Public Bikes was founded in 2010 in San Francisco by Rob Forbes, former Design Within Reach founder, with the mission to make urban cycling stylish, accessible, and joy-filled for everyday people . The bikes are designed in the Bay Area and hand-assembled in Marin County, California, with parts sourced globally from top suppliers like Brooks and Shimano, and frames made in Taiwan to their specifications . Acquired by California retailer Mike’s Bikes in 2017, the brand continues selling directly online and through select assembly partner shops, offering ready-to-ride delivery and strong community sensibility.