re: #5 -- I had trouble riding in the drops with my old road bike. With the current one, it's easy and comfortable. The difference is the size of the handlebars. I believe modifications are also possible for the shifters themselves, to make them easier to reach.
- Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
- Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
- Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle
Gone but not forgotten:
- Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
- Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles