Around 1978 a customer brought the bike he had bought at the beginning of the summer in for the free tune-up we offered. His only complaints were the pedals (Campy) and saddle (Brooks B17). I replaced them with the pedals and saddle of his choice and put his old pedals and saddle in a plastic bag cable tied to the handlebars, as it was our practice to return all replaced parts to the customer. When he came to pick up the bike he handed me the bag and said, “I don’t want these.” Forty years later I’m still riding the Brooks saddle and it’s the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever owned. It has gotten very little care in that time...maybe two or three rub downs with Proofhide. I’m not advocating neglect, but I believe these saddles are tougher than most people think.