Brooks saddles may or may not seem expensive. It depends on what you compare them to. They’re expensive when compared to the crap saddles from big box store “bike” depts, but they’re cheap when compared to many of those fancy euro saddles that cost 2x-3x as much as a Brooks. The Brooks-style leather saddle vs. molded plastic cutout saddle debate will never let up, but I think one thing is unarguable---the saddle I do long-distance riding on is close to if not the very last component on my bike that I’m going to play cheapskate with. A well-made, well-fitting, supportive and comfortable saddle (which probably won’t be cheap) is critical to an enjoyable ride and an uncomfortable saddle can remove all enjoyment from cycling with startling effectiveness.