bar problem

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Elk, I didn't know the Volpe was a touring bike, sorry.

I have to say that Volpe does look pretty funny with the upside down bars like that!
Ok here is my first impression from looking at that photo, though I may be wrong....

first notice on the Bleriot the saddle height in comparison to the top tube, and the bars about the same height.
Now look at where your DH;s saddle is- like way up in the sky in comparison. We are assuming he has the saddle height set in the correct place for the length of his legs.
When I see saddles that high up, it says to me that if they had a bigger frame then the saddle could be in a more 'normal' place. On a bigger Volpe his saddle would be the same distance from the ground as now, but the stem and bars would be higher up because of the longer head tube and larger frame in general. The seat would be closer to the top tube even though it would be the same height from the ground.
In summary, getting the next size up frame would probably bring the bars up closer in height to the seat, consequently giving him a more upright riding posture.

i know you said that this was the right sized frame for him, but when I see that photo of the upside-down bars and the saddle looking so very high up in proportion to the frame, it suggests to me that the rider is too tall for the frame. Again, I may be wrong. But something is wrong here, one way or another.
Please don't take this the wrong way- I mean to be helpful- but perhaps your husband, in wanting a smaller frame and super high grips, is seeking a bike that will feel like sitting in his favorite living room recliner? Some people experience initial oddness and discomfort on a new bike as being intolerable for even a minute. Perhaps this is what's going on?
I am thinking he might be happier on a lightweight hybrid for a while.