I saw this post pop up again and thought of something. One of the allure of the Brooks saddle is this: It is leather. Real leather. Leather on the top, leather on the bottom, think leather. Leather says quality and it shouts snob appeal. But more importantly, the Brooks saddle is one of the few leather things (that isn't worn as some sort of clothing) you can buy that is functional because of the leather. It's practical. Since a lot of bicycle riders seem to like the throwback aspect of bicycle riding itself (either by riding vintage bikes, faux vintage like Rivendell, or modern classics like Sury), a functional leather product that can be used on a bike seems only natural. And not only is it functional and practical, it is stylish, but in a subtle way (most non-cyclists wouldn't notice a leather saddle on a bike at all).

I'm kind of an anti-snob about a lot of things. I only started riding Brooks saddles because I bought a Raleigh DL-1 (for $30) that came with the original Brooks B72 saddle. Now all of my bikes have leather saddles except one, and that will probably have one soon. Sure other saddles are functional and work for other people, but the truth is, I honestly enjoy riding more on a leather saddle.