Hi, sorry I haven't posted before, but I have read ALL the posts on the Brooks, and since Christmas, I've gone through a Team Pro S, a Flyer, a B67, and I'm finally able to 'comfortably' ride a B68 Imperial. Quotes intended.

The B67 and the B68 have a pebbled leather, and it is definitely softer. I didn't try another B17 in the Imperial version (the Flyer is a B17 with springs), because I knew I would be sitting over the metal. My husband's B17 saddles are stiffer leather as well.

There is a forum where Brooks had a bunch of guys test the Imperial. Try this for suggestions. I think one of the guys sanded the cutout, and there were some comments about the laces:

I think this is one:

http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-408695.html

I'll see if I can't find the other reviews.