groceries,

When did you buy yours? The review and comments in the link you posted are from November, 2009. From your earlier posts, I though you've only had the bike for several weeks.

I will say that the fact that several reviewers, like Alan at EcoVelo, have ended up spending their own money to buy a Civia after reviewing them is an indication of just how much some people love them as a cargo bike. If you've never ridden a cargo bike and like to ride hands free and fast, then I think no loaded cargo bike will probably please you.

I've done several mods to make my mountain bike more of a cargo bike, including adding a front rack. I put a large Longaberger basket on the front rack as well as small panniers when I don't want to bother towing a trailer to go on shopping errands in the town that's 9 miles away. (This is happening more and more often because I find I prefer not dealing with the trailer, especially in town, which needs to repave most of the local roads.) I don't find the handling difficult when the front rack is loaded, but then the rear panniers are stuffed on those trips, too.

I'm sorry that you don't like your Civia, especially since they're so expensive. Not everyone will necessarily like a cargo carrying bike. If you bought your bike recently, is there anyway that you can work with your LBS to see about exchanging it for another bike that will better suit your riding habits and style? Good luck.