Does anyone know if this saddle softens with break-in? I tried a demo from a LBS and liked it very much, so I decided to purchase one. But when I went to buy one off the shelf, it was MUCH firmer than the demo. Just pressing where you sit with my thumbs felt like 2 different saddles. Does anyone have specific experience with how this saddle breaks in?

You don't break the saddle in, it breaks you in.

I understand that this is the stock response, but does not address the point of my question. The demo and the new item on the shelf were totally different. I'm trying to gather if this is a quality control issue over time or if the demo softened due to the fact that it has been ridden for a while.

can you just buy the demo saddle? Maybe they'll even give you a discount because it's used?

see my answer on your post in the "other forum"

You gotta soak it in neatsfoot oil for 30 days and 30 nights, then beat it with a ball peen hammer until it looks like a mutant camel





oh...nevermind, I thought this was a Brooks thread.

I've got an Alias on my cross bike, it took a couple hundred miles to soften up. I had the same thing happen when I bought my Toupe as well, I test road the trial seat then found the one I bought to be much firmer, but it softened up. If you liked the test saddle you'll soon like your own Alias.

You kind of answered your own question...if Specialized didn't change the design...used saddle becomes less hard over time.
But the poster who said your butt will harden up was correct as well. Many have a sore rearend after a layoff and the saddle that provided comfort didn't change. Soft tissue can toughen up with miles as well. The Alias 143 didn't work for me. I am hoping the Toupe 155 will treat me better but will have to wait till spring to find out.

maybe you bought a different size???

It was the same size (143) and same model (there is only one Alias as opposed to the Toupe, which has several models). It appears as though Racerone answered my question based on his experience.