I have ridden Brook saddle since 1946 and can say that Brook saddles, or no other saddle has to be broken in. It is your butt that is broken in to the saddle. Brook saddles are one of those things you either love or hate, there is no in between. I love them and have two spare in my home. They require some maintenance. I dress the top with neutral Kiwi shoe polish and the underside with Brook's Proofide. I have given up on many other reputable saddles over the years.