True enough. Many times I see a thread where someone wants advice on how to do anything that goes against grain where they get far more people trying to convince them that they don't need the advice they are asking for then they get actual, constructive advice.

I've been watching this thread because I have also gone searching leather-free saddles, but for more than just the maintenance issues. I started a thread on it in the commuting forum a while and got lots of good feedback that led me to the Avatar eventually: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...her-saddle(s)/

For my part, I wasn't focusing on matching the textile qualities of leather. I just wanted to be comfortable.

Also "back in the day" Brooks used to make vinyl saddles, too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/39389118@N07/8000004665/

You can probably find vintage saddles somewhere. I grew up riding an old schwinn that had a vinyl saddle similar to the Brooks flyer. I still have something similar made by Viscount on one of my bikes. I find it comfortable to sit on, but vinyl doesn't breath, and I've found that while I loved that style in moderate, northern Ohio, I need some more ventilation in the humid south.

Also, while looking for evidence of the fabled, non-leather Brooks, I found an article on vegan saddles that was very informative. Their motivations may not be the same as the OPs, but the information may still be helpful. http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2011/...c-saddles.html

I hope you let us know what you end up with, because while I'm happy with my Avatar, I'm always interested in what else is out there.