Originally Posted by
usndoc2011
I was also looking into a Brooks saddle, mostly because they look cool, and they are world renowned for comfort. I wasn't planning on posting, but after another poster mentioned Selle SMP, I gave to give a shout out. I currently own a Selle SMP Extra, and I gotta say it is the MOST comfortable saddle I've ever ridden in (not that there have been many, and not a brooks...yet). I got it 2 years ago, and it was comfortable right from the start, although it seems to have lost some cushion as of late. That's my two cents.
That's an expensive saddle. Cost about the same as a Brooks.
The problem with non-leather saddles is that it can only get worse. Eventually what ever padding is in the saddle will break down. After that you're essentially riding on a piece of plastic. You can expect to replace any non-leather saddle every 2 or 3 years depending on how much you ride. On the other hand leather saddles can last for decades with proper care. The initial price may be high but in the long run it's inexpensive.
I have two saddles. A well broken in flyer (a sprung B-17) and recently a VO model 8. The flyer is on my hybrid and the model 8 on my upright commuter. I'm set for decades with no worries.