Ode to my Miyata Civicross Bike

In 2004, I was living in Toronto near Bathurst and Eglinton, and commuting by TTC to my job at a company that built control systems for pipe organs near Woodbine & John, in Markham - about 20 km. As spring approached, I thought it might be fun to try commuting by bike. I wasn’t 100% committed to the idea, so I was looking for something affordable - I found a used Miyata Civicross for which I paid $175. The Civicross is a hybrid entry level bike, made in Taiwan, sold in early 1990s.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

I’m still riding this bike - it has served me well:

• 2004-2006, I would ride to Markham, April to November.
• I’ve ridden it around the GTA, Niagara, and rode it as far as Guelph (for the Guelph trip, I a bit cheated - from there, I borrowed my friend’s pick up truck, tossed it in the back, and drove it home)
• Taken it bike-camping on a trip to Pelee island
• 2007 to 2012, I rode it much less, as my kids were young.
• …but as my kids grew, I’d go on rides with them. Sometimes, I would pull my youngest on a Trek trail-a-bike, which I highly recommend. We could go on long rides, she could peddle when she wanted, or just coast and look around.
• In 2019, the company I was working for opened an office in the Commerce Court complex, about 16 km from our place, and I started commuting there by bike. It was awesome. It’s about 16 km from where I live, near Yonge and Sheppard. Commerce Court has secure, badge-access bicycle parking AND clean showers with towel service.

I’ve been remote since then, but still like to get out and ride when I have a day without any other commitments. I like riding down to the lake, either out to the Humber or the Lesley Street Spit.

The Bike of Theseus

What remains of the bike I purchased in 2004 is the frame and a few other bits. The bike is parked outdoors, and exposed to the elements year round.

• Shortly after I picked it up, I replaced the saddle with a nice leather saddle I had from a previous bike.
• Riding to Markham, I kept getting flats from hitting metal bits on the side of suburban thoroughfares. A salesperson recommended replacing my tires with Schwalbe Marathon tires . I haven’t had an issue since and highly recommend them. These eventually wore out, and were replaced with Marathon tires again.
• The wheels have replaced (maybe more than once)
• Bike grips have been replaced (definitely more than once)
• Fenders added (and replaced)
• A rear rack and panniers were added
• If I just need to carry my keys and my phone, I put them in an under saddle bag. The one I have meets functional needs, but it’s missing something - I keep an eye open for something better.
• I used to mount my phone to the handlebars, but the vibrations damaged the camera of one of my phones ( see https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102175 ). I now pad the phone and put it in my under saddle bag.
• Lighting was added, and later upgraded. I can’t believe how awesome modern rechargeable LED bike lights are, they are so much better than the bike lights I bought in the 90s.
• In 2020, the original Gripshift shifters had worn out - I was able to source replacements
• A second water bottle holder was added to allow for longer rides in the summer
• The pedals wore out and I replaced them
• In 2025, the saddle had worn out, and I replaced it
• I’m using an Arbus folding lock. I like how I can carry it on the frame and still have space for two water bottles. It is not clear whether I can attribute my bike not getting stolen to this lock or my bike’s appearance.

At one point, I considered buying a new bike. I took it to MEC, and the young bike mechanic took a look, and his eyes lit up when I spoke with him: “This bike is awesome. People are taking bikes like this, gutting them, sandblasting them, repainting them, and putting modern parts on - you should keep it”. So I did. I had MEC replace the freewheel, chain, some of the cabling, and the brake pads.

This contrasted with another visit, years later, at Silent Sports for a tune up, and the bike mechanic there said: “Are you sure you want to put money into this bike?”

End of 2025 Season Derailleur Failure

On a late 2025 ride, the spring snapped on my rear derailleur, leaving my bike un-rideable. I walked to the nearest bus stop and took the bus home.

Given the bike’s age, I once again questioned whether I should be putting more money into this bike. Suitable 6 speed replacement parts were now impossible to come by. My rear 2020 Gripshift shifter didn’t seem to “hold” gears anymore. It took me a while to identify replacement parts that would work. I decided to do the work myself, and I settled on:

• Shimano RD-M310 rear derailleur ($44)
• Shimano SL-M315 7 speed shifter ($35)
• Shimano Tourney MF-TZ500 7 speed freewheel ($25). This required a Park Tool FR-1.3 freewheel removal tool ($15) and an anti-seize grease ($20) for installation
• Shimano CN-HG40 chain ($25)

So for $165, I would be riding again. I followed these Park Tools how-to videos: Freewheel Removal & Installation, How to Remove and Replace a Rear Derailleur and How to adjust a Rear Derailleur. It was fairly straightforward, but even with an oversized wrench, it was very hard to remove the freewheel from my wheel - I had to get my wife to help.

I’ve been able to extend the life of this bike again… Looking forward to some sunnier weather to get the new parts broken in!