Richard, interesting point. It makes very definite sense to buy a second hand leather saddle considering that the painful breaking in process has been suffered by somebody else. Saddles which are dry and stiff are are out, because even soaking them in a bucket of water won't give you a consistently good result, in fact it's more often a complete disaster, you weaken them and they can (will) crack on drying. Saddles with cracked leather also forget.
Saddles which have taken on a ridge (I guess these would qualify as "cracked" saddles) are also a waste of time and a right pain in the exhaust, you'll never get the ridge to subside, so forget unless by some miracle you have exactly the same anatomy/weight, frame/riding position as previous owner, in which case the ridge will fit you fine and I can reccomend some brands of washing powder for removing the pantographed skidmark from your pants.
The ones worth buying are flat, supple, and about 95% of the tension adjustment still there. A mile better than any new saddle. This means buying local so you can inspect the merchandise for any defects, and avoid that curse, the overoiled saddle.
quote " Ahoy !
Since leather saddles conform uniquely to the rider, does it make sense to purchase a used saddle that is shaped to the previous owner ?
Thanks.
Richard Cielec Chicago, Illinois; U.S.A." unquoute
Nick March, Agen, 47000 France