New saddle fitted - A Brooks B17

I have been slowly working out how to get my bike ready for the challenge. My thoughts have centred around having a comfortable riding position for long stints in the saddle. At the moment the bike is set up with the original saddle that, to be honest is a bit of a razor blade and only designed for shortish rides in my view. So I have gone and got myself a new saddle.
I always remember my Dad saying that the most comfortable saddle to have was a Brooks B17. Dad used to be a member of Marple wheelers when he was younger and regularly rode in local criterium races. I get the impression he was quite a sprinter back then. He used to tell me "I would take anyone on in a sprint".
So the other day I was in the Bike Factory in Whaley Bridge and speaking to Rob the manager about saddles. I noticed a Brooks B17 on display. Now these saddles look like they have come from a bygone age. Its an all leather design around a simple frame. Brooks have been in business since 1866 and at first glance the saddle looks like it was designed back then. Its a very dated looking unit compared to some of the modern saddles but on closer inspection its benefits become apparent. The design is very simple, with just one piece of leather moulded perfectly around the steel rails. With its hand riveting and Brooks badge on the honey coloured leather, it is a very handsome saddle in a retro sort of way. Rob said that he sold boat loads of them and that his customers swore by them, so I took the plunge.

A Brooks B17. The design is nearly 100 years old - sometimes you just can't beat experience.

I've been riding with it for a week now and after some adjustments am really getting to like it. It's way more comfy than the factory fitted saddle and you get the feeling it will just get comfier the more it beds in. I'm really pleased with it. £70 well spent as I think it will be staying put long after my challenge. Next up is a new handle bar stem to raise the bars just a little.