CONTENTS Battle of the Box Sets Entertainment Gadgets Gear Style Interiors Furniture Kids Books Revel in Relics Kitchen Food and Drink Body Frivolous

BY LIZ BROWN Like Learning to Ride a Bike Remember your first Schwinn? Primary-colored, shiny and dependable, this all-American bike is what many of us learned to ride as unsteady yet determined kids. Our moms sold them long ago in garage sales, and we outgrew the tiny frames anyway. Not to worry--Schwinn is smart enough to cash in on our nostalgia, reissuing classic styles like the beautiful 1950s-style Schwinn Cruiser SS ($229.99, Bike N' Hike, 1734 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 736-1074). The painted, scooped fenders (a must for riding in Portland slop), sturdy design, practical chain guard and vintage lettering duplicate the originals. Not only do Cruisers look cool, they're a reliable, inexpensive and comfortable way to get around town. The bikes come in 20-, 24- and 26-inch wheel sizes to fit most riders. Built to Last Swimmers who have watched their hair turn green and crispy after a few laps in the pool knows that chlorine can wreak havoc. Direct from Eugene is the Aquajogger ($64.99 to $89.99, Portland Swimwear Inc., 627 SE Morrison St., 232-1336; 11211 SE 82nd Ave., 654-2710), a swimsuit that is immune to the harsh chemical. While ordinary nylon suits deteriorate into transparent sheaths after a season in the pool, the slick polyester fabric in this high-tech suit makes it way more durable than most (it turns to hard plastic if ironed). In fact, each Aquajogger comes with a one-year warranty. Styles range from classic tanks to unitards, with varying degrees of support and full lining (sorry, guys--so far they only come in women's styles). Nice Package! There's nothing like gliding along a snowy trail on a crisp winter day, experiencing the serenity and exhilaration cross-country skiing provides. Already inexpensive by alpine standards, Nordic skiing is even cheaper with your own pair of planks; you're better off spending your cash on a used set than playing the rental game. Choosing a skinny ski package (starting at $65, Next Adventure, 426 SE Grand Ave., 233-0706) is easy, thanks to this shop's knowledgeable staff. Quality brands from Rossignol to Fischer (there's even a pair of Rainier Beer skis on display) are available, and the equipment is in great condition. Fickle Oregon snow conditions make waxing a nightmare, so pick a pair of waxless skis. Who cares if the skis are a couple of years old? Unlike snowboarders, cross-country skiers aren't so preoccupied with the latest style. Besides, the sport provides one of the best cardiovascular workouts around (all the better to burn off those Christmas cookie calories). Over and Out Tired of losing poky friends on the slopes as you cruise at Olympic-speed down the hill? Motorola's TalkAbout two-way radios ($169 a pair, US Outdoor Store 219 SW Broadway, 223-5937) allow for communication within a two-mile radius, whether you're skiing, biking or camping. The pocket-sized waterproof gadgets can serve as an important back-country device or as a goofy, high-tech means to "pass notes." Warn of falling ice, send out an alert about the babe working the T-bar lift, radio for help or plan a hot-chocolate rendezvous at the lodge. Much more fun than cell phones. Paddler's Paradise This one's a cinch to wrap: a Baja Kayak Adventure ($400-$425, Gabriola Cycle & Kayak Tours, [250] 247-8277) in the sparkling Sea of Cortez. Weeklong trips (offered Dec. 4-April 5) put paddlers to work for about four to five hours each day; it's up to the participant to figure out what to do during free time. Some suggestions: snorkeling, hiking, beachcombing or snapping nature photos to show to jealous friends when the adventure's over. The trips are for paddlers who are comfortable on the ocean and able to swim; you need not be an expert. Kayaks are provided, but camping gear and travel to Mexico aren't included in the price. Stylish Schussing The Volant Ti Power Karve skis ($659, The Mountain Shop, 628 NE Broadway, 288-6768) are as action-ready as Jackie Chan and as flashy as James Bond. A metallic paint finish gives the skis a sword-like appearance, and the fine edges make these bad boys carve with precision. Made from titanium and steel, the Ti-Power Karves are 100 grams lighter and quicker edge to edge than an earlier model. Titanium is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, a quality that makes these skis manageable in conditions varying from powder to crud. These skis also have improved flotation due to their snowshoe-like shape. (Lauren Rubin) Water off a Duck's Back Bike messengers somehow manage to ride around all day in a downpour and still stay hip. The Timbuk2 Bolo messenger bag ($74.99, The Bike Gallery, 821 SW 11th Ave., 222-3821) certainly helps, and it's practical for anyone who's out and about in the rain (essentially everyone in Puddletown). The 24-inch bags are made of rugged, waterproof Cordura and waxed canvas, and come equipped with adjustable shoulder straps, heavy-duty liners and Velcro closures. After you choose up to three colors from a list including amber, forest, silver and a bevy of other J. Crew hues, the San Francisco company will custom craft compartmentalized bags for those damp commuters on your list. Wimpy book bags will be tossed out with the wrapping paper the minute this gift is opened. Other styles, including the Pee Wee and Tag Junkie, range from $50-$84.99. Vested Interest "Puffers" are hot this year, even on Paris runways (I kid you not--just pick up a recent issue of Vogue). North Face insulated vests ($137, Copeland's Sports, 330 SW Yamhill St., 226-2486; Lloyd Center, Northeast Multnomah Street and 9th Avenue, 288-4707) combine classic style with the quality and durability necessary to brave environments much harsher than the catwalk. The men's and women's vests come in red or black nylon and each is insulated with cozy goose down to keep the heart warm and pumping on chilly days. Think of it as a comforter for your torso. Vests are ideal for layering on top of polypropylene long johns and sweaters, and they allow more freedom of movement and better ventilation than a parka. They're equally fit for urban winters when coupled with Levi's and black boots. Water, Water Everywhere... ...and plenty to drink when a Pur water purifier ($125-$334, Oregon Mountain Community, 60 NW Davis St., 227-1038) is part of the wilderness journey. These handy little bottles are a boon to hikers and campers because they render virtually any water potable at a rate of more than one liter per minute. Purifiers remove pesky giardia, bacteria and sediments and handle viruses too small for filters to trap. Say goodbye to heavy water containers or intestinal mayhem from drinking impure water. The purifiers are EPA-certified and weigh less than one pound. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published December 2, 1998