Hello to all

[Danny]

I've decided that I am going to get the Thorn Auda Mk3 in red with black mudguards.
This comes with "Selle San Marco Rolls" saddle as standard, but for £17 I can upgrade to a Brooks B17 saddle.
Does anyone have an opinion here? I hear a lot of talk about Brooks saddles but I have no experience of them.
Advice please.

I have had several B17s and have always been really pleased with them. Brooks saddles can take a while to "break in", but are then very comfortable. They also require a bit of looking after - you need to treat them with proofhide (I think it's called) and should avoid getting them wet.

If you have a choice, I would go for the B17N (N=narrow) as this is more suitable for long distance riding.

I also think the Thorn Audax is a good choice and nearly bought one myself. Just to warn you though, you will find a determined anti-Thorn contingent lurking in the darker reaches of CC who believe that all Thorn bikes are inherently ugly.

However there are others, notably Cathryn, who believe they are objects of great beauty.

Anyway welcome, and enjoy your new bike