Well, I did try a Brooks saddle (a Team Pro - 160mm) on my Synapse last year...it didn't go well. Infact, it was during the time that I had the Brooks on my bike that I had determined I definitely needed a cut-out...thus enter the Ruby. My lady bits were terribly squished on the Brooks saddle. Granted, I never tried the Imperial, but I do think at 170mm, it would be too wide for me.