As I watched this "bits" drama unfold, I kept wanting to post "Different strokes for different folks".... but I was afraid I'd get into trouble. I'm not familiar with the medication mentioned, so I had nothing to add there. (but oh, boy, did compression shorts under my chamois shorts make a huge difference... I'm happy to add lots about that trick!)

Quote Originally Posted by Muirenn View Post
Since my outside sitbones are 160, that means I need minimum 180 to compensate for the 20 mm plate-total, right? Inside distance doesn't matter.

Is this correct?

Also, I normally need a cutout. Both from experience and from the nifty chair/cutout test. Does it go the same for a Brooks? I know leather can give a lot. At least eventually.

I'm wondering if I'd need the cutout, or maybe just the one with the 3 holes. I do generally need one as much as the OP

I'd love to put Brooks leather bar tape and saddle on my old steel road bike. Especially in the honey-colored leather. Beautiful.
Plate total and outside width:
Yup, if the saddle you are considering has a 1 cm plate, you need to figure on NOT sitting on the plate. So subtract the plate (left and right, so 2 cm on Brooks) from the width of the saddle. (Brooks plates are 1 cm, I don't know Velo Orange or Selle An Atomica plates so I always use Brooks plates as an example) This is where your outside width matters. You don't want any part of the bones wolloping the plate.

Center-to-Center width matters more for padded saddles with curved top surfaces (Brooks are generally quite flat on the top). You would ideally have your centers land on the cheek centers of the saddle. So on the top of the domes of the saddle cheeks rather than on the slopes. If your centers land on the outer slopes of the domes you can just imagine how the wedging effect of the saddle top contour could jam up into your soft tissue.

Cut-Out:
Brooks are not known for their comfy noses. They are very narrow and very hard. I've had to work the leather of the nose on every one of my Brooks saddles by hand. They can be quite uncomfortable on the bits. A good half hour or more with lots of Proofhide. If you have any inclination that you need a cut-out, buy the Imperial version of whatever saddle you choose. I haven't heard anyone complain that the Brooks Imperial pinches shut like the Selle An Atomica, but since I have neither saddle don't take my word for it. Order your saddle from www.wallbike.com and you'll have 6 months to decide if you like the cut-out or not.