OK I have that adjustment made...

I had an upload issue but tried again and it worked.

most moustache bars will work fine with road levers on the bend. many have a drop and so you can mount them upside down and get a rise. you can shim the clamp if it's 25.4 and you want to re-use your stem.
other alt bars like velo orange tourist probably won't work well with road levers but they're a good option. older mtb levers for cantis should have the right pull and work on those, and only be a few dollars.
I'm a fan of high drop bars but if drops are just not actually what you want then don't suffer them
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...85ffac8979.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d7dc3fb755.jpg
I was kinda thinking about the mustache bars, here's a sample similar to my bike,

Those are bullhorns
also if the bullhorns or pursuit bars have a sweep up at the end then you can use your road levers with them fine. I did that for a while (below)
It's cool, but hardly more 'comfortable' than drop bars
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...82562d05dc.jpg

VO Tourist.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9a6cd4323a.jpg

oops! My bad...

+1 on the Nitto Technohomic stem. I wish I was pushing 60, instead of being the wrong side of 70. I have ridden this Legnano since new in '64. Back in the day there was more bike and less me. I hated to swap out the old original Ambrosio stem, but the Nitto provided a better "old man" reach, looks good, and they offer several fit options. I also used a Ritchie adjustable stem while recovering from a broken arm. It's another alternative to finding a fit that suits you, then you can decide on a proper stem option. Good luck with your situation.

This is not a Ritchie, but similar deal:

https://www.amazon.com/FOMTOR-Adjustable-Degree-Handlebar-Mountain/dp/B07QRPVKKL/ref=pd_day0_hl_468_2/130-1401786-6054505?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07QRPVKKL&pd_rd_r=9b48b7c7-08db-4c16-88a0-f21717bb51f9&pd_rd_w=GYQzm&pd_rd_wg=xxDzR&pf_rd_p=0501877d-5f8c-4ec8-9861-e0476eecc53e&pf_rd_r=JFC8BJH43735REM6686M&refRID=JFC8BJH43735REM6686M
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d9c005fd48.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...00b85c1fa0.jpg
The Nitto has gotten me thru two Eroica rides.

very cool legano

tyvm. That's yummy.

I didn't notice that when I suggested the Nitto; that's an important point to confirm first.

I wondered about that when I saw his first photo but the stem has an M on it, I think it's just a faux-cinelli and that sakae bar is surely 26

In the catalog it says alloy handlebar (SR-CTB Alloy) and stem (SR-CLS Alloy)

The M spoken of is identical to the M in a sprocket logo standing for Miyata.

I went to an 80cm Nitto Technomic with a Nitto noodle bar. Changed everything for me.

Whatever you do trial your new setup without wrapping handlebar tape. You can clear tape the brake housing though. That way you can adjust, test ride, adjust, test ride, swap bars, test ride.

I've been shimming TTT and other 26.0 bars with soda can shims for Cinelli stems for many years.

Ben

soma sutro is 180mm, 1 cm shorter than Nitto deluxe. Also amazon.com has cheaper quill riser stems if price is an object.

Another option:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ece0fc6c06.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f63d1b7e98.jpg
My setup

I have both the Soma Sutro and the Nitto Technomic. The Sutro is about 1 inch taller than a normal stem, the Technomic is about 2 inches taller. Since the head tube is angled, the reach is shorter as the stem gets taller.

OK I will take a different approach. I think you frame is too small! I am pushing 70 and think I am the exception, but my bars are 2" lower than my saddle. I find that doing sit ups and abdominal exercise helps with the back issues. Strengthen that core and you will do better.
This is my main ride which I enjoy the most. Note that the stand kicks up the back a bit.
https://live.staticflickr.com/1873/3...1e855c8f_k.jpg
P1010551, on Flickr

:thumb: I've used these Cromo quill extenders with good results. Being very tall and not always finding the bike I want in a frame as large as I need these raise the stem up to 8½ inches. That wording "up to" leads me to believe it can be cut down if 8½" is too much. I think they were about $15 each.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b4b47e73e6.jpg

What are these called? With the taller stem I may become cramped but with these I could still stretch out and not be so low. Especially with regards to to brakes. As they are currently awkward to access.

In theory would something like this work with shims?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Handlebar-Cycling-Bicycle-Aluminum-Alloy-Sports-Parts-Replacement/303290728205?hash=item469d893f0d%3Am%3AmpoT1YIzrYnZI9nxmZIArag&LH_BIN=1

For reference only what size bars do I need?

try tilting the handle bars up a little bit. a bit first.... i know classic is drops parallel to the ground but simple no cost to try first is tilting the bars up a bit....made a difference for me in more than one case YMMV

I am just looking for a comfortable ride.