Mine broke in almost instantly. Perhaps because I'm a Clydesdale. But the grooves took a few rides. But honestly to me even out of the box it was so much more comfortable than my other saddles. And I suggest for the first month or so to Proofide it maybe one or two more times. I Proofided it when I first bought it and then a month later I did it again and I noticed that it got a little less stiff. Great saddle all around. I love my B-17. I've had it for like 9 months.