I ride a Cross Check like it fine, but what I would recommend for you, since you're willing to spend up to $1,900 on the Civia, is to buy a frame you like and build it up customized, drive train, handlebars, saddle, pedals and all. I like how the Soma Buena Vista, also Surly's Troll and Karate Monkey might fit the bill.

I like my stock bike, but the more I learn about the components the more I would like to change out some components, just out of personal preferences.