Seatpost query on a 1997 Kona Fire Mountain

[superstu]

I am doing up a lovely 1997 Kona Fire Mountain that I rescued from the skip.

According to this it has a 27mm seatpost diameter

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Bike ... &Type=bike

As the existing seatpost has been cut down short I purchased a new (27mm) one. However it wont go in without an almighty fight, and I'm worried about putting that much pressure on it. My brother thinks that the existing seatpost clamp may have been overtightened, as the cut out slit which runs at the top of the seattube is not the same diameter all the way up (muich easier to explain with a picture but I don't have one at the moment).

Is this likely or is he talking rubbish? Any remedies if this is the case? Should I just persevere with the new 27mm and force it in?

These are really stupid questions I'm sure, but its my first build and I can't tell the difference between that pointy thing half way down my arm and the part of the body I sit on

 

[MartinYorkshire]

Its generally not a good idea to force anything, especially not a seat post. If it seizes you're in big trouble.

Someone will be along with the correct size shortly Im sure. The 1994 was a 26.6 so maybe they continued that trend for that frame?

I will let an expert answer

PS. You are SURE your new seat post is 27.0mm and not 27.2mm right? Which brand is your new one, there are only a couple on the market in 27.0 these days. Thomson and Kalloy spring to mind.

 

[coomber]

It's is a 27.0 for sure, as it's a Kalloy one and it is stamped. I know this as I was there looking at it yesterday!

 

[Splatter Paint]

It's a steel frame, so opening the clamp up a bit with a pry-bar might do the trick. Once it is back to how it should be, the post will go in (if it is 27.0).

I'm not keen on this kind of treatment usually, but since it is from a skip, what have you got to lose?

Don't forget to put a smear of grease inside the seat-tube.

SP

 

[superstu]

Thanks for your help guys.
Does anyone else have the same model to confirm the correct size as 27.0?

Or has anyone else come across this possible over-tightening of seat clamp?

 

[Splatter Paint]

Over tightening is very common, though mild steel is very forgiving. I've opened up the clamps on a few steel frames, generally they don't require much force.

SP

 

[superstu]

Thanks SP.
I've googled several places and they all seem to confirm that it is 27mm, so think I just need to sort that out.

 

[Gruff]

I've got a '97 Hahanna & its definately 27mm. I have a spare OE post if your interested.

Try cleaning out the seat tube with a flap wheel on a drill,although don't do it too much or you'll oversize it.