have never in my life had any problems like that until I started riding. Any discussion and ideas are worth throwing out there. Not everybody has to take every suggestion.

[KnottedYet]

I realized that last night when I looked a little more closely

I think the main issue would be that I'm in between sizes.

Still want one though

Buy one or the other.

Try it for six months.

If the first one you buy doesn't feel right, send it back in exchange for the other one.

Bill at www.wallbike.com is a very understanding guy. His Brooks business is roaring along because he gets it that leather saddles need to break in, and he gets it that it can take months to decide on a saddle. He often sells out of particular saddles because customers trust that they can get saddles from him with no risk for 6 months. (he sells returned saddles on eBay, I think.) Many members of the TE Brooks Cult have dealt with Bill. I've talked to him several times and emailed him. There really is no problem returning saddles to him. It's part of his successful business model!

I'm just bummed he moved his business from Seattle to New Orleans...