Originally Posted by fietsbob

take the affected backside to a number of bike shops and sit on a variety..

nylon-foam rubber, thin cover of 'pleather' or real hide, manufactured saddles,
and thick hide stretched between 2 rivet ends, have their proponents,
but its between you, your butt and the saddle. not mine.

A good bike shop may even let you buy one and trade it in, if you don't like it.

as far as the best touring bike brand thing.. Bruce Gordon a frame builder and rack maker
in Petaluma is at the level of the best.

lots of people are happy with the Asian sourced bikes.. of several brands..
what is in your favorite bike shop?