I treated myself to a Christmas present yesterday. I bought black Brooks B17 for my hybrid bike. I also replaced the seatpost.

I've ridden with the Brooks for maybe 20 miles so far, but here are my first impressions.

1. It seemed slippery at first. I thought I would slide off. I got used to it after a few miles.
2. Old habits die hard... I have to remember to not lift the rear of the bike by the saddle. I now grab the rear rack.
3. Compared to my old squishy gel saddle, the Brooks is harder. Although the area around my sit-bones is a little more sore, the rest of the "tender bits" are not sore at all.
4. It looks great.
5. It smells good.
6. I caress it every time I walk past my bike.
7. I bought Proofide, and treated the saddle, but the instructions (how much to use?) were unclear.
8. I bought a saddle cover in the unlikely event I need to leave the bike outside in the rain... I could have just used a plastic bag.
9. My cyclings tights have caught on the rivets once while dismounting. If it continues to happen, I'll gently hammer the rivets down a little.

Overall, I really like it, and I got it at a great price from the LBS (after Christmas sale). Most of my riding has been on a recumbent recently, but I think my upright bike (Nermal is his name) will get a few more miles now.