PUBLIC Bikes + Gear

Man I am so happy because they are the best of the best. And I don’t have anymore problems on my bike again

I just love the design and colors of their bikes! I bought mine a year and a half ago and have zero complaints. I get compliments on it frequently and I still love it! The reason for four stars & not five is that I did have some frustration during the purchase process. It was during a big sale. The bike I wanted wasn’t in Oakland, but there was one in SF. So I headed to SF the next day & still no bike… One did get tracked down & sent to Oakland a few days later. It was a bit of a hassle but totally worth it!

Excellent customer service! Bought a V1 online for $ 350. A few days later, the bike went on sale for $ 300. I emailed Justin, from customer service, and asked if they would be willing to apply the discount to my order. He responded within 24 hours, and applied the coupon code! When I attempted to pick up my bike at the Oakland location, I was disappointed to find that the warehouse accidentally sent the wrong bike (wrong color and model). Galen was awesome, and offered me a free rack for the inconvenience.
Before I attempted to pick up the second time, I sent another email to Justin to add a rear basket to my order, and to have it installed before pickup. Justin was on it. He replied quickly, and made sure my order was perfect. When I finally picked up my bike, the warehouse guy made sure that everything was adjusted perfectly before I left.
Very happy with my bike. Thanks!

Customer service was amazing! They were so friendly and didn’t make you feel pressured to buy! Purchased the C7 for a great deal and was so glad they had it in stock!

Went in looking for a new helmet, seat and cup holder for my M7 bike as well as a new bike for my fiancée. We were there for 15 minutes and no one greeted us or acknowledged us, not even when we were standing in front of the register with merchandise ready to be purchased despite the fact that two employees were standing there doing something in front of the computer. We put the items back where they belong and left the store and still no response from the unfriendly staff.
Terrible customer service and attitude!

Service is amazing. I had a problem with my tire and Hans fixed it right away at some inconvenience to him. I am back riding now and the bike is peerfect! I am really grateful that you have someone like Hans that is kind, more than capable and willing to go the extra distance to help people out. Thank you Hans!

I have owned my M8 Mixte Public Bike for almost 4 years. Since the Oakland store opened in Jack London Square, I have been going there for service and gear. In March, I took my M8 in for a tune up and discussed my riding position and, if needed, what changes to make to make the ride more comfortable. Galen helped me out with the advice. We talked through some different solutions and decided on a new Brooks saddle – my rides have been great since. The tune up was completed timely and very reasonable. Galen was knowledgeable, friendly, patient and happy that I was happy with my riding experience. The next day, I needed an adjustment on the saddle position and he was cool to help me out.
I love my Public Bike. I take it on the Ferry to ride in SF. I ride to the Farmer’s Market. It handles the weight well when I load up my panniers with fruits and veggies or my laptop and stuff when I ride to the office. I ride to get coffee and do errands. It’s a great pedal around town bike. And, it’s just darn cute too:)

The people here were super nice and helpful. I was looking for a bike, and it took me a while to find just the right one. Their bikes are a nice balance between super-​cute and affordable. What I most appreciated was that they were genuine in their return or exchange policy and were genuinely kind when I wanted to swap out bikes. Classy and Kind. Thanks!

What makes me happy? My bike makes me happy!
I feel like a 12 year old girl all over again! :D As a little kid, I was very spoiled with many bikes. Those bikes were hand-​me-​down, garage sale, or from swap-​meets. Now that I’m a grown-​up, I need a cool grown-​up bike. At first I was going to settle for a typical beach cruiser at Walmart that’s $ 150. After an extensive research online, Google guided me to Public Bikes. I got the Public C1 Dutch bike. It looks like a beach cruiser but it is a city bike. The bike originally cost $ 450, but there is a sale right now and I got it for $ 300 which is reasonable imo.
What I really like about this brand is that you can choose the size of your bike. They have small-​medium (4’8″-5’5″), medium-​large (5’6″-5’10″) the size varies on the types of bikes. I am 4’11″ so I went with the small. The small is still big for me. I even set the seating to the lowest position and I am still on my tip-​toes when just chillin’ on my bike. I also like how you can choose the frame style: step-​thru, mixte, or diamond. I went with the step-​thru because since I’m a newbie, it’s easy on, easy to hop off. Of course you get to pick your color too. The design of these bikes are modern, timeless, and cool.
Public has fun accessories and add-​ons to pimp out your ride. I got a bell, basket, and rack to really bling out my bike! I love it! A bike is not complete without these 3 essentials. And if you don’t love your bike? You can always return it! I was skeptical about buying a bike that I did not test-​ride. Especially when it’s a bit pricey and far away. I called in and spoke to Justin, he answered many of my annoying questions and was very helpful about everything.
— I use my bike for leisure ride around my neighborhood.
— Sign up with your email and buy gears for 10% off
— Promo code can be found on their website. I got an extra $ 50 off with online promo code.
— Their dealer in SoCal is ‘The Unlikely Cyclist’ in Costa Mesa.
— I don’t think the bikes are worth full price so wait for a sale then buy a bike.
— $ 135 for ready to ride shipping method meaning it comes 99% assembled.
— Signature required for delivery.
— If you buy a rack, bell, or whatever add-​ons they’ll assemble it onto your bike for free!
— This bike is so light that I was able to lift it out of the box all by myself!
— Very easy to assemble!
— My bottom is a bit too big for the seat so it’s kind of uncomfortable or maybe I’m just not used to it…

