Thanks for all the replies.
Clem Y - I'm 24yo, 6'2'' and 75kg. The last touring I did was road geared with 50/39 and I got to the bottom of that very quickly. That being said we made it over all the hills we had to, although I am planning a more heavily loaded tour this time, although still relatively light (aiming for <15kg). Both bikes have disc brakes (vivente only on the front) so this isn't really a factor. The Stogy factor of touring bikes is the major drawback to me of the vivente. I only tour once ever couple of years but I commute every day so I do want something that will be an enjoyable ride and the reviews I've seen for the Jamis have been quite favourable in this regard.
I've never used bar-ends so am just a little cautious of ordering a bike and then finding I really dislike them and facing a costly upgrade. I have a local store that stocks the vivente's but the Jamis I would need to order online