Brooks B17N Imperial: an ongoing review

[yello]

My new Brooks B17N Imperial (that's the one with a cut away bit) arrived a few days back. I proof-hided it top and bottom and fitted it per instructions. It's the most I've ever spent on a saddle and I have done so with a balance of scepticism and high expectation. The purchase was motivated by the Brooks fans club; I want to know if the accolades are deserved.

Today was the saddle's first outing, 60km in total, and I've decided to keep a public diary/blog of my impressions. Feel free to add comments etc if you feel inclined.

The first thing I noticed was how slippery it was. I guess that's a bit of residual proof hide because that went after some km. Then I noticed what felt like a sit bone on my 'taint* (!!). This, I worked out, was the cut away section that I could feel. Not uncomfortable in any way, just there. I'd get used to it I figured, and I did.

I did notice I was sliding forward a little and kept having to move back to get the saddle under my real sit bones. I don't know whether this is because the saddle is still a little slippery or whether I should move the saddle forward a little. I'll leave it where it is for now and see how I get on.

Some people have difficulties with Brooks saddles from the off, some people are comfortable. I'd say I was in the latter category. That is to say, I'm not uncomfortable... but then 60km is not really a big test. I am expecting it to get more comfortable as it breaks in though. Hence me intending to document the saddle's progress.


* taint (for those that don't know) = it ain't your balls and it ain't your arse, i.e. the bit in-between

 

[rich p]

Did akaAndrew buy one too?

 

[Chuffy]

I always find new ones quite slippery. My cure is to have the nose pointing slightly upwards.

If you're ok after 40k on a brand new saddle then I reckon you'll be alright. Welcome to the club!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I found mine very slippery when new. However, it does seem to become more grippy after a few hundred miles. I found I could then lower the nose slightly to a more conventional position. I am now totally convinced as to the comfort of the B17. In fact I rode 35 miles today without padded gear and without the slightest discomfort.

 

[yello]

Did akaAndrew buy one too?

Nah, that tight bastard wouldn't fork out more than a fiver!

 

[yello]

It's pleasing to know that others find them a bit slippery when new and that, more importantly, it will go.

I forgot to mention that I did find it quite a hard saddle too. I know it softens up over time so this leads me to ask how frequently people proofhided theirs in the early days. Brooks just say 'often' (or something like that) but is that after every ride, every 50km or wot??.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

My saddle has not softened, nor would I want it to. What has happened is that it has moulded to my sit bones. Distinct impressions can be seen in the rear part of the saddle which correspond to my protruberences.

As far as Proofhiding is concerned, I applied it three times to the underside with a paint brush, quite thickly, and then left it within 12 inches of a 60 watt bulb for around two hours. This allowed the Proofhide to penetrate the leather. I then applied two thin coats to the top side, allowing each coat to sit on top (without the bulb) for about six or seven hours before wiping off the surplus.

I'm not saying this method is right, but it has worked for me. I can now ride the saddle for any distance/time which suits me even, without padded shorts.

 

[yello]

I'll be following the rules. I'm kind of boring like that. But Brooks haven't been particularly specific as to how frequently one should apply proofhide during the breaking in period.

 

[LazyLoki]

I've got a Brooks team pro saddle and when it was new I applied proofhide about once a week for the first month or so. I left it on the saddle for about an hour and then buffed it up. I also applied some to the underside once at the start and just let it penetrate without wiping it off. I seem to recall that this is what brooks recommend.

Done about 2000 miles on it now and, while its still as hard as a block of wood, it's really comfy and fits like a glove. I now apply a bit of proofhide about once every 4 months or if the saddle has been soaked by rain (but only after it has thoroughly dried out).

 

[Crackle]

I never knew they did a cut out one. I thought it was only an American company who did that to Brooks saddles?

 

[Davidc]

Sounds as if you may be one of those who fit the Brooks. They suit some people but clearly not others. Good luck with it.

I've never needed to break them in, they're just comfortable for my backside from the first minute and metre onwards. When new I have put the proofhide on underneath a couple of times, and then once a year, and on top lots then reducing - depends a bit on use. I did work out what I had actually done for another post but can't remember the exact detail.

As you say Brooks aren't specific about this.

Like Chuffy I run them nose up (not much) until the surface grips a bit more. It (the surface) does change but I've always found they stay a bit slippery.

I like the fact that they are hard. I find soft saddles very uncomfortable after more than about an hour. I wonder whether having a friction free bum support is part of the secret of comfort. Like Gerry Attrick I ride without padding. I did try padded shorts, but found with the Brooks it was less comfortable than with no padding.

 

[yello]

I never knew they did a cut out one. I thought it was only an American company who did that to Brooks saddles?

Brooks re-introduced it to the range not so long ago. They were making them up until the 1950s or thereabouts but just stopped for some reason.

Selle An-Atomica is the American company. They can retro fit their leather saddle to a Brooks frame too. Have a look at their FAQ to further confuse the issue of correct saddle fitting!

 

[Manonabike]

I like the fact that they are hard. I find soft saddles very uncomfortable after more than about an hour. I wonder whether having a friction free bum support is part of the secret of comfort. Like Gerry Attrick I ride without padding. I did try padded shorts, but found with the Brooks it was less comfortable than with no padding.

I've recently discovered this is true for me too.

 

[jimboalee]

Proofhide the underside of the saddle.

For the top surface:- Each time you stop, wipe some sweat off your brow and massage this into the leather. The acids in your sweat will take the gloss off the leather to make a grippy dull finish.

The oils in YOUR sweat will help the upper surface mould to your sit bones.

 

[Davidc]

Proofhide the underside of the saddle.

For the top surface:- Each time you stop, wipe some sweat off your brow and massage this into the leather. The acids in your sweat will take the gloss off the leather to make a grippy dull finish.

The oils in YOUR sweat will help the upper surface mould to your sit bones.

Interesting idea. Presumably that adds to the general oozing of sweat from the body which normally conditions saddles (or so say the horsey people)