Currently riding Fi'zi:k gobi wingflex on the MTB, it came with the bike. Until now it was acceptable as only done 2-3 hour rides on it - steep climbing then out of saddle descending. Always uncomfortable though, tried various tilt positions (not for and aft though).

I have done long rides on other bikes (up to 28 hours) and from experience know this saddles not right for me. I think you've got a good point with fine tuning though I better budget some time to experiment - any tips for for/aft tuning, other than just trial and error? I've had pro bike fits before on roadbike and just based MTB setup on that (roughly position for front foot patella over pedal spindle)

It's time to buy (and bed in) a saddle for the Kiwi Brevet. That is, 1200km mixture of unsealed roads, singletrack, and sealed roads (approx 12 hours * 7 days). Setup is MTB with both upright and crouched (aero bars) riding positions, having trouble choosing a saddle!

Have a budget around US $160, tried local bike shops and saw nothing I liked. So, time to poll the experts! Here's my shortlist:

Favourite:
Selle SMP (Lite 109, Drakon, Dynamic or Glider models)
I like the large cutouts, and dropped nose for steep climbing, also have a great rep.
BUT I can't find one on budget (in New Zealand), even second hand. There are cheaper models (TRK) but they have a poor reputation.

Second choice:
Specialized (Romin or Phenom)
Most ergonomic of the 'regular' manufacturers, not as generous a cutout as SMP, none of the noses look as nice for tip-of-the-seat climbing. And which model? Also, what's the deal with the (cheaper) gel options, should they be avoided?

Other contenders:

Selle Italia SLR Superflow
No relation to Selle SMP company, but share the large cutout design. Flat profile, (prefer the shape of the SMP's).

ISM Adamo etc
Rear 'hook' on all of them may cause issues with seat bag attachment. Shortness may limit riding positions?

Brooks B17 narrow
Classic, surprisingly affordable. Some people seem to get on with them, might not handle wet conditions, may not get used after the 'touring' event.

F:izi:k Arione also seem popular but don't look ergo at all (thinking perenium pressure).

Any comments / advice welcome!

Nothing to report. I'm currently living in Australia so a bit out of the loop, but I'd expect the website to be updated shortly. I am checking it weekly!

Hey are the rumours true that you might be turning the GSB into a 'special occassion'?

Nice to see a good Canadian kid skullin' huge brews this late in the race. Keep Givener Craig! We're pullin' for you up here.

Keep Givener Ollie! We're pullin' for you DOWN here. I'm hoping Ollie sneaks off for the win while Craig is fiddling about oiling his chain LOL!

But seriously, both those guys are giving that record a good nudge it's going to be an exiting last few days on the tracker 

And thanks to those guys posting photos it's great to see some of the action