Originally Posted by
Barchettaman
...There is not enough value in the frame to make it worth seeking out a specialist aluminium welder (although I might ask the guys at work anyway).
What I am after is a safe, ghetto solution. I will be the last owner of the bike anyway as I would never sell on a frame with this kind of fault so if I end up with a non-adjustable post, then no problemo.
Well, an aluminum welder is not that big a deal. Almost every good welding shop has aluminum capability. IF it can be fixed by the welder (I have no idea if it can or not), you're probably talking their minimum charge - whatever that happens to be. It's not like you're looking for an underwater, upside down pipeline welder (now THAT'S an expensive specialty). You're just looking for an aluminum welder. It's a skilled occupation, yes, and I have a lot of respect for a good aluminum welder, but they're not rare and the job you're talking about sounds pretty simple. It might be 1/4 hour at their shop rate, at most 1/2 hour, whatever their minimum happens to be.
Not to say your ghetto solution isn't reasonable, just don't be too awed by aluminum welding. Sounds like if it is possible (if), it would be a very minor deal.