Seatpost for 2001 Merlin Echo

[merlin1972]

Hi there. Does anyone that is familiar with Merlin Echos know the seat post diameter for them?
The seatpost in it is 25mm dia which seems very small for a 2001 bike. There is a sleeve in the seat tube, but I don't want to damage the frame by trying to get it out.
I want to put in a 27.2mm dia if that is the standard size.
Cheers

 

[stevet1]

Sounds like a USE post and shim.

 

[merlin1972]

Thanks Stevet1. That's exactly what is was. Seatpost came out super easy but the shim was cold / corrosion welded in. (probably been in there from day 1) I sprayed penetration oil in the bottle bolt holes and turned it upside down.
I made a 120mm long expanding collet piece and attacjed it to a slide hamer. Next day after soaking and 20 good hard hits, out it came. No damage to the frame and I can now install any 27.7 post