Postlady needs advice

[Eden]

Here in the USA you can get padded briefs/boxers. REI has several options including this one http://www.rei.com/product/794386/no...-briefs-womens which does come in a size XL which is supposed to correspond to a 16/18.

You could also look at men's models which are nearly identical, but likely come in larger sizes.

Be aware padding alone may not solve the problem... it may possibly make it worse to add a bulky pad to an already bulky padded seat. You may simply want underwear that is totally seamless - like Under Armor seamless boy shorts (also come in a size 16) - though these seem a little thin.... (you do want something there to protect you from the seams in your uniform!) something more like Nike's tennis shorts might be better - unpadded, but seamless spandex exercise shorts.

One question - are the seatposts on the bikes quick release? Could you get a saddle that you like and mount it on a seatpost that should work on the provided bikes - the diameter of that is probably the same of most if not all of the bikes... then you could just swap the whole thing when you go to work and put it back when you are done.

[Postlady]

Thanks so much for your replies. Eden the bikes are ancient beyond belief, but the saddles do come out on long posts. Whether or not I can get something to swap and fit I don't know, but I will have a look at that possibility.Kiwi, unfortunately I am not allocated my own bike, I just have to use the one that belongs to whichever round I am doing. I work part time, so do different ones every day pretty much.Hebe, regarding Health and Safety, it shocks me that we are all expected to use the regulation Royal Mail fits all saddle, but then we wear the fits all uniform too and that doesn't take into account women's body shape either. I am seriously wondering how the other women posties cope and am going to have to raise this with the few other ladies I work with, although it might explain just why there are so few of us! Thanks to all for the links and suggestions, I will let you know how I get on and please if anyone else has any ideas do let me know.

[silversurfer]

Hi Postlady. I know the bikes you're talking about and they look a beast to ride. I think a lot of people also don't realise how much ground our posties cover on their rounds. Like Hebe said, thanks for the great work that you do.

I don't like cycling shorts so I wear padded underwear under tights or whatever. There are a couple that come in size 18 here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?s=ladies+undershorts. I use this brand and find it comfortable. Endura is another brand that you may want to try.

Finally, is it worth having a word with your union rep - either the workplace or health and safety rep? These are the sorts of issues they should be raising on your behalf.

Good luck.