Edge of the Apocalypse

OK, so it’s been since sometime back in the 80’s that I rode a bike. First, it’s to damn hot most of the time here in South Florida, second, cars have better stereo’s and crash protection, and finally, I never really have been attracted to any of the predominate bike  “cultures.” You know, the “Distance Fanatics” (which includes the skinny-tired Tour de France blood-dopers and the cruising couples – hey, sorry TT, but a tandem that costs more than a Harley, WTF is up with that?), or the bone-jarring “Mountain Bikers” or the bronzed and boring “Beach Cruisers.”

Then, Public came along. Maybe it’s the ex-designer/art guy in me, or the fact that the company is the brainchild of Rob Forbes, the founder of Design Within Reach, or the buzz from Wired, NYT, Vanity Fair, etc. (Wired said it best: “These are the same kind of bikes you see all over the place in many Northern European cities. They’re cheap, strong and comfortable, all of which encourages you to ride more… The cool-looking machines combine the sleek, pared-down look of a fixed-gear bike with the comfort and practicality of the Dutch City Bike.” From the name, to the logo, to the vibe, PUBLIC rules. So here’s my shiny new D-3. I’ve had it for two months. Now if it will just get cool enough to leave the house and try it out ….