Here's my experience with Brooks. I have a 30 year old campy equiped bike that I have owned since new. It came with a Brooks Professional (small rivets not the jumbo ones) and that is the only saddle that has ever been on the bike. Until 2 years ago it was my only ride and I rode it a ton, with at most one or 2 seasons of non riding and the rest ridden heavily.

I weigh 200 pounds and always have.

It has been proofhided and other than looking a bit scruffy it hasn't changed much since the day I got it. It is not quite as rock hard as when it was new but it is pretty damn close. The worst thing about it is the numb nuts. It could sterilize a bull.

Can't say I hate it but don't love it either. Still ride it on the trainer and when the weather is not nice enough for my new carbon Giant. Been through 3 saddles on that bike and still looking for something better. Might try an Arione one of these days.