Originally Posted by
amckimmey
They don't choose to use bar-end shifter to keep the cost down. To QBP/Surly, it's only a small difference for a cheap set of brifters. They uses bar-end shifters, because its a touring bike, and that is the traditionally preferred style of shifters do to there reliability and function.
"Small differences" are important to
all bicycle manufacturers.
Bar ends are reasonable for the LHT because they are appropriate, that's what many people want, and they are a bit cheaper. (There are certainly LHT purchasers who prefer bar-ends. It's impossible to say whether they outnumber those who would prefer brifters.)