2005 Giant XTC composite frame seatpost shim, etc.

[B R H]

I received my new frame yesterday and it came with a heavy (40 grams) aluminum shim (30.9 to 27.2 mm). I thought I read somewhere that the 2005 frames no longer require the seatpost shim. Does Giant require that I use this shim or is it optional?

Also, how can I be certain my frame is a 2005 model year?

PS. The bare frame weight, size L (19"), was 1224 grams. This does not include any bottle cage bolts, deraileur hanger, headset, seatpost shim, or seatpost clamp.

[Composite World]

to be certain, just look at the web site. i didnt know composites come with shim because they already use 27.2 post. that heavy shim only comes with alu XTC. i replaced it with custom 5g plastic one

[B R H]

I've never been able to find the information I need on the Giant website. I was hoping someone could tell me that the serial number on my frame can be used to verify the year.

I know someone who is using a 30.9 mm seatpost directly (no shim) on his 2005 frame, but he is a very light rider. I need to know if the shim is required for the warranty. I don't see why it should be as long as the minimum seatpost insertion is used. I don't know what that is, but I would guess ~4" should be adequate since that would put the post below the top tube. I don't understand why a shim should be required as long as the seatpost is the right size and installed correctly.

[B R H]

I got an answer from Giant on the seatpost shim. They still supply the shim merely as a courtesy with framesets. It is no longer required. Woohoo!