Good saddle pad. Assos-designed Cytech-branded EIT pads are good (available cheaper than on Assos shorts, especially end of season closeouts, if you want to spend $$, Assos shorts, knickers and tights are niice). Creme is good on longer rides. Assos only gives free creme with their shorts, not kickers or tights. Don't know why.

I ride S5 and S2 pads they both feel good. The pads Gore Bike Wear picked up on are really good too. I've gotten EIT on DeMarchi, Craft and Santini. Comfy. The Pearl Izumi Pro 4D designed and made in Italy is probably good. Their Ulta/Microsensors are too abrasive for me. Ouch that burns after 30 mi.

Saddle is important. Probably no saddles are more comfy than Brooks, but they are heavy.

The worst thing is to be burning at the end of a ride, and the next day you still feel it, and you forgo riding due to butt sore abrasion, or creme up and spend a week healing. Healing an abrasion is bad news. Better to not abrade in the first place.