PUBLIC Bikes now open on E Pine

(Image: SBB)

Scenes from construction on E Pine (Image: PUBLIC)

By Tom Fucoloro, Seattle Bike Blog — Special to CHS

In a storefront most recently home to an anarchist coffee co-op, PUBLIC Bikes shop opened Wednesday at Pine and Summit.

PUBLIC’s grand opening party planned for closer to June, said company VP Bryan Shawley.

The Seattle store is the company’s first location outside of the Bay Area. With a focus on stylish and mostly affordable bikes, Seattle has already proven to be a good market for the company with strong sales online and at Ride Bicycles on Roosevelt (a Seattle Bike Blog sponsor).

CHS reported on the Bay Area-based bike retailer’s plans for E Pine earlier this year. “We looked at several neighborhoods and Capitol Hill was always at the top of the list,” a company spokesperson said. “It’s central, bike friendly, and we love that our location is along the Pine Street corridor.”

The newly opened Seattle shop feels more like a boutique than a more typical parts garage bike shop. And don’t expect to take your non-PUBLIC bike there for a tune-up. At least at first, they are only going to be servicing PUBLIC brand bikes (though if you just need something small like a flat fixed, they can probably help you out).

(Image: SBB)

PUBLIC Bikes will be open 11 to 7 Monday through Saturday, 11 to 6 Sunday.

The new location is well-positioned to take advantage of Capitol Hill’s bike shop desert still left dry since Velo moved from 11th and Pine to 6th and Blanchard. The closest shops are 20/20 Cycle in the Central District or REI and Play-It-Again Sports in South Lake Union.

Speaking of 20/20, owner Alex Kostelnik has some pretty cool plans for an electric cargo bike shop at 23rd and Union. Stay tuned for more news about Electric Lady.

Now the city just needs to accelerate plans for a protected bike lane on E Pike, which would open the bikeablity flood gates on Capitol Hill. Imagine a complete and connected bike facility from Pike Place Market to Broadway and beyond…

PUBLIC Bikes is located at 501 E Pine. You can learn more at publicbikes.com/seattle.

Tom writes about Seattle bikes and more at seattlebikeblog.com.