Scoping Out Gear

Any SPD pedal is going to work for cyclocross. Even the least expensive Shimano pedals give good service life and will generally work well in the extremes of cross racing.

Saddles are difficult to recommend. Personal fit and opinion are too specific, as a rule. Any saddle with a degree of durability to take the constant bumps and slam remounts of cross will work. Go for comfort, after that requirement is met.

Good luck with the new Norco pray for a mild(er) winter.

Thank you CampyBob!

Yes winter has just begun here though we've had lots of snow since the end of Oct. Hoping for an early Spring.

Keep warm

Saddles are a bit like Old-school leather boots, particularly if you haven't ridden in awhile - meaning you can't say on sight what'll work for you or not. There's a period of aclimatization even with the best of saddles. Price isn't much guidance either. A more expensive one is likely to be lighter, and the skin to last longer. Neither of which is of any help if the saddle don't agree with your butt or if the bike falls over. There's nothing particularly wrong with the pedals suggested, but crank brothers and Time have better mud/snow clearing ability.