I have to chime in here. I love my Brooks -- all three of them!

It all started last summer with a B17S for my Trek road bike, which I enjoyed so much that I got a B17 for my mountain bike. I gave someone a Team Pro S for Christmas, but they didn't like it, so I got them another saddle and put the Team Pro S on my Bianchi road bike. All of the Brooks felt good from the getgo, but felt broken-in around the 100 mile mark.

That said, I think my longest rides have been in the 50 mile range. I may not be quite as charmed with my Brooks after a century.

I should also mention that I bought all the saddles from Wallingford Bicycles (www.wallbike.com), and they were a pleasure to deal with.

Here's what I do for saddle maintenance program:

1. When I get the saddle, put Proofhide (the stuff recommended by Brooks) on the bottom and the top of the saddle. After a few hours, buff off the top of the saddle; no need to buff off the bottom of the saddle.

2. When the saddle is new, apply Proofhide to the top every week or so. Let it sit until it's not shiny, then buff it off. (It tends to loose the "shine" after an hour or so.)

3. After a few Proofhidings, it will stay shiny for several hours. At that point, I only Proofhide it every six months or so.

This maintenance program pretty much agrees with the literature that comes with the Brooks saddles.

You should also know that I live in Northern California, which as very mild temperatures -- not rainy or sun-baked.

I've also only owned my Brooks for the last year, so I can hardly vouch for the long term success of my maintenance program.

Oh, and about the slipperiness. I do recall noticing it at first, but it seemed go away after a few rides and some Proofhiding.

-- Melissa