Brook B17 Imperial -- Can it be softer later?

[wildrover]

I can't figure out why the cut out is bugging you so much. I have one on my B68 imperial too.

Since Christmas, I've gone thru (i.e. 'tested') a Team Pro S, a Flyer, a B67 and have finally 'settled' on a B68 Imperial. Of the 4 of these, and the 2 B17 saddles my husband has, the pebbled leather on the B67 and the B68 is definitely softer.

Thanks your experiences with the lacing Soprano, I was wondering what to expect! When Brooks came out with this saddle again a few years ago, they sent out a bunch of saddles for riders to test and review. I wish I could find that forum again, now that I own one of these, and the lacing often came up in the reviews. Does anyone remember where it is?

Regarding angle of saddle: I've been tilting the nose of the saddle up as well. I think it is because I'm a heavier rider, on a softer leather saddle. I don't like to have that much pressure on my hands, trying to keep the pressure off tender parts.

Thank you all for posting your experiences with the Brooks saddles! I think I've read (and used) every post and piece of advice.

[wildeny]

Thanks for many comments.

I haven't tried to adjust the angle yet. This weekend I switched back to my trusty Specialized Romin SL for long rides. If I used B17 Imperial, I wouldn't complete the ride.

wildrover, thanks for the link. I also know this try-out but couldn't find the other link as well.

When I checked again on the reviews in Brooks web site. Some people also felt uncomfortable on the edge of the cut-out. These seem be the ones who gave lower rating and were not satisfied with the saddle. Maybe I'm like them.

It's really disappointing. I tried B17 Imperial because I would want a comfortable saddle for long distance rides (600k+, even 1200k!). The whole set (saddle and its "special" seatpost) weight much more than my original setup. This weight is nothing on the flat road but would have some disadvantage in the climbing.

[warneral]

I had a painful experience last night on my first ride this season using my new b17 imperial. My pain was mainly in the soft tissue reason and I was aware of my perenial area the whole ride. My other saddle, I hadn't even known it was there

I was wondering the same thing (whether the imperial is the problem).

I already had purchased a setback seatpost b/c of a bike fitting with my original saddle. Females have long femurs and often need that setback for proper knee over pedal positioning.

I don't really see a problem with the rails but it could be b/c I already get a good setback with my seatpost. I actually feel like there is a generous amount of adjustment on my rails.

I don't use the laces (yet) b/c I'm still fiddling with location on the rails and find the laces interfere with positioning front to back.

I did find some posts that said the saddle should be level (didn't realize that it is the nose that should be level) but it turns out my saddle had my nose pointed way up during my 20mi ride yesterday. I adjusted it (and will again) and will keep trying it. I want to love these saddles and will give it some time before I give up!