Mark, great you've got her back on the road. Sounds like she has the original bars and stem but surely you can find a suitable replacement GB combination that's both period correct and more comfortable! One of the "clunker" aspects of the RRA Moderne frankly was the steel 'bars and stem, I think the same as used for the Lenton Sports. Concur re. the handling of this frame, it's remarkable actually and again one of the best riding/handling bikes I own, the equal to even my '73 Cinelli SC. Another RRA Moderne owner in the UK said the same thing about his. I wish I knew more about the angles and fit etc. that go into making one frame just "click" more than another. But I'd rather ride it than ponder it.
I love the idea of "Kestrel hunting".. I don't know why, but I can't resist having a go at Litespeeds, Kestrels and Cervelos!
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA