Anyone have Open Bars or similar on a Surly Cross Check or Straggler? I read around the Internet that many people use a Cross-Check/Straggler as a basis for a relaxed-ish commuter bike. But I'm told by my LBS that running Open Bars or similar on one of those frames is at best missing the point and at worst will make the bike handle poorly.

Can anyone confirm or deny this from personal experience?
I spent some time on a century ride with a guy who had porteur bars on his cross check.  They certainly did not seem to slow him down or make him uncomfortable.  The Cross Check (full disclosure I do not have one) is the Swiss Army Knife of bikes.  I say go for it... ride it for a season and if it is not your thing re-configure that ultimately configurable rig.