The source...

...of the annoying creak!

On Malcolm the Multicharger, Riese and Muller took the decision to spec a suspension seat post, a Cane Creek Thudbuster (aptly named), which works very well. However, the largest size post Cane Creek make is 31.6mm and the seat tube is 34.9mm, which means it requires a shim, this is what you see before you. 

Unfortunately, the shim is not an adequate solution as the mechanical interface between shim and seat post is not sufficient so the seat post slowly, very slowly, over tens of miles sinks and while it does so it creaks, which is driving me insane! A number of solutions have been tried. Grease, no grease, shim/seat tube grease, seat post/shim no grease. All to no avail. 

I've ordered a 34.9mm seat post to see if that will help and have a Brooks with springs waiting in the wings to take up suspension duties. I can see why they fitted a suspension seatpost as the frame would be v. harsh without as it's so strongly built. 

If you've got this far well done as this is a very boring bike moan!