Review topics: ["color","looks","customer service","bike","ride","gears","tires","stem","light","adjustments","commuter","seat","choice"].
Reviews
Good bike
"Took a bit of a risk ordering one without ever seeing it and I’m happy to share it arrived and rides exactly as expected. The pre assembled shipping option was easy and worth it for me, only after a few rides I had to tighten the brakes. This bike is noticeable light weight. The lowest gear is easy enough for climbing the steeper parts of town here along the CA coast but is a bit of a slog. Otherwise a zippy ride in the flat areas."
— Bailey T. (5/5)
Awesome Machinee
"The silver frame is an absolute killer color. Fantastic quality and really good value for the money. Happy with the purchase and I really like the quill stem. It has allowed me to mount my Thule Yepp front child seat hassle free."
— Donnie H. (5/5)
Solid bike for everyday commuting
"Lightweight and fast. After some regular longer distance biking (around 40km) trips, I did decide to upgrade the chainring as it wasn't fast enough on the highest gear selection. Would recommend to anyone looking for a fairly inexpensive and reliable bicycle for commuting, but preferably doing a low amount of miles each time."
— Craig (4/5)
Good bicycle design
"Good bicycle design for commuter cycling, I only had to change the saddle"
— Liza S. (5/5)
Solid Commuter with Room for Upgrades
"Solid Foundation: The Public V9 has no-nonsense build quality. The components are on par with what you'd find on basic bikes at local shops. A big win for this type of bike is the quill stem. It allows for significantly more height adjustment than newer threadless setups, making it easy to find your perfect fit. Caliper Brakes: A Commuter's Champion Public wisely chose caliper brakes for this commuter. They're simple to use and maintain, especially when fixing a flat on the go. Unlike disc brakes, caliper brakes require minimal tools and adjustments, making them ideal for riders who prioritize ease of maintenance. Room for Improvement: Comfort and Tires The stock seat gets the job done for now, but isn't the most comfortable. This is typical for entry-level bikes. The same goes for the grips, which look nice but are a bit hard. Softer grips would be ideal for a bike like this, where riders might hop on and go without special gear like gloves. While the quality is there, they're not the most comfortable choice. The Kenda tires are basic, as expected. They'll work until worn out, and then upgrades with better puncture protection like Panaracer Paselas become appealing. Skinwall tires would also add a stylish touch. Minor Shortcomings: Stem Height and Brakes The quill stem is great for adjustability, but there's limited space above the minimum insertion mark. A slightly taller stem, especially on medium and large frames with ample steerer tube, would be ideal. The brake levers lack barrel adjusters. While caliper adjusters are good, some riders prefer them on both brakes for on-the-go tweaks. Schrader Valves: A Convenience Trade-Off Presta valves are standard on the V9. While they offer weight and durability advantages, Schrader valves might be more convenient for finding replacement tubes at department stores, or even some grocery stores, compared to Presta valves when the local bike shop is closed. Final Thoughts: The Public V9 is a solid commuter choice. It's dependable, well-built, and leaves room for customization for enhanced comfort or performance. The quill stem offers great adjustability, and the frame accepts fenders and racks for ultimate practicality. If you're a casual rider or commuter seeking a no-frills bike that can handle daily commutes, the Public V9 is definitely worth considering."
— John (5/5)
My Beatififul Aluminum Bicycle
"Beautiful, operates smoothly, week packed and easy to assemble."
— Peter B. (5/5)
A really solid and beautiful bike
"Great bike! Really pretty, fairly lightweight, and smooth and comfortable to ride. The front forks came bent from shipping, but my local bike shop was able to easily fix it up. The seat that the bike comes with is pretty average. It will probably be the first thing I upgrade. And as much as Public says they don't ship this model with a kickstand due to keeping the weight of the bike "as low as possible," I think that is just an excuse to save some money. All Public bikes are meant to be ridden as commuters, and all commuters should have a kickstand. You don't want any of their beautiful bikes to fall over and scratch. The Public customer service was some of the best I've ever received. They were so helpful, so quick with their responses, and honoured their Spring sale pricing even though the sale had ended. They figured out the best way to ship me the bike and its accessories (I live in Canada), and it was super smooth and fast. All in all, I would recommend Public to anyone looking for a good, above average commuter with a super unique look and great customer service. For those reasons, they edge out a lot of other direct-to-consumer bicycle brands."
— Alex S. (4/5)
I have other bikes but
"I have other bikes but this v9 aluminum from public bikes is special.I love the ride,the gear change,the seat posture and it is an attractive bike.I am looking forward to many rides to come.Thank you public for fast shipping and easy assembly."
— RODNEY S. (5/5)
OVERRALL AMAZING
"IT WAS AMAZING IM WORKING SO MUCH DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO FINISH PUTING IT TOGETHER. THE BOX WAS TORE UP UPON DELIVERY."
— Kevin W. (4/5)
My new PUBLIC V9 Aluminum - helluva replacement for my 1973 schwinn
"This bike rules! It's very light, well assembled (w/ purchase of 'Ready to Ride'), comes with a useful tool kit, and the olive color is quite attractive. I also purchased the fender kit, which I was happy to see came assembled as well, no rattling or funny business to note."
— Carolina Y. (5/5)