some of the brooks are a pain to get far enough back, if your using 27.2 size - the Velo Orange works great for me.

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...g-setback.html

It has 30 mm of setback..

As far as brooks go, used the B17 and transitioned to the Professional on my road bikes.. Put the B17 on my cross bike where it works great.. The B17 is so wide and the edges are flared a hair it will prevent you from driving your legs through the pedal stroke unless you have a very upright position on your road bike.

The methods used to soften the saddle may make it more comfortable in the short run (but not necessarily as comfortable as a properly broken in saddle), but they also significantly shorten the saddle's life. A properly broken in and maintained Brooks saddle should last as long as its rider, and probably longer.

I have a B17 on my commuter/tourer, and it felt wonderful from the start. I have a Swift on my road bike, and my first impression was quite different: I felt as though I was perched on the tip of a baseball bat. The solution had nothing to do with breaking in; it was a matter of saddle position. I slid it a centimeter or so forward and tilted it slightly upward, and bliss ensued.

There's something of a tradition, apparently, of talking about "break-in" when Brooks riders discuss the saddles. Try not to misconstrue this. If you need to troubleshoot an uncomfortable fit, saddle position should take priority. Be cautious of claims (often heard, if not in this thread) to the effect that breaking in a saddle will "mold" it perfectly to your skeletal anatomy and -- hey presto! -- solve your comfort problems. Maybe, but don't depend on it.

A Selle Anatomica is very similar to a Brooks B17 except that it has a cut on in the middle of the saddle and the leather is water proof. You will not need to put anything on it in order to protect it from the weather.