I sold the B-17 that came with my Trek 520 because it was killing me. It's been temporarily replaced by a 42 year old B-73 ( I had to buy a 'seat sandwich'). Yesterday I rode 62 miles on it. Today another 44. With me, spring suspension is one of the things that keeps me on a bike. I'm ordering a B-67 for my Trek 520 and
possibly a different H'bar set so I can be more upright - the jury is still out on that part.
The B-73 will go back onto it's 3-speed. Sqeaking? Well, I hear a pop every now and again but it's nothing. Kinda like an old, comfortable parlor chair.
Get a springer. Your big, wide butt will thank you for it.