Just to clarify what I mean by a better frame: the Via is double-butted chromoly, and the Public is hi-ten. The former is generally said to be better than the latter, and although the difference might go unnoticed in practice and by most riders, the more costly material and manufacturing process at least signal a higher level of care and craftsmanship.

More importantly, well, just look at the frames. The Via's strikes me as refined, the Public's as relatively crude. Eye of the beholder and all, and they're both good bikes, but that's my opinion.

All of these calculations could go out the window when you get on the actual bikes!