My Public

SO yes, I bought a public bike.

I've been coveting one for a while now. I think I'm also a sucker for good marketing and have gotten sucked into their FB page, newsletter emails and promotions they've had over the last few months. So far I think they are a solid company* and I like what they aspire to do. Bring pretty bikes to the masses. There are lots of pretty bikes out there- but I decided to go with this one for a few reasons.

1 price. Most of the bikes that had the same components I was drawn to ( loop frame, racks, looks) were over $1000. The bike I choose ended up being just over $700 ( with racks which I do wish they'd just include...). Plus I ended up with free shipping.

2 looks. I was overwhelmed by all the "pretty bikes " out there. And the pastels, whites and blacks and even reds didn't really pull me in. I'm a bright rainbow yellow and orange kind of person and I really liked the orange. I liked that better than the white and red of a pashley Sonnet. And while I love the orange, the price point let me indulge in a color bright bike. I do plan to get a more subdued colored bike at some point. But sometimes a girl wants big and bright and this was a good way to get it.

3 I was intrigued by the gearing. The frame I choose has a derailleur and while that seems awfully weird with this type of frame, I thought perhaps it might halfway cancel out the fact that a loop frame really is not the right bike for my town. I know it isn't but I STILL WANT ONE DAMMIT. So there. So far I've liked it. I know there's a lot of talk about internal being better in winter- but my halfway has gone through two winters and it's pretty fine. It did slow up on me one super cold day but I hear Alfine internal hubs do at super cold temps as well so... I don't do my own maintenance so I'll just be good about taking her to the shop.

4 I just plain wanted it. And after entering a contest and loosing and thining about bidding on the yellow version and backing out, I finally saw the free shipping promo and decided- now is the time. I'm glad I did, b/c the bike has changed now. It has a slightly different look with stripes on the fenders ( I don't like it) and the frame is made of different steel. I am curious to know what people think of the change in steel. Mine is Chromoly and the new ones are Hi-tensile steel. They also have a range of gears and some with internal gearing ( but it's 3 speeds and I would never go for a 3 speed bike in Newton or Cape Cod)

So, yeah I got a new bike. B is full on annoyed with me and my bike love. I don't ask for diamonds I just want bikes. I figure when I get the super duper sweet bike when I can afford one, I'll send the public to live in Cape Cod, but for now I'm enjoying her.

A review to come after she and I really get to know each other.

* Disclaimer: So far I am happy and digging Public as a company. However it also seems like they keep changing and shaking things up every so often. This may be growing pains of a new company and them rolling out new models etc, but I feel like the changes in my particular bike so quickly after it being avail is a bit odd. I am hoping they stable out so one knows what to expect. Change and keeping things new is good. but having your customer constantly confused at new and changed stuff avail within the first year of business feels a bit wacky. I really hope that in 30 years my public will be a vintage bike of a still around well established company- time will now tell I guess.