Originally Posted by fat_bike_nut
Yeah. If you have any problems with using regular road shifters, use bar-end friction shifters. They mostly don't care what chainrings/derailleurs/cassettes are on the bike, and they are used in many touring bikes for their versatility.
And by the way, there are TONS of Touring Bikes* out there using Road-style Shimano STI shifters with Deore/LX/XT rear derailleurs. I don't know why your Bike Shop man thinks it's impossible.
*Here's a list:
Fuji Touring
Novara Randonee
Rocky Mountain Sherpa 10
Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30
Jamis Aurora
Cannodale T800
Cannondale T2000
That is what I thought, I couldn't think of a single reason for the bike shop dude to make a blanket statement like that. I can see there being some combinations that may not work for various reasons, but, in general there should be no problem. I just wanted to be backed up by people who know more about it than I do.
As to friction shifters, that is an option although I do like the integrated brake/shifter more if I can do it.