For Sale: Brooks B17 £32 at Halfords

it's probably just good marketing / sale technique from brooks
helps them sell lots of tubs of brooks special saddle paste at £12 a pop

or am i just getting cynical in my old age

In all seriousness, if you don't have mudguards on your bike you must proofride (sp?) the underside of the saddle.
But otherwise, ride it, and in 2 weeks it will be bum shaped and perfect forever.

thanks guys. I thought as much, I'm always skeptical when you buy a branded product and are directed to treat it/maintain it with products by the same brand. I'll have a look around for some other leather treatments at a better price. I don't spend a lot on things like saddle, hence never having owned a Brooks before, so 12quid on saddle treatment is a no-no!