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Isn't amazing that even these days, with sooo many options in the market, the best saddles are still the italian ones? Selle Italia, San Marco, Fizik...
Brooks, incidentally, is Italian owned, although the saddles are still made in Birmingham.

As far as Brooks go, I have a Swallow, Swift, B17 and Team Pro.

For me the Swallow and Swift (in that order) are best for longer distances in a more racing position while the B17 is ideal for shorter distances in a more upright position. I have that now on my commuter. The Team Pro I just can't get used to, to be honest, for whatever reason. Fine over short distances but I was hoping it would be good for longer ones.

I have tried a few modern saddles, many are fine over shorter distances but I start to feel them on the second day on a long ride. I have not entirely ruled out that there may be one that would suit me, after all most people get on fine with them these days. Have Bontrager, a couple of Specialized, Giant, Ritchey WCS and a couple of Focus ones.

Saddles are a very personal thing, what works for one person may not for another. Brooks are a nightmare for some people, they work for me. Of course this indicates the innate superiority of my arse...

Just in case this isn't clear, Gatorskins are total shit.

The level of grip they offer in the wet can be re-created on your own tyres by coating them in a thin layer of soap.
They are certainly not the grippiest tyre in the wet; wet grip is however generally a tradeoff with durability and puncture protection.

If you want something that is far far worse in the wet try Armadillos- far more slippery. Virtually puncture proof though on the flip side. I find Gatorskins to offer a better compromise, they flat more than Armadillos but less than a grippier race tyre.

If wet grip (or indeed ride quality in general) is your top priority though, Gatorskins are indeed a shit choice.

Continental GP 4 Season
Schwalbe Marathon Plus
Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX

In one poll. W T F.

Seriously, very different tyres for very different uses.

None is "best." Define "best."

Grip, rolling resistance, puncture resistance, weight, price, ride quality, surface versatility, durability, even resistance to skidding if you like. No tyre is optimal, any will be a compromise depending on your priorities.

To be honest Gatorskins are a good compromise to my mind for a commuter tyre, or touring on relatively good tarmac roads. They are relatively cheap and relatively puncture-resistant without utterly ruining the tarmac ride quality like Armadillos or being anchors like Marathons. With Marathons you can manage light off-road though which is impossible with Gatorskins. Gatorskins roll better on tarmac. They are not a race tyre and have nowhere near the grip and don't roll so well as the likes of GP4000s from the same company. But then they are cheaper and not sold as such.

What is the objection to Gatorskins?

Ultremos would get my vote for a summer/race tyre. GP4000s also good in this regard but I prefer the Ultremos. Have lost confidence in them with the "R" debacle though.

Currently looking for a 700x25 winter training tyre (to go on winter racer) and a 700x28 or 700x32 preferably slick, lightish, good rolling tyre to go on my commuter... just because I have the space and would like to give it a go.

Fixed Malin-Mizen?

It works absolutely fine if you don't skid. If you skid you can unscrew the cog. Rotafixing the cog on TIGHT will minimise the possibility of this. Always a good idea to run a front brake regardless, doubly so with this setup. I would have no problem with it as long as you have a brake (both my fixed bikes are set up this way and I tend to skid with hands on the brake hoods.) If you do unscrew the cog you just lose your breaking, it is not otherwise catastrophic. As you should not be skidding for emergency stops you will generally then have time to use your front brake instead when this happens.

The mounting hole is very close to the wheel nuts though. Also the Tricross is a bit of a tank, very different to something like a Langster or the other more nimble bikes (my other one is a Giant Bowery.) Does get faster with slicks rather than the stock tyres. Perfect bike if you want rack/mudguards and are not in a particular hurry, it is relaxed and comfortable.

What is wrong with forward facing drop-outs? For a non-track specific fixed gear/ single speed they make a lot of sense. They give perfectly good chain tension adjustability and make it easier to run gears if you want. You can also run full length mud guards and pannier racks with no wheel removal issues.
There are no real issues removing a wheel with rear-facing track ends and full mudguards, I run SKS Chromoplastics on a Tricross and it really isn't a problem (I too was concerned before I actually tried it.) You don't even need excessive clearance.

Here are my two, both factory jobs I'm afraid. I recognise a few of the bikes and posters over here, I didn't realise there was a Dublin section :)

@mikey- I might well be interested in your Team Pro. Presume it is chrome rails? How much?

Hi dogsballs, really looking for something a little narrower than a B17, I have a very well used B17 already and while great for shorter distances, like a hammock at this stage, I prefer the Swift/Swallow for the longer ones, reckon the Team Pro is closeish to a Swift, maybe between a B17 and a Swift but cheaper than the latter!

Thanks for the offer though, I'll keep you in mind if I can't find something. Might consider cutting a B17 although I'd be worried I'd wreck it.

Hey Simon, presume this is gone? I would be very interested if not.