Originally Posted by
conspiratemus
If the headset and other mechanical stuff check out OK, just try riding it for a while and see if your mind and body get used to it. When we've been riding our tandem for long rides all weekend, it can feel really weird going back to my French Jeunet for commuting Monday morning, but only for a hundred meteres or so, then it becomes natural again. Ditto with my long-trail Mariposa randonnee bike. It's amazing how kinesiologically (is that a word?) adaptable we are.
I definitely agree with seeing if the OP acclimates to the bike. There might be nothing wrong at all.
Just a question, and please don't take this as argumentative: Does "long trail" refer to a lot of trail, or a lot of rake? How much trail does it have? I usually think of a randonneuse as having a lot of rake, and hence not a lot of trail. At least that's what the math says. That characteristic helps the bike handle well with a large 'bar bag. It's just I find that term confusing.
Road Fan