I have to follow up with my previous review regarding customer service. After being sadly disappointed with the missing of the warehouse sale by 20 minutes and the sales rep’s response that seemed to lack compassion, I posted my thoughts and heard back from customer service. They are offering to check the warehouse for me. If only the rep that day had offered the same… thank you public bikes for the warehouse.

Great customer service and smooth riding bikes! Plus, I like to support local companies. Go Public!

Last year, I won a contest from Target and received $ 1000 to spend at Public. Well, I thanks to Target, I am now a proud owner of 2 Public bikes.
The staff at this location were great. They were helpful and nice. I had a pretty good experience here except for a few minor things.
We learned that Public was having a warehouse sale so we decided to stop by. We took a look around and my bf tried and liked the V7 models. The bike was comfortable and sturdy to ride on. We then learned that they were having an inventory sale from 10−2PM (we came in at 4:30 and they were still honoring it) and that V7 models were marked down even more. It was a great deal, so great, I decided to get 2, 1 for my bf and 1 for myself.
We decided we wanted to get both bikes in black. We upgraded the handle bar on my bf’s bike to a straighter one which costed $ 20. Not too expensive except that we were told if we switch the handle bars, the new bar doesn’t come with the grips and they won’t be able to put on the old grips from the old handle bar because they would be stretched out from being pulled out. So we asked how much the new grips are and the ones they carry were Brooks and they were $ 90. We didn’t end up getting them. We decided to try to look for them online ourselves. I thought this was kind of odd. I guess I’ve never had to switch out handle bars before, but is this true that new handle bars do not come with grips?
So then when we were ringing up the 2 bikes, one of the bikes rang up at a higher price. She said that because my bf got the last one and they ran out of the black V7, she had to order online and that it won’t be the same price. I wish I was told from the get-​go. If I knew this was the case, I would have just picked a V7 that was in stock to get the sale price. Anyways, no biggie since she threw in a free basket which if I calculate it, came out to be about the same deal.
I’m excited to pick up the bikes this weekend. Looking forward to go on biking adventures on my Public bike.

Great bikes, killer staff. I never even bought a bike here, but they let me fill my tires for free about a dozen times. Super chill, knowledgeable people.

I got a bike from Public during one of their warehouse sales, which they have a couple times a year at the Oakland store. I’m guessing mine was a floor model as the reason for the discount, because it still looked in perfect condition to me — I just saved a nice chunk of change on it. With a purchase as important as a bike you are spending several hundred if not thousands of dollars on, it’s imperative to know what you’re getting into, and the staff at Public are some of the friendliest most helpful people I’ve met. You can test ride any of the bikes and the employees can answer any questions you have to find the perfect fit for you. Not only are Public bikes made well, they look pretty fly, too. From cruisers to road bikes, they’ve got a little of everything. Go get yourself some made-​in-​SF bicycle goodness and start rolling in style.

Anyone can sell a cool looking bike. What differentiates is the customer experience and service. Every staff member at this store is super cool, friendly, and attentive. They are regular folks– not pushy or overly corporate. My husband is an avid biker but I’m more the weekend biker. They let me ask a million stupid questions and try way too many bikes. Not once did they seem annoyed. Their customer service is divine and we ended up buying 2 bikes when we originally went in for 1. Now that’s a sign of customer confidence.
The sales associate on my receipt is Ballen but the other guy there that day helped us the day of and the day before, just as equally nice and friendly. Two thumbs up for PUBLIC Oakland.

Can’t say enough nice things about my experience with Public. I went back and forth a bunch of times and they truly accommodated me every step of the way. Props especially to Basy for making me feel comfortable enough to ask for what I really wanted, though when my bike was ready to be picked up my husband went and said that the other person at the shop was just as nice and helpful.
The bike itself (C7) rides like a dream — I really do feel like I did back when I was a little kid, riding my bike everywhere in the summertime.

