In a message dated 3/26/2005 8:28:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, biankita@earthlink.net writes:
<< Now, I guess the only options are to saw several cuts into the seat post from the inside with a hack saw and hope that the thing just falls apart (a good chance I bet especially if I soak in more ammonia after the cuts are made). >>
Peter Weigle described how to proceed from here using approximately this process.. Follow his lead scrupulously and patiently... It's a major pain in the ass but will work and will save the frame if you practice good workmanship. ..
<< Another option is to send it out to have another Columbus tube brazed in... (a good option if anyone would even know which Columbus tube it needs. >>
You have to be joking! Replacing a seat tube is probably the most difficult repair a frame builder could be asked to do! I wouldn't do that horrible work for the price of a new frame! Of course, I am not speedy at frame repair .. the maestros on this list have the huge depth of experience that would make it less agonizing .. maybe. I would be interested to see what those fellows say.
<< The fault here, I believe is not my own. First, the dealer used only penetrating oil, which everyone said has no effect on aluminum oxide. Afterwards he used force, but because the post was still oxidized, the effect was to crack the seatpost. The second fault was Campagnolo, who cast this particular seatpost unevenly. The width of the aluminum walls were so obviously uneven. One part of the wall was nearly double the width of another part 360 degrees around, and the crack happened at the thin part. This seatpost could never stand up to a strong twisting action. If it had been properly cast this post would be out now, in its entirety. >>
Hmmm. So we find the need to place blame? How about the idiot who owned this nice bike and never checked the seatpost and greased it now and then? After that guy, I think you all are victims. Sounds like the shop owner tried his best. This is not a normal procedure and what he tried often will work. Campy? Seat post design parameters do not include having them seize up in a frame due to poor upkeep and be wrenched and twisted in a vise! Really hard to blame them IMO. Best thing to do is to cast aside the checkered past and march resolutely forward in the face of adversity! Ha!
Best of luck Dale
Dale Brown cycles de ORO, Inc 1410 Mill Street Greensboro, NC 27408 USA 336-274-5959 http://www.cyclesdeoro.com http://www.classicrendezvous.com Director, National Bicycle Dealers Association