Well one reason for putting the controls on the near side is ease of fitting. Thats where there designed to go and I certainly wouldn't want to struggle to get them that far onto the bar. Flat bar controls unlike road bike brifters have solid/thick clamps that aren't designed to slide around curves. Anyway I want the controls in the closer position so I can get my weight further back for braking/decents.

Reach is adjustable anyway with different stems. If you leave your current stem on then one side is closer and one side is further away. You can however fit a longer stem so the closer bar is now where the flat bar used to be and the other bar is further infront. You can set the front bar higher of course. Its all up to your preferences.

Regards, Anthony