Originally Posted by
cyccommute
I agree.
While I too use Brooks, mountainwalker should be warned that they have zero padding. They are not a "seat". If you try to ride them that way, you are in for a world of hurt. If you ride them like a proper saddle, i.e. as a means of support while using your arms and legs properly, they are quite comfortable but if you are looking for a marshmallow to cushion you, look elsewhere.
The sprung and wider Brooks saddles actually aren't bad in those applications! The truth is that all the padding in the world isn't going to be comfortable over significant distance; your butt is still pressing down on a fixed surface. The shape of the surface, and give of suspension, is more important than padding.
I have a lot more weight down of the saddle when I ride this more upright position:
The wider rear definitely helps, and I do notice that the springs help after distance as well.