I have three brooks on three different types of bikes - hybrid(B17), folder (champion flyer S-I think that is the name it is sprung) and Roadbike - (team pro s-presoftened) - I go without bike shorts on all three if going under 15 miles - I have not had a problem . I have only had the saddles three months - not a problem with breaking in for me. and normal but not cotton underwear (in summer I find cotton gets and stays too sweaty)