Did I mention I LOVE my beautiful C7 vintage looking bike? Oh yes I do!
Stumble upon public bikes while browsing online earlier this year. Finally got a chance again few weeks back for $ 200 off the bike I wanted. The C7 usually cost $ 600 I believe and I got it for $ 400 dollars with the discount. Which is awesome!!!
So for those who want a public bike… wait for a deal. I notices that I was able to found one every few months (Via bloomspot, refinery etc)
They built the bike within days after purchased. I also got a bell ($ 10) and rear rack ($ 60 bucks) at the store. The service were quick and friendly.
I did rode the bike around my neighbor couple times. For my body frame (5’4) I got a small bike like it was suggested online. I don’t know is it just me or not, but somehow I do feel like the bike is not too durable. Meaning that when i rode it, I feel like I am too heavy for the bike or something. I don’t is it the skinny tires or just me. I do have this fear of my bike breaking on me. Will update on that later on anyway.
First maintain is free and afterward you will have to pay for any maintain, which is a bummer. Considered the price I paid, I would hope that they can offered more free services. (My bf get free services for life with his trek bikes that is about the same price is mine)
Anyway… I got the bike mainly for the style. Love that… gotta get a basket to completed my vintage bike look.

So far, I love my beautiful C7 Step Through bike I purchased over the weekend. I stopped in a few times to both test and browse the bikes. During both visits, the staff were super helpful and nice to me. I had a few questions and they were all answered.
At first, I was going to get the S7, the basic model in silver that had been on sale for some time but then the Black Friday deal went up where I could get a royal blue C7 — a slightly fancier bike for the same price. In addition, they were on the Shop Small Saturday list from American Express and I was sold. I haven’t seen the extra $ 25 on my statement yet but if that’s the case, I scored an even better deal.
My only gripe is that I could’ve had them order me a bike and then pick it up later since I wasn’t in a hurry — instead they sold me a bike that I believe had just gotten unwrapped or was supposed to be a floor model? I noticed a few scratches on the bike fenders and handlebars. Either way, the deal is sweet. The ride is nice — I love that I can sit up like I’m just sitting rather than reaching over and over arching my back. Even my dad tested it when I brought it home and he loved it as well. Normally, he would tell me I got ripped off but once he tested it I think he was a bit envious.
I tested many bikes and none of them fit me style, comfort and utility wise. I had been looking at these bikes for quite some time. I’m really glad I came in and gave them a spin. I have tested so many bikes too: Dahon, Raleigh, Giant, used bikes and so many others… Public were still my top choice. I even fell off a bike a few years ago and this is the first bike I felt comfortable riding right off the bat.
I have a crappy helmet which I’ll probably replace eventually. I may add a rack in the future but right now I’m just digging the bike. So come on, who wants go for a bike ride with me? Just be gentle, I haven’t ridden a bike in years so it’s going to take me awhile to start speeding around like you crazy city kids out there.
Oh and I misplaced my receipt so I called them and they emailed me a scanned copy of it for my records. They also recommended that all bike owners (not just Public ones) snap and post a photo of themselves with their bike in case it gets lost or stolen, there’s a record of you with your bike. They also keep a record of the serial number when you purchase your bike if anything should happen to it.
One other thing, I posted a picture and my friend liked it so much she ordered the same bike online without even testing it. Good thing they have a 30 Day Love it or Leave it money back guarantee.

I am in love with my Public bike. I came to appreciate Dutch style bikes while I went to school in Amsterdam for a year and had one, as does everyone else in amsterdam, as my main mode of transportation.
A few months ago I bought a Bloomspot deal for a C7 (7 speed) cream bike. I also purchased a basket, red bell, rear rack, brown handle covers, and it came with a comfortable ergonomic gel seat. I was worried that I would have to switch my seat from one of those wedgie seats, but no, you have the option of purchasing that separately. I brag about my bike all the time to friends and fam who love it as well.
I am writing this review while on a trip to Amsterdam in a café watching all the Dutch bikes go by. Everytime I ride my bike back home, I remember this place, the bike culture, and the smart, classic and practical bike design that Public Bikes captured 100%.

I love the look of Public bikes but also like my Breezer. The first time we wandered in this friendly shop, we lingered just because we liked the vibe. Stephen bought a bike key chain to support this newish shop.
Today we stopped by the Jack London shop again just to pick up one of the cute Nantucket bike baskets they sell. Above and beyond friendliness and customer service ensued.
1. Greeted again by giant smiles from both employees.
2. Basket was on sale.
3. Sweet girl employee shared the one design disadvantage. I appreciate the info but love the look and don’t mind.
4. As we exited, Dave, the consummate bike professional, took a look at my bike while I strapped on the basket and couldn’t help but fix my wires and flattened tires.
5. Then he did the same for stephen’s bike.
6. All the while, Dave shared bike tips and spoke highly of other bay area bike shop and business owners. Positive and generous all around.
Dave is awesome. Public Bikes are incredibly cool. If you need anything related to bikes, don’t miss out on perfect customer service by going elsewhere.
Thanks, Dave!