i know everyone raves about the brooks b-17 (and other model) saddles...

and i know that they will mold to fit your body. but what happens when you break one in, go on tour, and lose weight? will it mold to your new shape? or will you be sliding around in an old ghost of your own self?

It molds to the unique placement of your sitbones.
Losing weight won't change that.

I have an old Ideal leather saddle that I have been riding for almost 30 years, it was on one of my first racing bikes, it has been on a couple of tour bikes and a even a mountain bike or two. I used to weigh about 140#...I now run about 190# and it still sits comfortable. Eventually I plan to spend the money for the Brooks, priorities, priorities

Aaron

I always wondered about that too, and I wondered about buying Brooks used. It seems like you wouldn't get the benefit unless the seller never broke it in or you have the same sit bones placement.

I think you're right, you want a new one that you can break in yourself. Since you can get a B17 for around $60 that will mold to your particular anatomy and will last 25-30 years, it doesn't make sense to buy a used one IMHO.

The bike I rode as a teenager (Schwinn Super Sport, '74 ish) hangs from the ceiling in my garage. Hadn't ridden much between the late 70's and about 5 years ago, didn't realize it had a Brooks saddle. Conditioned the leather a bit, put it on my current ride.... felt like a long lost friend!!! Need to continue conditioning the leather, and need to tension it a bit....

Apparently the sit bones don't change much over 30 years either!!