Maybe it is just that I grew up with down tube friction shifters and always loved bar ends but these Shimano bare ends are superb. The rear derailleur just shifts with a click or select friction mode, how much easier does it need to be? I have used brifters and I am not all that happy with them, sorry. Also, I am down on the drops a lot, so my hands are right at the bar ends.

Frankly, I would prefer bar ends in the mud. The Surly CC is a beast, the bike is stiff and sturdy and can stand up to rough daily use that a cf bike cannot. Aluminum, maybe.

I think some of the ugly colors on Surly and similar bikes is purposeful urban camouflage. As well, I notice quite a few dark or black or brown cross bikes maybe there to camo the dirt and mud.

I do like blue and yellow and my Surly CC may some day be YELLOW.

I just bought a Masi Speciale CX. Much prettier than the cross check...
https://www.masibikes.com/steel/speciale-cx/

^How are you liking the Masi? They'll be 20% off at EMS this weekend.. for $880 its a steal. Its my #1 contender, but i also have the crosscheck and maybe an aluminum TriCross in my sights.. never easy.

The Masi is great. I've ridden it daily for a week now and it feels pretty comfortable. Definitely faster than my old bike (an upright hybrid). It's a solid bike and it's definitely pretty. Almost anytime I stop someone comes up and compliments the bike.