A point of clarification - this is an 8 speed internally geared hub. It uses a "digital" click shifter not an "analog" friction shifter. I am not sure how easy an "analog" friction shifter would be to use (fishing for gears).
When I get this test ride done, I will have to evaluate the various options you people have mentioned. It's a nice bike but I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend $200 on a set of brifters for it, especially since I have been very happy with the thumb shifters. They work well on flat bars.
Pure Cycles Handlebars - These cost only $26, so they are likely hard to beat.