As the result of an eBay buying frenzy I've ended up with two Thomson Elite seatposts. I'm about finished building up my Interloc Impala (steel) which states a seat tube diameter of 27.2.

I have the two seatposts and boy, putting them end to end, you can't tell the difference in the diameters. Slide 'em into the seatpost though and you can feel a slight difference.

Here's the dilemma. The 27.0 is newer and has been cut shorter by the previous owner. It appears to be long enough for my needs. The 27.2 is the right diameter, older and hasn't been cut.

The collar seems to grip the 27.0 just fine but I'm concerned about stress on the frame around the post.

Is this something to stress about (actually I know the answer to that...would just like an opinion or two).

Thanks.