Good thread. I'll chip in with some comments about Idéale saddles, which I appreciate for my old French bikes. I have several (probably too many) bikes so I won't break in any particular saddle very quickly. The higher end 80 and 90 models, with their thicker leather, are not going to mold themselves to my anatomy before I am too feeble to ride the bikes, I don't think. But the "cheaper" model, the 39, is turning out to be a very comfortable choice because those saddles break in a bit faster. They also suit the lower end French bikes that I enjoy.

I also have on Brooks Pro on a 1972 Paramount and a Fuji Belt on my indoor training frame. Both are good saddles. The Brooks is almost new but feels wonderful. The Belt was well used when I got it and, at least for me, is quite comfortable. Doesn't deserve the a$$ hatchet designation it often gets.