Originally Posted by
Simple Simon
FWIW, both Brompton and most Dahons use a thin plastic sleeve to avoid direct metal-to-metal contact. Swift owners may be able to use these (maybe cut down to size), they cost very little. Obviously the next sized down seat post would then be needed. I have wrecked several aluminium seat posts on non folding bikes - where they have 'picked up' or sort of welded themselves to aluminium seat tubes. When released they have made huge scratches. On a folding bike where this is done upto 4 times a day avoiding this is critical.
I wouldn't trust a plastic sleeve unless it was approved by the designers. But I agree with what you say, I have considered it.
I may compose a letter to Peter Reich and hear what he has to say about these failures. Perhaps it is a storm in a tea cup.