How PUBLIC Bikes Started
PUBLIC Bikes was founded by Rob Forbes, who drew inspiration from Amsterdam's bike-friendly streets and the relaxed, practical approach to cycling that defines European city culture. Rather than creating bikes for professional cyclists or gear enthusiasts, Forbes envisioned bicycles for ordinary people—commuters, errand-runners, and anyone who wants a simple, sturdy ride without needing special clothing or technical equipment. The brand's name reflects its core philosophy: that accessible public transportation and shared spaces are fundamental to thriving communities. PUBLIC's mission is to help people in the US think as carefully about how they move through cities as they do about food, fashion, and home design. The bikes are built for everyday use, designed to make city life simpler and more enjoyable for riders of all ages and backgrounds.
What You'll Find at PUBLIC Bikes
PUBLIC Bikes' catalog focuses on urban commuting essentials and practical add-ons. Their core lineup includes comfort bikes like the PUBLIC C and PUBLIC V models, engineered for relaxed, upright riding on city streets. The company also stocks a wide range of accessories: handlebar bags for carrying essentials, front racks and baskets for cargo, grips and tape for customization, bottles and cages for hydration, and bells and horns for safety. This curated selection avoids overwhelming choice; instead, each product is chosen to support the straightforward, car-free lifestyle the brand promotes. Whether you're shopping for your first city bike or upgrading with practical add-ons, the product range keeps the focus on what matters for everyday riding.
Pricing Across the Store
PUBLIC Bikes prices range from entry-level accessories at the lower end to full comfort bikes at the higher end, spanning USD 10 to USD 900 across nearly 100 products. This spread reflects the variety of needs: small items like grips, bells, and cages sit at the budget-friendly end, while complete bikes represent the premium investment. Most customers will find affordable ways to start or expand their setup, with accessories generally falling into modest price bands and bikes occupying the upper range. The pricing strategy aligns with PUBLIC's accessibility mission—the brand doesn't push boutique pricing, instead aiming to make practical urban cycling an option for diverse budgets.
How to Shop and Save at PUBLIC Bikes
Shopping at PUBLIC Bikes is straightforward. Browse their website by product category—bikes, bags, racks, grips, accessories—and filter by what you need for your riding style. Since PUBLIC ships directly from their website, you'll receive items without marketplace intermediaries, ensuring you're getting exactly what the brand intended. New riders should start with a comfort bike suited to their frame size, then layer in accessories—a basket or bag for cargo, lights for visibility, and grips for comfort—as needs emerge.
Common questions
What type of bikes does PUBLIC make?
PUBLIC specializes in comfort bikes designed for urban commuting and casual city riding. Models like the PUBLIC C and PUBLIC V feature upright geometry and practical features for everyday use, not performance cycling. They're built for people of all ages and fitness levels.
What accessories should I buy with my new bike?
Start with essentials based on your riding needs: a front basket or handlebar bag for carrying items, lights for visibility, and a bell or horn for alerting pedestrians. Grips can improve comfort on longer rides. A front rack adds cargo capacity. PUBLIC's catalog lets you add pieces gradually as your needs grow.