Right. I've now been out on the bloody thing 3 times today plus a spin on the mtb to regain a sense of normality. The one thing everyone seems to be agreed upon (including me) is that it's bloody ugly, so………….
1. chopped 1" off steerer which still leaves plenty scope for adjustment.
2. Stem flipped and now looks right IMO
3. Tried to level bar tops but that doesn't work as drops are then at too sharp an angle when out of saddle
4. Double layer of bar tape
Conclusion from brief 'final' ride (ignoring Stevie Wonder colour scheme) are that it seems more comfy but I will have to consider different bars to achieve a better hood/brake position. It is possibly a little too big but not too bad and I'll just MTFU and use it. Cheers
With 'tweaks'