Originally Posted by charles vail

A basic Black or Honey colored B-17 is only $70 and will last for years. I'll bet most of those plastic name brand saddles cost at least $50. If you are a commuter and you have no fenders then your saddle will get wet. Saddle covers cost about $15 but you can also make your own. I've ridden my leather saddle in pouring Pacific Northwest rain storms and have never gotten them wet. With fenders and a cover its never a problem. I personally have three Brooks saddles and the family has two more so I guess we are Brooks fans. I probably won't need to buy another for the rest of my life.
I have two pairs of Lycra shorts but I don't use them anymore and prefer wicking sports stuff with no pad and regular baggy shorts or pants. I do have some non padded wool tights but only use them on long cold rides.
Wool rocks....expensive though and it takes a little more care in washing/drying but its not that bad.