kiltedcelt

Just wondering if anyone who races cyclocross also uses a Brooks or Velo Orange saddle. I'm in the market for a new saddle and I'm looking at those two brands for the comfort factor, mainly because I'm getting into long distance riding, but at the same time I'd like to try some CX racing as well but am somewhat concerned about durability of the saddle given the nasty conditions encountered during CX racing. I suppose if they're properly waterproofed and maintained they should be okay right? After all, they must get plenty wet when used for touring. Thoughts? Oh yeah, weight is not a consideration for me either.

jdon

I use a Toupe on a EC90 seatpost for cross racing then a Brooks on a Thomson Masterpiece seatpost for longer rides. Just a quick change out and all is good. Brooks saddles are not as delicate as some would have you believe but synthetic and plastic is so much easier to clean.

Cynikal 

Just get a cheap and light saddle for racing and swap it out. I used a crappy SLR copy for 3 seasons. Most races are short and you float over your saddle more on the bumpy stuff.

kiltedcelt

Figured CX was probably a lot like mountain bike racing and riding (both of which I've done a lot of in the past), in that you're spending about as much time out of the saddle as in it. However, I was wondering, in my quest for a comfy anatomic saddle weather the leather jobs (which are often touted as supremely comfortable), would hold up to the punishment of nasty weather be it on the CX circuit or on the daily training slog through snow and salt covered streets and paths. It's beginning to sound like synthetic saddles are the better bet if one doesn't want to have to own two saddles and swap them as needed.

fietsbob

bit of an error in thinking , guess you need more education..

for one A races are shorter , and you have to get off the bike several times a lap.
and , lacking mudguard, lots of better choices..
s you will soak a leather saddle in no time with mud ,potentially screwing it up..

Ideal is something like the Cinelli Unicantor, a non padded elastomer,
nothing to cut up and damage in falls ,and will be fine when you get out the hose/pressure washer,
to wash down the bike when it doubles its weight in Mud.

STP

Get another bike. Seriously. Once you start, you'll never stop.

bluenote157

craigslist $10 saddle.. save the brooks for your longer rides.