[jyl]

I have some Brooks saddles. Currently an old Professional, a B17, a titanium Swift.

The different models have different shapes. Generally the wider ones are more suited to upright riding, the narrower to racy riding. They do break in somewhat. They are all heavy. Rain doesn't make them happy, unless they are protected from above with a cover and from below with fenders. You don't actually need to treat them with proofide, neatsfoot oil, or anything else, more than annually, if that. Too much softening of the leather will shorten their life.

In my opinion, unless you like the look, or have a very fussy ass, there isn't any great reason to insist on a Brooks.

My ass is happy on most any saddle so I usually don't buy Brooks saddles, unless they happen to come on a bike. Lately I've been into superlight vintage saddles. The titanium Swift is about to be replaced by a Concor Superleggera to save half a pound.