PUBLIC Bikes + Gear

A very interesting bike shop for urban commuters. I stopped by just to borrow their bump but ended up buying a cup holder (didn’t know that existed…). The staff were very helpful and friendly.

I doubt I’ll ever buy a bike here because their style is not my style but they are so nice and the shop is so cool! I adore all their bicycle accessories and bike bags and other sundries. This shop brings a bit of PUBLIC’s San Francisco vibe and attitude to Seattle. It’s worth it just to go in to bask in their aura. I bought a $ 50 spurcycle bike bell in here. I know that’s expensive but worth it for highest of quality made in the USA. Only thing lacking is that my understanding is they only service bikes bought from them. Capitol Hill needs a proper full service bike shop and I don’t understand why we have 999 restaurants but not one bike shop. Why? Why is that?

The bikes, though trendy in design, aren’t all that high quality or practical and what you get really isn’t worth the prices offered. There are a good many better bicycle shops in the area than this San Francisco import.

I can’t say enough great things about this store! From the amazing customer service to the gorgeous aesthetic, noticed even before you walk inside!
I ordered my new bike online and it was delivered to the store for pick up in about a week. Much faster than I expected. When I went to pick it up all of my accessories (bell, front basket) were already installed and the bike was ready to ride!
Everyone at the store was so nice and so friendly and they let me ask all of my stupid questions without feeling stupid. They helped me pick out a bike helmet and car rack and even helped me install the rack! Talk about AMAZING customer service!
I’m definitely a PUBLIC Bike customer for life!

So I was «tire kicking» and in the neighborhood when I happened across the Unilocal add for Public’s. I walked in to an asthetically pleasing shop filled with two friendly employees/​owners. Prompt, attentive, and friendly hello’s exchanged and I proceeded to garner some information for my existing bike.
I should admit that I’m a beginning enthusiast, and needed some information about some accessories and bike options that existed. Declaring upfront that the unique niche Public’s has: colorful cruisers and some adjoining accessories wasn’t what I was really looking for, I proceeded to ask about other biking options. The ambassador/​employee (Mike?) was extremely helpful, friendly, and knowledgable even though he had nothing to gain personally. I recommend stopping buy to see this well put together shop and to support local business that has good energy.
Much success to PUBLIC Bikes + Gear!

Everyone at Public bikes were super friendly. I first noticed the cute eye catching shop while bussing the the farmer market on broadway. Since I live on the eastside I decided to walk back down the hill to the bus tunnel so I could stop in the shop and check it out.
Everyone was great they told me about the company and the bikes. I told them I was looking to buy a new bike since mine was one from the early 90’s from a thrift store and wasnt quite functional anymore. They helped me decide which of thier bikes would work perfectly for me… I was looking for something I could ride to work and all I had ever owned were mountain bike style bikes from Walmart or Kmart growing up, nothing more than $ 80.00. So this was going to be a big leap. They mapped my route for me and it looked like thier 7 speed would work great, but also let me know they had a new model with more gears coming out as well. I thanked them, told them I’d be back.
Tldr: great personable staff, awesome product, great sevice
Then they were having a summer sale so I decided to take the plunge and buy a 7 speed step through as a graduation present for myself. I showed up at the shop and Unfortunatly the pretty mint green I had been coveting was out of stock. One of the employees even tried looking around to see if they had one they could sell me. I’m not going to lie I was a little sad I couldn’t walk out of the store with a new bike that day. However they were able to order it in, so a week later I went and picked up my bike.
They had it ready to go by the doorway. I pretended I didn’t see it and told them I was there to pick up my bike. They were all «which one did you get… could it be that one?» (The staff really are personable it’s pretty great)
I had borrowed a bike rack for the back of my car, but it wasn’t really designed for a step thru. One of the staff helped me to mount the bike upside down on it and tie it down so I could get it back to the eastside.
Overall great experience, and I can’t wait to take my bike in for adjustments and to buy an awesome front basket for it.
Oh yeah they have cool doodads for your bike too like led lights that go in the spokes, spoke beads, a cup holder and more, they’re pretty rad.
Anyways my bike came with a free 30 day tuneup/​adjustment thingy and they told me to come back by the date so adjustments could be made if needed, which I thought was pretty rad.

It’s like riding a bicycle again… Oh wait, it’s EXACTLY that! Public Bikes is a cute shop in Capitol Hill (close by the Starbucks Roastery) with adorably designed bikes for sale. It recently opened several months ago, and I’m surprised there aren’t more reviews on Unilocal.
I rediscovered a love for bicycles on a recent trip to Germany (where I also rekindled my fondness for beer and bratwurst… MMM…beer!) The last bike I owned had a banana seat and rainbow ribbons to boot. It was definitely time for me to get an upgrade.
What I like most about this place is the fact that the bicycles are European styled and allowed for easy city riding. The staff was also very helpful, and I definitely didn’t get a pretentious vibe. Additionally, you can take a bike for a test run around the block (You’ll just need to wear a helmet and sign a quick electronic release) to take one of these bad boys out for a spin.
Cost of a shiney new bike is a pretty penny ($ 400 and up), but Public Bikes is actually less expensive than other similar shops. Public Bikes also has the most variety of bicycle styles and colors. Who wouldn’t love a cherry red or turqoise bike that screams summer? Apparently, this girl does right here!