I'm relatively new to Bike Forums, learning of it after I decided to finally do my first tour--something I've been threatening to do since my early 20's, some 35 years ago. I've noticed the near universal acclaim for the Brooks saddles. My question, and I'll try to put it delicately, is after spending 8 or 10 hours on the Brooks which doesn't have a groove/cutout/gel padding aren't certain areas numb?


Are most people riding them are in their 20's & 30's--when I was that age my 1974 Gitane had a narrow, molded plastic saddle incapable of any deflection what-so-ever and it only bothered me for the first one or two rides of the season. Starting in my early 40's when I took up cycling again I quickly settled on the need for a more anatomically aware seat design. I now have a narrow, light weight, slightly padded and grooved Rav-x saddle on my road bike which I find very comfortable, even doing 80-100 miles.

I've now ordered a touring bike and am wondering if I should tempt fate by installing a Brooks or look for a wider male-friendly design. I'd appreciate hearing from some 40+ tourers.