Right on about saddles being a personal thing and where used or type of riding. I've read other threads and reviews and I still don't have a conclusion. Fortunately, most of the LBS I know will stock at the minimum, one version of the Brooks 'C'. Without even asking, all have presented them to me with a sales pitch. Though tempted, the problem is the $170 price and not being able to test them, nor even see the other versions. Too bad, Brooks does not have a full model line of the C series as dealer demo. If they did, my guess they would sell a whole lot more of them and price less of an issue.

My constant is having a narrower saddle for riding a much deeper road drop bar. Wider for less of drop type. Narrow for technical ATB riding. yet wider for a conventional upright or flatbar. I need longer rides of at least four hours to base any comfort judgement. +1 above to those mentioning what one is wearing too!

Rain doesn't bother me that much and I always have a baggie ready, stuffed under the saddle. If a light sprinkle, I don't bother covering it.

A racers saddle? I don't about that one and regardless of shape ALL Brooks are heavy.

Someone mentioned the Giant brand bike. One of my bikes is a late model Giant with the OEM saddle. Some sort of super this-that lightweight. I've done quite few century rides with it, doable but its a bit suffering yet I really like it for off-road. Weird eh? Its the bike I'm considering a C17 for.

Lastly- Prices for near new but used late model year production Brooks leather versions now seem reasonable. Curious if Brooks followers are going with the C series and getting rid of these near new saddles. Two for $100 is the rate on fleabay from some seller on the US East coast. That's worth trying a variety of leather models no big loss if you don't like them.