Civia Prospect
 

I saw some older posts about the Civia Prospect searching the forums, but nothing recent. I test drove last year's model at a (not so local) LBS today. I thought it rode great and it had braze-ons for fenders, racks, etc. It may have been a tad small but I'm not sure since I haven't drove a drop-bar bike in years (when I was on top of the handlebars it felt great, but in the drops it seemed a little tight. However, I haven't drove a drop-bar bike in years so it may have been me not being used to it. FWIW: The stand over height seemed perfect. At worst, I think a slightly longer stem would solve the problem. Unfortunately the shop doesn't have the next size up bike for me to try).

Anyway, I can get what I think is a good deal on this bike if I decide I want it. Does anyone have any thoughts about the Civia Prospect? I plan on riding a couple more bikes which might help with the fit question but I'm wondering if anyone has first hand experience with this bike? I also rode a Bianchi Iomla today which was nice but was more money and really couldn't handle fenders, etc. The Iomla would be "more different" then my current commuter (a Specialized Sirius Sport), which isn't a bad thing but overall I like the functionality of the Prospect better. Regardless of what drop-bar bike I bought, I'd probably still commute on my Specialized most of the time, but I'd like another option that is better suited for hills, maybe a bit faster, and better for longer rides. From my test ride the Civia seems to meet at least two of these (better on hills and being faster) and since it is advertised as a light touring bike, probably offers the third as well.

BTW: If you are not familiar with the Civia Prospect, the website is: http://civiacycles.com/bikes/prospect/

I notice it has a "stainless steel head tube badge." Never saw that advertised before.

Nice bike. No experience with it, but lots with the Kenda Kwest tires. Have the shop change them before you ride out. I've replaced a four sets on my families bikes - that's 8 tires due to tread separation. They aren't good to begin with and failures like that it just adds to the frustration.

Hey they put a kickstand mounting plate on it... looks like it's a cast part, rather than stamped sheet.

FWIW: I decided to order the Prospect. The one they had in stock was just a tad too small, but the (not so local) LBS were able to get one the next size bigger and gave me a good deal on it (cheaper then any onlien price I could find and they are throwing in pedals and fenders). The bike should be at the shop Wed. and I'll pick it up sometime after that. Once I get a chance to ride it some, I'll report back.

In person it looks to me that it is cast, but I'm not 100% sure. I don't really need a kickstand, but I am almost tempted to get one since the bike has the mounting plate. :)

Apologies for resurrection of an ancient thread, but I saw one of these at a used bike event today, without fenders and with a different rack on the rear. The ride was impressive but for a used bike seemed priced pretty high at $550. Still, reminded me of What a love child between a space horse and a cross check might feel like.

Any fans or critics have feedback? Seeking a commuter & limestone trail bike and thinking $300 is more than fair offer...

I don't know what it is worth, so I can't comment on the price tag but I really like by Civia Prospect and it is my daily commuter (or at least was until I changed jobs and relocated; now I have a choice of a 1/3 mile walk or 1 mile bike ride, so I usually walk). I also use it for recreational ridding and to go to the market or to a restaurant downtown on a fairly regular basis. It is a good bike and I am happy I bought it, but like I said, I am not sure what it is actually worth.

Thanks for the input. Given your stable of bicycles the fact that you speak so well of it over a long period of time is great news. I think I'll make an offer today for it.