Yes they are the stock bars, I haven't changed anything at all, I don't know the reach, but I do understand what you are saying, I'm sure others that might have bought this bike must have had the same problem, I'm really surprised I haven't found a mention of it anywhere!

the store are now offering to take the bike back and check it over, I'm starting to kick myself for not buying locally, I'll learn for future!

ahh that jagwire looks like it could do the trick, I did actually read about a similar housing, I think it was from a company called Nokon or similar... Thanks for the link