I finally made it to Phoenix Bikes this AM, and I test rode one of those. The gearing is 7 speed IGH. I managed to get the bike up the hill on the 4MRT nearby. The shifters are twist type, but were surprisingly comfortable. The guy there said that they would likely part with these for a significant mark down from that list – making it price competitive with the Kona Dew that’s still the top of my list for new bikes. Note the Civia had a chain guard and a rack, and 700×35 tires.
I would love to know more of what people thought of these, especially in the context of my commute (Pentagon to Navy Yard, with the hills being Connector Rd, Humpback bridge, and 14th St bridge)