I hear such fabulous things about Brooks I might have to try one some day, when I'm back in funds. I'm a big fan of leather for durable purposes. Amazing stuff (and yes, I rode motorcycles before the wrists did me in. Hated giving that up.)

I tuned my positioning and that helped some, but still felt like the darn seat was trying to pop me open like an oyster ... sorry, but totally acurate.

I found a Bontrager Web Spring WSD at my LBS which looks promising (and only cost 25 euros -- woo hoo!) Overpadded, but meets all other criteria. My forearms are killing me, but I'm going to head to the beach tomorrow morning long before most reasonable people are on the road (it's a fiesta weekend), so with luck I won't need to grab the brakes. I hope to run and swim while there, so I'll be feeling NOOOOO pain by the time I have to head back through traffic.

It's only a few miles each way, but at least should give me some idea what I'm in for. Wish me luck.

Cheers,
Isabel