Originally Posted by
adlai
Actually, what exactly is the deal with these leather saddles?
-- having to spend hours riding in order to "break them in"
What is a few hours in exchange for a custom fit? Furthermore, they are not unrideably painful while breaking in, just a bit stiff. In fact, more comfortable than a lot of 'unbreakable' saddles.
Originally Posted by
adlai
and also being a theft target due to their high value and relative ease of removal.
Well, if you lock up in high-theft areas, any $100+ component is at risk. Stems, handlebars, brakes, etc. All of these take less than a minute to steal.
Originally Posted by
adlai
Also, I typically ride in the drops now, making them not so great?
There is more than one model of Brooks. The sprung ones are indeed not ideal for riding in the drops.