the thing i dont like about the Fargo, is that is not "clean"
it has a ton of things strapped on with cables all over the place, etc.
just begs to get caught on things. I'm not a big fan of bar-con shifters, they seem to beg to be broken off. i.e. loaded rig falls over when parked. its a MTB, why would remove the ability to brake and shift at the same time?

ya, it would probably be better with some Titec H-bars.
as to tyres... there are a ton of 700c touring tyres out there, hybrid, etc...