Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Brooks Questions ??

I am thinking of treating myself. My GT Peace 9r Multi came with a WTB Pure V Race saddle. It came with the bike and I gave it a shot new and liked it better then my old seat, but I keep hearing the rave about Brooks and am thinking of taking that plunge. I really do not have any problems with the V, I just am getting the itch to drop come some coin.

So, my questions are:

1. The bike is a ridged mountain bike and I have been considering the Brooks Flyer to soften the ride just a little. I rarely drop over the back of the seat, but every great once in a while I will descend and at least try to drop back. Will the Flyer be a problem? Would you recommend another Brooks saddle?

2. Brooks Leather? Is it really necessary to keep them from ever getting wet? I am a rack and ride kinda guy and do not always leave from the garage. I rack my bike and drive to different trails every week. I get caught in the rain sometimes. Heck, I have fallen over in creeks before. I have no problem wiping the seat dry now and then, but I don't think I have the discipline to worry about a cover. What is the scoop on this?

3. Based on the above, any other saddle suggestions are welcomed. The saddle I have now is pretty nice, but I am wanting to upgrade and put a little luxury under the bum.

Thanks
Jay

1. If you ride off the back, there's more stuff to catch your junk on if you make a wrong move.

2. Don't continually leave it in the rain, then jump on it and ride a century. It'll wear out the leather faster. I use mine for commuting and it gets rained and snowed on alot. I don't cover it up and I ride it wet, but not too far and it's still fine after 5 years. A little proofide twice the first year, then once a year after that will keep it in good shape. I have a Brooks on my mtb too.

Why not carry along a large ziplock plastic bag and slip it over the saddle when the weather calls for it?

The Brooks Flyer is more suited for riders in an upright position with the bars higher than the saddle.

Getting a Brooks wet once in awhile isn't going to kill it, although I'd avoid a prolonged soaking. It's easy enough to cover the saddle, either with a saddle specific cover (http://cgi.ebay.com/Brooks-Saddle-Rain-Cover-Black-Large_W0QQitemZ200439593694QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCycling_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2eab217ade) or a plastic bag.

Yeah, my brooks has been wet a number of times without issue. I do carry a plastic grocery bag which I shove under the seat where it can't be seen. Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don't.

Usually sprung saddles are recommended if your saddle is about even or lower than the handlebars. Sheldon Browns site talks about sprung (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/saddles/springs.html) saddles. If there is nothing wrong with the WTB I probably wouldn't change it over just yet.

I too carry a plastic bag tucked under the seat, though I have a large saddle bag which protects it from spray and I don't leave it uncovered for long periods in rain. I have a B-17, a Champion and their old model called Conquest. The Conquest, which was designed to be used on mountain bikes, I found as NOS in a shop. It pairs the Professional top (thicker leather) with a springer bottom. It is the most comfortable out of the 3.

I have used the Flyer and B-17's on my mountain bikes and they hold up fine. I did manage to bend the rails on one, but the details of the crash are still a little fuzzy, so I doubt any other saddle would have faired any better. Like others said proofide it first and it will be fine. Leather is not as delicate as some around here will lead you to believe, but it is best to keep too much water from soaking the underside of the saddle. Basically cover the underside with proofide, don't wipe off the excess, hang a saddle bag under it, and don't worry about it for a year.

It will be difficult to ride around at first, but you adjust to it pretty quickly. Basically, just keep your pedals level whenever you get behind it and don't pedal until you are back in front of it.