I've been thinking about converting my Surly Cross Check into an internally geared hub driven bike. I've currently got the stock derailleur system and chain, so I figured that my only costs would be in having the wheel rebuilt (to un-dish it). I live in Florida, so the terrain isn't too crazy, but I'm sticking with gears for better acceleration and windy days. The hub I'm looking at is the Shimano Nexus with 7 gears.

What other hardware would I need? I assume that bar-end shifters in friction mode would still work fine with the hub, but I've never seen one in person, so I don't know for sure.

Other things I've considered was getting rid of the double and the front derailleur, but I figured that the extra gearing would be worth keeping. However, I'd need a chain tensioner to still use the front derailleur, yes?