Review: Brooks B68 Imperial

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I understand better now. So you are looking for something in a width between the B17 and the B68?
Stay away from the 'S' models if you have trouble feeling too far forward- they are all 'short' and have short rails (which for some reason Brooks thinks is ideal as a womens' saddle, but many of us riders disagree). I think that if you have a smaller bike then it's even more important to have long rails so your saddle doesn't wind up bumping into the handlebars!
I had a B17S(short rails), which I could not adjust back far enough. Changed to the B17 (long rails) which i was able to move further back, rode that for a year and liked, but found my sitbones were really a little too wide for it and were partially riding on the saddle frame. So then I changed to the B68 on both my bikes and have been happy ever since. I keep them shoved all the way back and wouldn't even mind yet another 1/2" back if it were possible.

[kmehrzad]

Im thinking about purchasing a Brooks saddle. I used to own a B17 Narrow but sold it because I felt the rivets on the rear of the saddle, as I tend to ride towards the back. I like a long nose to my saddles so I don't feel the sides at all.

I'm considering the B68 or B17 Imperial. For owners of either of these two saddles, can you please give me your thoughts on the requirements that I'm looking for: long nose and narrow sides yet at least 5.5 inches width at the back of the saddle. I'm not quite sure how to address the rivet issue, though. Maybe a B68 would be so wide that it would provide a nice platform so that I wouldn't feel the need to ride towards the back.

A Brooks dealer is not too close to me but once I hear thoughts from other Brooks' owners then I'll make the trek to try them out.

Thanks.

[Blueberry]

I don't know the answer to your specific questions, but Wallingford Bicycles in New Orleans has an amazing return policy, and they're easy to mail order from. You have 6 months to try, and you can return within that time for a full (less shipping) refund.

[Biciclista]

well, obviously, I tried the B17 and it didn't work for me. The B68 gave me the support I needed. good luck!

[BodhiTree]

I'm considering the B68 or B17 Imperial. For owners of either of these two saddles, can you please give me your thoughts on the requirements that I'm looking for: long nose and narrow sides yet at least 5.5 inches width at the back of the saddle. I'm not quite sure how to address the rivet issue, though. Maybe a B68 would be so wide that it would provide a nice platform so that I wouldn't feel the need to ride towards the back.


Thanks.

The B68 is 210mm wide. The B17 is 170mm wide.

5 1/2 inches is close enough to 145mm for my math.

Subtract 20mm from the width of each saddle to account for the metal frame where the rivets are. You don't want to sit there.

That gives us B68 190mm and B17 150mm

145mm is rather close to 150mm, shifting just slightly (making a turn, easing your position, moving into the drops) could land you on the metal frame and rivets.

Add to that your observation that the acreage of saddles tends to make you want to scoot back to find a wide enough spot.

The B68 Imperial might be your best choice for a first try.

As Blueberry said, you really can't go wrong ordering from Wallingford Bicycle Parts with their 6 month free trial on saddles. http://www.wallbike.com/

[LovelyGirl]

I just ordered both the B17 and the B68 a week ago from Wallingford. I was torn over the really sporty, smooth look in mandarin orange of the B17 vs. the rugged-textured honey of the B68 ( yes, somehow Bill still has the Honey color of the B68 even thought they aren't currently being made).

I started out with the B17 because I liked it better. I decided to disregard the sit bone measurements for now because Bill and Brent both said they really don't use those anymore. The B17 is the flagship model and has worked for so many people over so many years, and given my seat was level with the bars, I had a good chance of making this saddle work.

My sit bones were a bit sore, but I didn't feel like the saddle was too narrow or anything else. I did have to play lots with the angle and I'm not sure I ever did get it right. I got too excited to try the B68.

I have the B68 on the bike right now and really like that saddle. Comfortable out of the box. Feels roomy for the rear end. I biked to church with my family this morning and I don't even notice the saddle for once. Wile I love the aesthetics of the B17, this B68 is likely my winner.

Also noteworthy, I thought I would need an imperial, but so far, no issues. Everything just feels so well supported that even my soft tissue is happy.

I hope that my experience helps you choose! When in doubt, order both saddles!

[kmehrzad]

Thanks to everyone for their input. Good idea about ordering both saddles from Wallingford, LovelyGirl, I just may try that.

[kmehrzad]

I've never measured my sit bone width. Is there any particular way to do it from home?

[kmehrzad]

Thanks for the information recall. I'll give that a try.