those velo orange elkhide sew-ons are really neat (the espresso would match my saddle perfectly!). maybe just a tad bit pricey, but much better than the brooks (and i kind of like the sew on look rather than the wrap!). just not sure if i wanna spend the 34 bucks. hmmmm

i'll have to make a stop at a dollar tree, i'm wondering if it's as soft as i'd need (i hate the thin tape or thin wrap where you feel the bar and every bump)

thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming!