PUBLIC Bikes: Redefine Your Urban Journey with Freedom and Simplicity
In the bustling streets of modern cities, where the hum of car engines often drowns out the sound of human connection, there’s a quiet revolution taking place. It’s a revolution powered by two wheels, one that harkens back to a simpler, more connected way of living—one that PUBLIC Bikes has been championing since its inception. More than just a bicycle brand, PUBLIC is a movement dedicated to reclaiming urban spaces for people, not just vehicles. It’s about the joy of the ride, the convenience of seamless mobility, and the belief that a single bike can transform not just how you get around, but how you experience your city. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or someone picking up an adult bike for the first time in years, PUBLIC Bikes is designed for you—for the everyday person who deserves freedom, simplicity, and a little more joy in their routine.
Our Story: Born from the Streets of Amsterdam, Built for Your Neighborhood
Every great brand has a spark—a moment of inspiration that sets its course. For PUBLIC Bikes, that spark was lit on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam. Our founder, Rob Forbes, wandered those streets and was struck not by grand landmarks, but by the rhythm of life itself: streets teeming with bikes and people, where cars took a backseat to human connection. What he witnessed wasn’t just a mode of transportation; it was a lifestyle—one that was uncomplicated, practical, and accessible to everyone. In Amsterdam, you didn’t need spandex or high-tech gear to ride a bike. Grandparents in loafers, parents with kids in baskets, professionals in blouses and slacks—everyone was on two wheels, smiling as they navigated the city. It was freedom in its purest form.
That’s the freedom Rob set out to bring to the streets of the United States. PUBLIC Bikes was born from a deep respect for that European two-wheeled ethos—a belief that biking should be for everyone, not just “cyclists.” We rejected the idea that urban biking had to be niche, expensive, or intimidating. Instead, we set out to create bikes that fit seamlessly into your life, no matter who you are or how you dress. Our goal? To turn American neighborhoods into places where bikes are as common as coffee shops, where getting from point A to point B is a pleasure, not a hassle. We named ourselves PUBLIC for a reason: these streets belong to all of us, and biking is a public right—one that fosters community, health, and happiness.
Mass Transit for One: Rethinking How We Move
Think about how much care you put into the details of your life. You choose meals that nourish you, clothes that reflect your style, and furniture that makes your home feel like yours. But when was the last time you gave that much thought to how you get around? For most of us, commuting is an afterthought—a necessary evil to be endured, not enjoyed. At PUBLIC, we’re here to change that. Our vision is simple: a world where the way you move through your day is just as intentional as the other choices you make. It’s not a utopian dream; it’s a practical shift that’s already happening, one bike ride at a time.
The quality of our public spaces says everything about the health of our communities. When streets are clogged with cars, sidewalks are crowded, and air is polluted, we lose something vital—connection. Bikes change that. They reduce traffic, cut down on emissions, and turn streets into places where people interact. A bike ride to the grocery store isn’t just a chore; it’s a chance to wave at a neighbor, smell the flowers in a park, or stop for a coffee without circling for parking. That’s the power of “mass transit for one”—a mode of transportation that’s personal, flexible, and good for everyone. When more people ride bikes, our communities become more vibrant, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for all. That’s not just our vision; it’s our mission.
Design Matters: Bikes Built for You
Great design isn’t about flashy logos or unnecessary features. It’s about solving problems—about creating something that works for the people who use it. At PUBLIC Bikes, design is at the core of everything we do, and our guiding principle is simple: we only build bikes that we’d ride ourselves, or recommend to our closest friends. No exceptions. That means every detail, from the height of the handlebars to the sturdiness of the frame, is crafted with real people in mind. We don’t design for “cyclists” with a capital C; we design for you—the person who needs a bike to get to work, pick up groceries, or chase the sunset on a weekend.
Our bikes are for:
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The Everyday Commuter: You ride to work rain or shine, and you need a bike that’s reliable, comfortable, and stylish enough to go from the bike lane to the office without skipping a beat. Our bikes have sturdy frames, comfortable seats, and practical features like fenders and racks—so you can carry your laptop, stay dry, and arrive ready to take on the day.
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The Casual Rider: You don’t think of yourself as a “biker,” but you want a simple way to run errands, hit the farmers market, or explore a park on the weekend. Our bikes are easy to handle, no-fuss, and built to last—so you can focus on the fun, not the mechanics.
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The Newbie: You’re buying an adult bike for the first time, and you want to recapture that childlike joy of riding without feeling overwhelmed. Our bikes are intuitive, adjustable, and designed to make you feel confident from your first pedal stroke.
We believe that biking should be inclusive, so we’ve created a range of models to fit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic city bike with a step-through frame (perfect for wearing dresses or skirts), a sleek road bike for longer rides, or a sturdy hybrid for off-road adventures, we’ve got you covered. Every PUBLIC bike is built with high-quality materials—from lightweight aluminum frames to smooth-shifting gears—so you can ride with confidence, knowing your bike will stand the test of time. And because we design for ourselves, we’re not afraid to sweat the small stuff: a comfortable grip that won’t cause hand fatigue, a seat that supports you on long rides, and a design that turns heads (in the best way). At the end of the day, our bikes aren’t just machines—they’re companions on your urban journey.
No Mechanic Required: Ready to Ride, Right to Your Door
We get it: buying a bike online should be easy. But for most brands, that’s where the convenience ends. You order a bike, wait for it to arrive, and then open a box full of parts—leaving you staring at a pile of tubes, gears, and instructions that might as well be written in another language. If you’re not a bike mechanic, this can be frustrating, time-consuming, and even dangerous. At PUBLIC, we decided to do things differently. We believe that getting your new bike should be as enjoyable as riding it, which is why we created our exclusive “Ready to Ride” shipping program. It’s bike shop quality, direct to your door—no expertise required.
Here’s how it works: every PUBLIC bike is assembled and fine-tuned by our expert mechanics in California. These aren’t just “good with tools” people—they’re passionate bike enthusiasts who know every inch of our bikes. They adjust the gears to shift smoothly, tighten the brakes to ensure they’re responsive, and check every bolt to make sure it’s secure. Once your bike is perfect, they carefully pack it in a custom box with premium foam padding to protect it during shipping. When your bike arrives at your door, it’s 99% assembled—so you can be on the road in minutes, not hours.
Box to Bike Lane in 15 Minutes (Yes, Really)
We’ve simplified the final assembly process to three easy steps, and we include everything you need to get started: all the tools, clear instructions, and even a touch-up paint pen (just in case). Here’s what you’ll do:
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Tighten the pedals: They come pre-threaded, so you just screw them in until they’re secure.
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Install the handlebars: Align them to your preference and tighten the bolts—no complicated wiring required (we’ve already done that).
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Adjust the seat: Raise or lower it to your height, and you’re ready to ride.
It’s that simple. In fact, most people tell us that removing the foam padding from the box takes longer than the final assembly. Even if you’ve never held a bike tool in your life, you’ll be able to put your PUBLIC bike together with ease. We’ve tested this process with people of all skill levels—from college students who can’t change a tire to grandparents who haven’t assembled anything since their kids’ toys—and the result is always the same: a smile, and a quick ride around the block.
Why “Ready to Ride” Matters
We don’t just offer “Ready to Ride” shipping because it’s convenient—we offer it because it’s safe. Building a bike that rides smoothly and securely requires specialty tools and expertise. A loose bolt, a misaligned brake, or a poorly adjusted gear can turn a fun ride into a dangerous one. When you buy a PUBLIC bike, you don’t have to worry about that. Our mechanics have already done the hard work, so you can focus on the fun part: riding. And if you ever have questions, our customer service team is here to help—whether you need a quick tip over the phone or a link to a video guide.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it—hear from the people who have already made PUBLIC Bikes part of their lives. Our customers come from all walks of life, but they all share one thing: a love for the simplicity and freedom our bikes bring.
“I selected the pre-assembled option and I’m glad I did. The bikes came virtually ready to go. The two pedals had to be screwed in the cranks…the handlebars installed. All wiring was run ahead of time and the installations took 5 minutes, tops. Great bikes, great packaging, great experience.”— JASON B.
“Everything was delivered in great condition. Very little and easy assembly. Bike was delivered mostly assembled, (I chose that delivery option), and Rack was also already on. Great instructions, tools included, even included touch up paint….I get lots of compliments on my new bike! I had searched for nearly a year for my ‘perfect bike’. So happy with this purchase!”— ROBIN S.
“As someone who’s never been ‘good with bikes,’ I was nervous about buying one online. But PUBLIC’s Ready to Ride shipping made it a breeze. I had my bike assembled in 10 minutes, and it rode like a dream. I use it to commute to my job at the library every day, and I’ve already saved so much money on gas. Plus, I’ve lost a few pounds and feel more energized—win-win! The best part? I get compliments on the design all the time. Thank you, PUBLIC, for making biking accessible again.”— LISA M.
“I bought a PUBLIC bike for my 65-year-old mom, who hadn’t ridden in years. I was worried she’d be intimidated, but the Ready to Ride assembly was so easy—she did it herself! Now she rides every morning to the farmers market and meets her friends for coffee. It’s been amazing to see her so active and happy. The bike is sturdy, comfortable, and looks great. Thank you for giving my mom her freedom back.”— MICHAEL T.
Assembly Guide Videos: We’re With You Every Step of the Way
We know that some people prefer to see things done, which is why we’ve created detailed assembly guide videos for our Ready to Ride shipping option. These videos are designed to walk you through the final steps, so you can feel confident every step of the way. We’ve broken them down by bike type to make it even easier:
Ready to Ride Assembly (Non-Disc Brakes)
If you have a non-disc brake model (like our classic City Bike or Step-Through), this video will guide you through the final assembly process. You’ll see exactly how to attach the pedals, adjust the handlebars, and set the seat height—all in real time. We’ve included close-up shots of each tool and step, so you can follow along without any confusion. And if you have questions, you can pause, rewind, or rewatch as many times as you need.
Ready to Ride Assembly (Disc Brakes & R18 Road Bike)
Disc brake models and our R18 road bike have a few extra details (like hydraulic brakes), so we’ve created a separate video to cover these. Our mechanics walk you through each step, explaining how to handle the brakes safely and ensure everything is adjusted correctly. Even if you’ve never worked with disc brakes before, this video will make it easy.
Note: If your bike arrived in a factory box (not our Ready to Ride packaging), we recommend consulting a local bike shop for professional assembly. This ensures your bike is safe and ready to ride.
Join the PUBLIC Movement
Biking isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a way to live. It’s about slowing down, connecting with your community, and finding joy in the small moments. At PUBLIC Bikes, we’re not just selling bikes; we’re building a community of people who believe in the power of two wheels to change lives. Whether you’re riding to work, to the park, or just around the block, you’re part of something bigger—something that’s making our cities better, one ride at a time.
We know that buying a bike is an investment, which is why we stand behind every product we sell. Every PUBLIC bike comes with a warranty (coverage varies by model), so you can ride with peace of mind. We also offer a 30-day test ride—if you’re not completely satisfied with your bike, you can return it for a full refund (no questions asked). We’re that confident you’ll love it.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to reclaim your streets, rediscover the joy of riding, and join the PUBLIC movement. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or picking up a bike for the first time in years, we have a bike that’s perfect for you. And with our Ready to Ride shipping, you can be on the road in 15 minutes—no mechanic, no hassle, just pure freedom.
Whoever you are, wherever you live, the bicycle will bring convenience and joy into your everyday. And we all could use a little more of that, right?
Shop PUBLIC Bikes Today
Visit our website to explore our full range of models, read more customer reviews, and find the perfect bike for your lifestyle. With free shipping on all orders over $500 and our 30-day test ride guarantee, there’s no better time to join the PUBLIC family. Your next adventure is just a pedal stroke away.
