I just got my new VVOleather saddle today. At the front of the rails, there is a bolt that runs through the mechanism that attaches the rails to the seat. What it's it for?
Also, about midway on the saddle, there is a string that threads through two holes on each side off the seat, just above the rails. It looks like it's purpose is to keep the saddle from expanding outward, however it seems like it will be in the way of the seatpost. Should I remove it altogether or reinstall it after the seat is on the post?
Thanks in advance

The bolt at the front is to retension the leather as it stretches and sags over time. lacing on the sides is to control spread when there's a load in the middle. Many do well without any lacing, though if you find the sides flaring and chafing the insides of your thighs, you'll want to use the kacing feature.

Eons ago I used to lace the saddle only through the break-in period, but once the sides take a set I could remove the laces and it wouldn't flare anymore.

When I saw the title of this thread, I WAS gonna post, "You put your glutes on it and pedal." But I see you have something unique.

The bolt in front adjusts the tension sag on the leather saddle to make it softer or harder and compensate as the leather stretheches ages. Since this is a new saddle I would leave the adjustment alone and leave reattach the spring .

So I installed it, and the holes on the side of the saddle are right where the seatpost clamp is, so there is not a straight path to lace the string across the saddle. I suppose I could run it over the saddle clamp, but I wonder if it will bounce around and tear on the seat post.
I rode a few miles on it, and I cannot wait until it's broken in, it's hard as a rock right now. Maybe I need to find someone with the same size butt as me and pay them to ride it