Briefly, trail is the distance between the point where the "rubber meets the road" and the point at which the steering axis intercepts the ground. Racing bikes usually have more trail than touring or randonneuring bikes; that's why their steering is more sensitive. On the other hand, tourists and randonneurs have traditionally preferred the stability a shorter-trail bike offers, especially if they are carrying loads on the front.
I suppose that if I did loaded touring or randonneuring regularly, or if I hadn't spent so much time riding road bikes, I'd prefer a lower-trail design. That said, I won't try to dissuade anyone who actually prefers the ride of a low-trail bike and doesn't want it merely as the latest fashion accessory on which to hang a $200 front rack that will, as "Ground Round Jim" caustically comments, never carry anything more than a vegan croisssant.
Now if you really want low trail, take a look at this:
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| From Izismile |
