I have noticed on many touring and other road bikes that they will sometimes come with an additional set of brake levers on the flats of the bars, not just the brakes on the drops.

Are these a good or bad idea? Do they compromise the brakes at all? I do a lot of just cruising on my bike with my girlfriend, and find myself using the flats to just be more relaxed. I was wondering how easily these brake levers could be added to my bike.

Thanks.