I must have a box full of used saddles i don’t like somewhere before I tried a leather Brooks. In short, it’s the best saddle i’ve ever had.
if you have trouble with the saddle on your road bike, you have made sure all other issues are ironed out (angle, seat height, etc.), and you’re not concerned about a few 100g, try a Brooks. It’s made my trainer sessions bearable this winter.
I wish I had taken a picture of it new to show how it’s adapted its shape after riding it - awesome.
How many miles would you say it took you before you considered it broken in?
I basically liked it from the start after I got the angle figured out. The tip is angled up a little, and it’s perfect now for me. This took about an hour or two on the trainer, tops.
The dimples in the back of the saddle started appearing after about 10 hours or so, I’d guess (they’ve since gotten more pronounced). I’m 180 lbs, and i’d expect that it would be a little longer for lighter weight riders (the Pro is also the stiffest Brooks, so one could go with a B17 (comes in a narrower version as well), or with a Swift. I saw a Swift in action yesterday on a group ride, and man, that’s a great looking saddle.
The Pro looks a bit dorky with its sides coming down pretty far, but people have been know to trim them to look sportier (and for other reasons).
Frankly, I’d have gotten a Swift if I weren’t cheap, but didn’t want to pass up a good price for the Pro to try it out.
Speaking of which, although I got mine from a bike mechanic friend who had one laying around, I strongly recommend Bill at www.wallbike.com. I initially talked to him, and he’s extremely knowledgeable. He also has a 6-month return guarantee - you can’t lose. (they also have some great pics of ‘butchered’ saddles).
Bottom line: I’ve had problems with chafing before (and checked everything else there was to check - saddle height, etc.), and have done as many or more ‘hard’ trainer hours than I ever have (which really seem to cause them as you sweat more and hardly get out of the saddle). No problems anymore whatsoever. I’m convinced that I’m faster because of it. YMMV.
I’ll be writing a detailed review soon and post it on my site/link to it here.
Dre’ rides his doubles with a brooks and a DeSoto Bib (standard trifleece chamois).
i think lon haldeman has won a couple RAAMs on a B17.
Have you seen the Swallow…Now THAT is a good looking saddle…particularly in green with copper rivets.
Now if you can find it for a few less $$, let us know.
Those Butchered Brooks look pretty nice.
$320 for the Swallow is pretty steep, that’s for sure. I’d be curious to see how these work on a tri bike! I’ll do some TTs on my Pro later on this season and report back.
One thing is for sure: I have been quite happy with the amount of time I’ve gotten in on my trainer this winter, and it’s partly due to finally owning a saddle I am comfortable on.
FWIW, Style Man in Bicycling is a fan 
.
I’m thinking a Swallow would look and work absolutely fabulous on the Emerald Green Independent Fab Club Racer I’m contemplating for my next road bike. Then again, you’re right…$320 is a bit steep…and a Swift would probably work just as well.